2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Comes In Hot With 302 Horsepower

The Mercedes-Benz CLA lineup is getting its own AMG 35 version with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine packing 302 horsepower.

Confirmed for the New York International Auto Show later this month, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is basically a copy of the recent Mercedes-AMG A 35 when it comes to specs. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found under the new CLA 35’s hood also packs 295 pound-feet of torque.

That’s quite an upgrade over the CLA 250’s 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 will hit 100 km/h in less than 5.0 seconds. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox comes standard, and pairs with 4Matic AWD. The AMG 4Matic system can go from front-wheel drive only to a 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear axles. Visually, the CLA 35 gets a more chiseled body kit, larger 18-inch wheels with optional 19-inch wheels, a different grill and large round exhausts.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience system, or MBUX, will be part of the deal and is housed in two 10.25-inch screens. As in the AMG A 35, Track Pace will be offered in the AMG CLA 35. The system lets drivers track their performance on various tracks all over the world.

Various driving modes will be offered which impact handling, engine output and exhaust sound. There is a new AMG Dynamics system with two modes, Basic and Advanced, which uses braking on the rear inside wheel to improve cornering depending on the driver’s wishes. Basic pairs with Slippery and Comfort modes while Advanced improves handling even further when Sport and Sport+ modes are chosen.

A fully digital instrument cluster with three AMG specific displays includes the Supersport mode which puts the rev counter front and center. There’s also a G-Force tracker that can be added to the instrument cluster. Lastly, owners will be able to customize the look of their CLA 35 AMG inside with 64 ambient lighting options.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show next week. Stay tuned.