Mercedes-AMG’s revamped line-up of “45” models grows larger with the introduction of the new CLA 45 4Matic+ Shooting Brake, which joins the previously revealed A 45 and CLA 45. If you need something that goes like stink and will carry your IKEA furniture (or plenty of durian) at the same time, this is the worth a look.
Just like its siblings, the CLA 45 SB is powered by a M139 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which replaces the previous M133 mill. You get two sets of power outputs depending on the boost pressure of the single twin-scroll turbo, with the base model serving up 387 PS (382 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 480 Nm of torque from 4,750 rpm at 1.9 bar.
Meanwhile, the more exciting S-model – badged as the CLA 45 S 4Matic+ Shooting Brake – is boosted to 2.1 bar, resulting in 421 PS (416 hp) at 6,750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 5,000 rpm.
In a 100 km/h sprint, the S-model will complete the task in just four seconds, with the base version coming in a tenth of a second slower. Both cars will also hit a top speed of 270 km/h, although the non-S car will need to be specified with the optional AMG Driver’s Package to do so; without it, it maxes out at 250 km/h.
As we’ve detailed in the past, the M139 engine is unique to the “45” cars, and features an all-aluminium crankcase, forged steel crankshaft, forged aluminium pistons, Nanoslide-coated cylinders, larger exhaust valves, optimised-positioning of the injectors, two-stage fuel injection (direct and port), and baffle plates for the oil sump.
The engine is also mounted so the turbocharger and exhaust manifold are closer to the firewall, with the intake system being at the front. This provides better air ducting with shorter distances and fewer diversions – both on the intake and exhaust side.
To keep the engine cool, a mechanical water pump supplies coolant to the cylinder head, while cooling of the crankcase is via a second, electronically driven water pump, with the engine control unit being responsible for ensuring optimal temperatures.
Mounted to the engine is an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission, as well as an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully-variable all-wheel drive system. The latter comes with AMG Torque Control, whereby two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches in the rear axle differential distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, as well as between the left and right rear wheel.
As for suspension, you get McPherson struts at the front, and a four-link setup at the rear. Passive dampers come as standard, but an AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system is available as an option. Also standard is a speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical power steering system.
These system are linked to the AMG Dynamic Select drive mode selector, which can be further enhanced with the AMG Dynamic Plus package for the base model (it comes standard on the S-model). Doing so will add a Race mode on top of the Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual presets, giving you access to a Drift mode for dramatic powerslides.
There’s also AMG Dynamics that is an extension of the drive programmes, which affects the dynamism of the car’s ESP, with four stages available – Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master.
To decelerate, the CLA 45 SB comes with four-piston fixed calipers acting on 350 mm brake rotors at the front, while single-piston floating calipers handle 330 mm discs at back. The calipers here are painted grey, with accompanying white AMG lettering.
The aforementioned AMG Dynamic Plus package, which is standard on the S-model and optional for the base car, adds on 360 mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front, identified by red paint and a black AMG logo.
Styling-wise, the CLA 45 SB gets the same face as the CLA 45, including the Panamericana grille, rear diffuser and additional aero bits with the optional AMG Aerodynamic package. The base car gets 82 mm exhaust pipes, which are smaller than the S-model with its 90 mm outlets.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system gets AMG-specific displays, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and should you get the S-model, yellow highlights. Black Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre are standard upholstery fitments here, with other options available.
Those who are concerned about practicality should note the CLA 45 SB has a wider boot opening of 871 mm compared to its predecessor (635 mm), with Easy Pack and Hands Free Access available. With 505 litres of available storage space, the German carmaker says the “boot is large enough to accommodate a wealth of recreational and outdoor equipment.”
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
416 bhp from a mere 2 litre means one thing. their engineers who built this engine never goyang kaki in opis and are constantly trying to improve themselves by increasing bhp and toque.
Something Proton needs to learn