New 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 spied testing ~ station of gear

Alex Ingram 2019-01-02 12:15

Hot Mercedes-AMG CLA models, set to rival the Audi S3 and RS3 saloon, spotted testing ahead of 2019 reveal

Mercedes-AMG is working on two hot versions of the CLA compact saloon that will be at dealers before the end of the year. These spy shots of two different test cars show that both a CLA 35 and full-fat 45 will take the fight to the four door versions of the Audi S3 and RS3 when they go on sale in late 2019.

Essentially a booterd version of the A-Class, the CLA sports styling that will bear a close resemblance to its hatchback relative, with the only major change coming at the rear. The new fastback shape is topped off with a large lip spoiler on the trailing edge of the boot lid, while additional downforce is generated through a large rear diffuser.

• New Mercedes-AMG A45: everything you need to know

Though both test mules wear a full body camouflage, there are subtle differences that separate the two. The CLA 45 - most obviously distinguishable in these shots through the bright yellow paint peeking out from beneath the camo - features more aggressive bumpers front and rear, wider wheel arches and four exhaust tips to the 35’s two.

Mechanically, the pair will be identical to their A-Class counterparts. That means the CLA 35 will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sending its 302bhp and 400Nm to all four wheels. Stats for the CLA 45 are still to be confirmed, but it’s expected to produce over 400bhp from the same 2.0-litre capacity. It'll likely achieve its performance with the help of hybrid assistance - the brand's EQ Boost tech will be used to help all but eliminate turbo lag.

The outgoing CLA 45 accelerated from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds with ‘just’ 376bhp on tap, so expect the new version to get close to potentially dip below the four second mark.

The Mercedes-AMG A35 is priced from £35,580. The previous generation CLA carried roughly a £4,000 premium over the equivalent A-Class, so expect the CLA 35 to kick off from close to £40,000. The 45 will be pricier still, with a circa-£49,000 tag likely.

Check out our round-up of the best hot hatchbacks on sale here...

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new 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 spy shot - pictures

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