Earlier this year Mercedes-Benz Australia introduced the all-new CLA 200 Coupe for the 2019 model year. It recently announced the addition of two more, namely, the CLA 250 4Matic Coupe and the AMG entry-level CLA35 4Matic Coupe.
The second generation CLS-lite model is built on the brand’s Modular Front Architecture (MFA2) platform that’s also employed in the construction of the W177 A-Class hatch and V177 sedan. The CLA is dimensionally larger when compared to its predecessor giving it a more pronounced stance and better cabin space.
To refresh your memory, the entry-level CLA 200 gets an AMG-line exterior, an interior draped in faux leather and suede, Thermotronic climate control, automatic wipers along with keyless entry and push start. It also lands a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. In addition to the carried over trim, the CLA 250 receives an electric panoramic sunroof and the Night Package which includes tinted privacy glass, black exterior trim and the ‘Mercedes me Connect’ system which even allows you to remote start the engine, as standard.
Propelling the CLA 250 is a 2.0-litre M260 twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 165kW and 350Nm, routed through a 7-speed dual-clutch 7G-DCT gearbox hooked up to the brand’s all-wheel drive 4Matic system.
For the first time, the CLA-Class will be available in ‘AMG 35’ guise. The CLA35 uses a beefed-up version of the M260 four-cylinder engine that pumps out 225kW and 400Nm, channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch AMG Speedshift DCT gearbox driving all fours via an AMG-tuned 4Matic system.
With launch control activated, the four-door coupe will dash to 100km/h from standstill in 4.7 seconds and eventually hit an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Halting the speeding mass are a pair of AMG four-piston calliper brakes on the front wheels. The baby AMG also gets bi-modal exhausts and slightly larger wheels, 19-inch alloys in this case.
Additionally, Aussie market-specific CLA35’s will be fitted with AMG’s Ride Control adaptive damping system with three suspension control modes as well as AMG’s Dynamic Select programs that sets up the car in one of five settings.
Expect to find the usual AMG flair inside with two-tone Lugano leather upholstered seats that are power adjustable and heated plus an AMG Performance flat-bottom steering wheel with galvanised paddle shifters.
The duo is expected to land in showrooms come early 2020. Also, due to arrive in that time is the red-hot CLA 45 S 4Matic+ variant.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4Matic - $68,800
- Mercedes-AMG CLA35 4Matic - $83,400
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