The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

When iconic design meets strength and intelligence

Affalterbach. Sporty, stylish, intelligent and dynamic: The new

CLA 35 is the latest point of entry to the world of Mercedes-AMG. The four- door coupe shares the progressive technology with the A-Class, but is even bolder with its iconic design and the intelligent MBUX interior assistant. The high torque 2.0L Inline-4 turbo engine delivers 302 hp, distributed to all four wheels via the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and variable all- wheel drive. Sporty driving performance (acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds est.) is combined with a range of versatile driving experiences - from very sporty to refined and comfortable on long journeys.

"With its iconic design and agile driving dynamics, the new CLA 35 is an attractive offer for a young, active and lifestyle-conscious target group. These customers define their requirements very clearly: They expect exciting design from their vehicle alongside superior performance and inspiring handling characteristics. The new CLA 35 embodies just this attitude to life – and enables stepping in to the fascinating world of AMG Driving Performance in a particularly emotional way," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Icon with a sporty design: the exterior

The unique design of the CLA Coupe is one of the new model’s key purchase reasons. The AMG designers therefore aimed to maintain its basic form with wide wheel arches and a slim profile. The two power domes on the hood were also adopted as sporty details. The new radiator grille with classic twin louvers and an AMG front bumper with flics on the air inlets are distinctive features of the CLA 35. Other distinguishing characteristics include silver chrome trim elements in the outer air inlets. From a side view, the aerodynamically optimized 18-inch light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design (19-inch wheels are optionally available) and the accentuated side sills catch the eye. The rear bumper with a new diffuser insert, the small spoiler lip on the trunk and the two round tailpipes on the left and right dominate the rear view. The two-piece, narrow tail lamps and the license plate housing placed low in the bumper add to the CLA’s wide rear appearance.

Sporty interior featuring MBUX infotainment system

Frameless doors open to an interior with a high-tech ambience, where quality and elegance meet digital displays. The interior scene can be catered to specific tastes thanks to the standard 64 color ambient lighting. The distinctive interior design is evident with the available MB-Tex and microfiber DINAMICA in black with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts, as well as in the available combination of MB-Tex in black/digital grey. Red piping on the microfiber DINAMICA trim elements and ventilation outlets with a red ring are additional unique accents.

The combination of a sporty design with sophisticated details is also evident in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operation and display. In the new CLA 35, MBUX replaces the previous COMAND systems and creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Appealing presentations underline the clear control structure and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit, and consequently emphasize the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

With the newly available MBUX interior assistant, select infotainment functions can be operated without touch, along with switching the reading light on or off. The assistant differentiates between driver and passenger interaction and recognizes certain hand positions and movements. The interaction area for the MBUX interior assistant is in front of the media display up to the center console, including the touchpad between the driver and front-seat passenger.

The MBUX interior assistant recognizes movement toward the various operating elements of the infotainment system. The operator's seat is enlarged on the media display if one’s hand moves toward the touchscreen. The most suitable operating elements are automatically pre-selected. In the radio and media menu, the MBUX interior assistant reduces the number of operating steps. In the navigation menu, the system fades in the display as soon as the hand moves to operate the touchscreen or touchpad, so that a symbol is selected directly. When displaying the camera image, as soon as the hand moves toward the touchscreen the MBUX interior assistant enables the four camera operating symbols from the 360-degree camera to be faded in. This means that the front, rear, right or left camera view can be selected directly.

The CLA 35 also comes with our new trailblazing voice control, activated with the words "Hey Mercedes". Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognizes and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.

Fully digital instrument cluster with three AMG display styles

Customers can choose between three AMG display styles for the instrument cluster: "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport". The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking, with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data.

Touchscreen multimedia display and new center console

The 10.25 inch touchscreen multimedia display also emphasizes the dynamic character with individual AMG displays, such as visualization of the driving programs, AMG TRACK PACE and telemetry data.

The AMG-specific center console in piano black finish with standard touchpad has additional buttons that control the functions of ESP®, manual transmission mode and the Adaptive Damping System. When combined with the optional leather package, it also features a silver chrome surround.

New AMG steering wheel generation with optional steering wheel buttons

The next generation of AMG steering wheels provide the perfect link between the driver and the vehicle. The steering wheel rim with a flat-bottom, perforated leather in the grip area and red contrasting topstitching is both attractive and pleasant to the touch. The galvanized steering wheel gearshift paddles allow an even sportier driving style with manual gear shifting.

The built-in Touch Control buttons, familiar from some of our other models, are a new feature. The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and cruise control can be adjusted on the control panels on the left. The control panels on the right activate the voice control and telephone, and regulate the sound volume, music selection and other functions of the infotainment system. 

The steering wheel with innovative AMG steering wheel buttons is available as an option. These consist of a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned color display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke. The AMG drive programs are actuated directly via the controller. With the two configurable display buttons and the additional switches, further AMG functions can be controlled within easy reach directly on the steering wheel.

Reinforced body-in-white with increased torsional rigidity

Specific measures to strengthen the front section of the bodyshell help enable the precise turn-in ability and the toe and camber stability of the chassis, even when driving at speed. A "shear panel", a bolted aluminum plate under the engine, also increases the torsional stiffness of the front section of the CLA 35. Two additional diagonal braces at the front of the underbody also reduce torsion and increase rigidity.

New four-cylinder turbo engine with 302 hp

The 2.0L Inline-4 turbo engine is a new development and is based on the M260 four-cylinder engine in the new A-Class. The new drive boasts a quick response to accelerator pedal commands, high torque (295 lb-ft max. torque from 3,000 rpm), a lively response and an emotional engine sound. The crankcase made of high-strength, lightweight die-cast aluminum reduces the vehicle weight where it matters most for driving dynamics.

The twin-scroll turbocharger combines optimum responsiveness at low engine speeds with a significant power increase at higher engine speeds. The housing of the twin-scroll turbocharger is divided into two parallel ducts. Together with two separate ducts in the exhaust manifold, this makes it possible to channel the exhaust gases separately on the turbine wheel.

This results in a further advantage of twin-scroll technology -- minimization of the mutually adverse effects of the individual cylinders on the gas cycle. The exhaust gas backpressure is reduced and gas exchange and engine efficiency are improved.

Numerous engine measures increase efficiency

The high technological standards of the new four-cylinder engine are also underscored by numerous efficiency-enhancing measures. These include CAMTRONIC variable valve control, intelligent thermal management for engine and oil, high-precision piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition. In production, the patented CONICSHAPE® cylinder honing reduces internal engine friction and also increases efficiency.

Agile gear ratios: AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission also contributes to the agile and dynamic character of the new CLA 35. The gear ratios are configured so that the driver experiences very responsive acceleration in all speed ranges, combined with fast shifting and optimum connections when upshifting.

The standard RACE-START function allows maximum acceleration from a stationary position and is a high performance experience. The functions of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed transmission also include a temporary manual shift mode activated by operating the steering wheel shift paddles in any driving mode, and with the manual transmission mode "M" for manual gear changes with the shift paddles.

AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive

Dynamism, agility and performance – these three attributes characterize the standard all-wheel drive of the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. The variable AMG 4MATIC+ combines the best possible traction with driving pleasure. The torque distribution is variable to suit the dynamic handling requirements. The spectrum ranges from front-wheel drive only to a 50:50 percent distribution to the front and rear axles.

A multi-disc clutch that is integrated in the rear axle transmission is responsible for the variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It is controlled electro-mechanically. The influencing factors for torque distribution are the driving speed, the lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the steering angle, and the difference in rotational speed between the individual wheels, the gear selected and the accelerator position.

The main advantages of electro-mechanical control over an electro-hydraulic system relate to more refined driving dynamics – primarily due to the significantly faster response and speed-independent actuation of the discs over the entire adjustment range.

As long as ESP® is activated, the 4MATIC+ system stays in "Comfort" mode. As soon as the driver presses the "ESP® SPORT Handling" or "ESP® OFF" button, the 4MATIC+ system switches to "Sport" mode – for even more agile handling and even higher stability limits.

Five driving programs: vehicle characteristics with a wide spread

The five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport +" and "Individual" enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. They change relevant parameters, such as the responsiveness of the engine and transmission.

The new "Slippery" drive program is optimized for low-grip, icy road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve. Smooth gear changes and earlier upshifts support a more stable driving character.

The "Comfort" program stands for comfortable and fuel-efficient driving, for example, thanks to early upshifts. Suspension and steering are set up for an emphasis on comfort.

"Sport" and "Sport+" place the focus on agility and driving pleasure with sporty engine and transmission tuning. The sound of the turbo engine is more striking. "Sport+" is particularly exciting with double-declutching during downshifts and partial cylinder cut-off via a brief and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection at full load.

The "Individual" drive program enables specific parameters to be selected and saved according to personal preferences. In addition, the gliding function is available in the "Reduced" and "Moderate" drive settings.

AMG DYNAMICS: more agility with high stability

As a new feature in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the new CLA 35 comes with AMG DYNAMICS. This integrated dynamic handling control system extends the stabilizing functions of ESP® with responsive interventions according to the driver's wishes. During dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the rear inside wheel creates a defined yawing moment about the vertical axis. The effect: the CLA 35 steers quickly and very precisely. 

The different modes of AMG DYNAMICS are called "Basic" and "Advanced." When a drive program is selected on the multimedia display, the new AMG DYNAMICS symbol is displayed with the corresponding additional information.

  "Basic" is assigned to the "Slippery" and "Comfort" drive programs. In this case, the CLA 35 shows very stable handling with a high damping of the yaw rate. 

  "Advanced" is activated in the programs "Sport" and "Sport+." The CLA 35 remains neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic maneuvers, such as driving on winding country roads.

In the "Individual" drive program the driver can set the AMG DYNAMICS levels individually.

AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension

The layout of the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension provides solid straight-line stability and highly dynamic cornering performance. The longitudinal and transverse dynamics are optimally coordinated.

A McPherson strut construction is fitted on the front axle. The suspension is comprised of one wishbone below the wheel center, one spring strut and one tie rod. The special axle geometry reduces the influence of the drive on the steering – for high comfort and agile handling. The new wishbone in aluminum reduces unsprung mass, enabling a more sensitive response from the springs. The AMG-specific front steering knuckle has a radially bolted brake calliper – a technology originating from motorsport.

The 4-link rear axle is connected with the body via a subframe. Three transverse arms and the trailing arm, the wheel carrier and the bearings from the proven A 45 are used on each rear wheel. This ensures maximum driving stability and agility.

Adaptive damping system with three modes

The optional Adaptive Damping System enables the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes. The spectrum ranges from comfort- focused to sporty. The system operates fully automatically, adapting the damping forces for each wheel according to the driving situation and road conditions. This happens within milliseconds and is infinitely variable, with a wide spread of damping characteristics. The result is that ride comfort and agility are both enhanced.

Robust high-performance brake system

The high-performance braking system enables fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances. The front axle is fitted with new 4-piston monoblock fixed callipers and 13.8 inch brake discs, while the rear axle is equipped with 1-piston sliding callipers and 13.0 inch brake discs. The discs are ventilated and perforated to dissipate heat and reduce brake fading, even with heavy use. The silver-painted brake callipers have black AMG lettering.

Steering with special rack and variable ratio

The speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical power steering supports a sporty driving style with its direct turn-in ability. It has a special rack with variable ratio and two characteristic curves: depending on the drive program the driver has selected, it provides taut and sporty or more comfortable steering feedback. The rigid mounting in the integral carrier connects the steering with the body and thus increases steering precision.

AMG exhaust system with exhaust flap for sound modulation

The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. Depending on the drive program selected, it modulates the sound from balanced to powerful.

AMG TRACK PACE data log

AMG TRACK PACE is also available as an option for the new CLA 35. The virtual race engineer is part of the MBUX infotainment system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data measures (e.g. speed, acceleration). On top of this, lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference to a reference time. Because specific display elements are shown in green or red, the driver is able to see at a glance without reading numbers whether they are currently faster or slower than the best time. 

After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyze and, if necessary, improve their driving skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-60 mph, 1⁄4 mile, 60-0 mph) can be measured and saved. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the track has been left or if it has been shortened. This is possible using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds).

The logged data is displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster and on the optional head-up display. Well-known racetracks like, for example, the Nürburgring or Spa Francorchamps, are already stored. Furthermore, it is also possible to record one’s own circuits. The map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and be updated online.

The MBUX Augmented Reality function also allows the ideal line of a stored racetrack to be displayed on the multimedia display or on the optional head-up display, allowing the driver to improve lap times with a virtual instructor on board.

World premiere and market launch

The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 celebrates its world premiere as part of the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2019 and will be available in U.S. dealerships starting late 2019.

Models & MSRP

 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe $TBA arriving in U.S. dealerships late 2019 

  AMG-enhanced 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Engine 

  302 hp, 295 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in 4.6s est. 

  AMG SPEEDSHIFT®DCT 7-Speed (Dual Clutch Transmission) 

  AMG 4MATIC+ 

  AMG DYNAMIC SELECT 

  AMG Sport Suspension 

  18” AMG Wheels 

  3-Stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 

  Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with new-generation Voice Control, including Natural Language Understanding and Keyword Activation (“Hey Mercedes”) 

  10.25” Digital Instrument Cluster & 10.25” Touchscreen Multimedia Display 

  Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

  New-generation Touchpad 

  Five USB-C ports 

  Panorama Roof 

  LED Headlamps 

  KEYLESS-START 

  Cruise Control 

  3-Zone Climate Control 

  64-Color Ambient Lighting 

  Sport Seats with integrated headrests 

  Multifunction Leather Steering Wheel with shift paddles 

  8-Way Power Driver and Passenger Seats with 3-Position Memory 

  Adaptive Braking Technology with Hill-Start Assist and brake HOLD function 

  Active Brake Assist 

  Crosswind Assist 

  ATTENTION ASSIST® 

  Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service

Optional Feature Highlights 

  Driver Assistance Package 

  Parking Assistance Package including Surround View System 

  Multimedia Package including MB Navigation, Augmented Video for Navigation, MBUX Interior Assistant 

  Exterior Lighting Package including Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Active LED Headlamps 

  New exterior paint options including Sun Yellow 

  AMG Performance Seat Package 

  AMG Track Pace COMAND App. 

  AMG Aerodynamics Package 

  AMG Night Package 

  Burmester® Surround Sound System 

  KEYLESS-GO® with HANDS-FREE ACCESS 

 Carbon Fiber Exterior Mirror Covers

 Suspension with Adaptive Damping System

 Heated Steering Wheel

 Head-Up Display

 Heated and Ventilated seats

 Inductive Wireless Charging with NFC Pairing

Technical Highlights:

 Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): A completely new multimedia system featuring innovative technology based on Artificial Intelligence and an intuitive operating system. MBUX technology is pioneering a new level of in-car experience. MBUX can be operated by a new generation of Voice Control, the center touchscreen, a new Touchpad and Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel. The system has learning capabilities and intelligent Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding and a verbal cue of “Hey Mercedes.”

o MBUX Interior Assistant can recognize hand and arm movements and support operating intentions by allowing intuitive, natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition.

o Touchscreen Multimedia Display: Central to the comprehensive MBUX concept is a touchscreen display

 Driver Assistance Systems: The CLA receives the latest driver assistance technology with enhanced intelligent hands-off detection which includes sensing via finger pads and is sensitive to specific conditions. The Driver Assistance Package includes:

o Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® is an adaptive cruise control system that is able to automatically adjust your set speed for traffic ahead

 with Route-Based Speed Adaptation, the vehicle is able to reduce the speed in anticipatory mode by referencing the COMAND® map data ahead of curves, junctions, roundabouts, toll booths and exit roads

o Active Steering Assist generates steering torque which helps the driver to stay in the center of the lane on straight roads and slight bends, taking its guidance from vehicles ahead and lane markings

 with Active Emergency Stop Assist, which brakes the vehicle to a stop in a controlled manner when the system recognizes that the driver is distracted for a longer period or cannot intervene in vehicle control and Active Lane Change Assist, which assists the driver in a convenient and cooperative manner when making lane changes

o Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function is able to help the driver avoid impending collisions with vehicles ahead, even stationary or crossing vehicles and pedestrians, if the driver fails to take action quickly enough

o Active Speed Limit Assist automatically adapts the vehicle's speed to identified speed limits in conjunction with the imbedded navigation

o Active Blind Spot Assist is able to provide the driver with a visual alert, plus an audible alarm when a turn indicator is activated, to warn the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. It can also help avoid a collision by single-sided braking if a lane change is still attempted with an obstacle in the blind spot

o Active Lane Keeping Assist is able to warn the driver by means of vibrations of the steering wheel when the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane. If the vehicle passes over a solid line or a dashed line when opposing traffic is detected, this system can pull the vehicle back into lane by applying the brakes on one side

o PRE-SAFE® Sound omits a short interference signal if an imminent collision is detected, triggering a protective reflex in the human ear referred to as the “stapedius reflex,” which can help reduce hearing loss in the event of an accident

o PRE-SAFE® PLUS activates the PRE-SAFE safety measures when a collision from behind is imminent as well as applying the brakes when the vehicle is at a standstill in order to prevent subsequent accidents 

Model Positioning

 The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is the latest point of entry to the world of Mercedes-AMG. The CLA 35 features four-door coupe styling with strikingly good looks, powerful AMG-enhanced performance, Mercedes-Benz advanced technology and safety innovations, all packaged in an outstanding, sporty design. With trail-blazing MBUX and 302 HP, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is the perfect combination of sportiness and technology.

	2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
MSRP	$TBA
Length	184.8 in.
Width (w/o mirrors)	75.6 in.
Height	55.3 in.
Wheelbase	107.4 in.
Curb Weight (lbs)	TBA
Fuel Economy	TBA
Engine	AMG-enhanced 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Engine
Displacement	1,991 cc
Drive Config.	Variable-Torque All-Wheel Drive
Performance	302 hp @ 5,800 rpm 295 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,000 rpm
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission
0-60 mph (sec)	4.6s est.
Top speed (mph)	TBA
Main Competitors	Audi S3, BMW M240i xDrive