Mercedes-AMG reveals the new CLA45 Shooting brake

Mercedes-AMG presents the CLA45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake and the CLA45S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake - two powerful new compact cars that complement sporty athleticism with wide-ranging functionality.

In its Shooting Brake variant, the CLA45 now sports a 505 litre boot, large enough to accommodate a wealth of recreational and outdoor equipment.

With a 871mm boot opening, the new CLA45 shooting brake's boot is also significantly wider than in the previous model and can also be opened without contact with Mercedes' hands-free access.

The same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine sits in the shooting brake as the regular CLA 45 models, with an output of 381bhp, or 415bhp for the S-models, making them the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines currently in series production.

The new engines will allow the compact sportscars to absolve the zero to 100km/h sprint in record time. The CLA45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake requires just 4.0 seconds, while the base model CLA45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake gets up to speed in 4.1 seconds. The top speed of the base model is electronically limited to 250km/h, while the S-model leaves the factory with a top speed of 270km/h. With the optional AMG Driver's package, the base variant can also driven at up to 270km/h.

Mercedes-AMG expects the combination of sporty performance and an interior with increased luggage capacity will appeal to a young target group who lead an active and varied life at work and in their leisure time.

Despite the increased boot space, the exterior of the new CLA45 Shooting Brake still packs plenty of emotional appeal.

The long bonnet, coupe-style window line, muscular shoulders and the low rear from the regular CLA make a showing in the shooting brake and clearly reveal the vehicle's sports car genes.

The AMG-specific radiator grille with the vertical slats also unmistakably identify the Shooting Brake as a member of the AMG Performance family.

The rear view is further characterised by two round 82mm diameter twin tailpipes and a wide rear apron, while the S-models are distinguished by their larger, 90mm exhaust tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering.

As on the Coupe, the AMG developers have retained the reinforced body shell, as it provides the basis for the precise self-steering characteristics, as well as track and camber stability.

A lightweight aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine increases the torsional rigidity at the vehicle's front end.

This is still supplemented by a strut tower brace between the front suspension struts and pistol-shaped 'shotguns' connecting the side members to the A-pillars to minimise movements of the front section. Diagonal struts at the front and rear of the underbody further improve rigidity.

On the inside, yellow highlights feature throughout the S-model, emphasising the motor racing character of the most powerful models. Also included in the standard equipment are the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, a yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons and logo, and ambient lighting.