2018 witnessed the debut of both the A-Class hatch and the A35 model from AMG. So with the regular CLA-Class being presented mid-January, we suspect the CLA 35 and the CLA 45 could be shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, perhaps together with the new A45.
Save for the fact that not all of them have LED headlights, the prototypes look almost ready. And these are not the heavily camouflaged or unfinished models we have seen all year. No, they both even have production colour, which is always a good sign. Peeking out from under the wrap in several areas of the 35, we see the same shade of bold yellow that's been added to the A35 for the launch. The 45 appears to be silver-grey.
While we are on the subject of aesthetics, take a look at the differences between the two AMG versions. The CLA 45 features four large exhaust pipes compared to the two fitted on the less powerful model. Also, it has a different grille, bumpers and even heavier tint on the taillights.
This makes it more desirable as a "sports car," but probably also more expensive. The base CLA 35 should come in at around 40,000 Euros with a drivetrain consisting of the M 260 four-cylinder engine, 4Matic AWD and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission. We are talking 306bhp and 400Nm torque, a 0 to 100 kmph time of around 5 seconds (probably less) and up to 50 per cent power distribution to the rear.
In addition to the twin-scroll turbocharger, the CLA 45 is expected to have some kind of hybrid tech. Mercedes has promised over 400 horsepower, but it didn't go into specifics as to how and when it will be available. It’s almost sure that only the top-spec CLA 45 S will get the full power via an electric supercharger that could make its debut in the baby Merc sedan.Â
