AMG CLA45 Shooting Brake returns but not Down Under

MERCEDES-AMG has revealed the next instalment in its new-generation ‘45’ series, with the CLA45 Shooting Brake mid-size wagon rocketing in with a 310kW/500Nm punch in S form, but it will not be heading Down Under this time around.

As reported, the CLA Shooting Brake will not see another generation in Australia due to the low sales of its original model released in June 2015. Instead, CLA will be exclusively offered in four-door ‘coupe’ guise, with the entry-level CLA200 variant on sale as of this month.

More or less identical to the second-generation CLA45 coupe that was uncovered two weeks ago, the CLA45 Shooting Brake is motivated by the most potent series-production 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine in the world today.

It is available in two states of tune, with the ‘regular’ variant producing 285kW of power at 6500rpm and 480Nm of torque from 4750-5000rpm, while the aforementioned S version ups the performance ante with 310kW at 6750rpm and 500Nm from 5000-5250rpm.

The former sprints from standstill to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the latter is 0.1s quicker. Both marks are identical to that of their coupe counterparts. Top speed is 250km/h and 270km/h respectively.

For reference, the previous-generation CLA45 Shooting Brake ‘only’ mustered 280kW at 6000rpm and 475Nm from 2250-5000rpm. It completed the triple-digit run in 4.3s but also topped out at 270km/h.

The box-fresh model teams an AMG Speedshift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable all-wheel-drive system with launch control.

The latter is complemented by a rear differential (with two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches) that enables torque vectoring and supports a Drift driving mode that allows drivers to confidently powerslide the CLA45 Shooting Brake.

Its AMG suspension set-up consists of MacPherson struts up front and a four-link axle at the rear with stiffer springs and three-setting adaptive dampers, while its two-mode electric power steering (EPS) system is speed-sensitive and has a variable ratio.

The CLA45 Shooting Brake’s bodyshell has been reinforced with an aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine to increase torsional rigidity up front plus a tower brace between the front suspension’s struts, both of which help to reduce body roll and pitch.

Over its coupe sibling, the CLA45 Shooting Brake’s calling card is its extra dose of practicality, headlined by a more useful rear storage compartment that provides 505L of cargo capacity. Loading bulkier items has been made easier by its 236mm-wider aperture.

“The new CLA45 Shooting Brake is already the third model of our completely new performance compact-cars portfolio and demonstrates that we have a range tailored to all types of individual wishes,” said Mercedes-AMG chief executive Tobias Moers.

“The driving dynamics and the sporty product experience are on a level which was previously unimaginable in the compact class.

“Our Shooting Brake additionally offers a pronounced degree of practical utility value, which its expressive design idiom brings across with plenty of lifestyle appeal.”