Mercedes-Benz has just taken the covers off its fifth compact car, the all-new CLA Shooting Brake. The newest addition to the Mercedes lineup is essentially a wagon version of the CLA-Class sedan, and it has been revealed today in both standard form and the high-performance CLA45 AMG variant. Sadly, neither is coming to the U.S.

Why the Shooting Brake name and not Wagon or Estate? Mercedes considers the CLA a coupe and a traditional shooting brake is a coupe with a hatch, so even ‘four-door coupes’ with hatchback-style rears are considered shooting brakes by the German automaker. The new CLA Shooting Brake is Mercedes’ second such vehicle, the first being the CLS Shooting Brake.

CLA buyers opting for the shooting brake body essentially receive more room. Headroom in the rear is significantly greater than in the four-door CLA. At 37.2 inches, the effective headroom in the rear is 1.6 inches higher than it is in the sedan. Access to the second row of seats is also much easier. The load compartment offers a capacity that ranges from 17.4 to 47.8 cubic feet (when loaded up to the upper edge of the rear seat backrests or loaded to the roof with the rear bench seat folded down, respectively).

There will be several variants available at launch: two with diesel engines and five with gasoline units. The most potent of these will be the CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake, which like the CLA45 AMG sedan sold here will pack a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. 4Matic all-wheel drive will be standard on this model and an option for anyone buying the 211-hp CLA250.

The entry-level model will be a front-wheel-drive CLA180 with 122 hp. All CLA Shooting Brakes will also come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard, just like the CLA sedan.

The CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake is our pick of the bunch. The vehicle not only packs the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine, it also has multiple driving modes for its transmission and electronic stability systems, a sports-oriented all-wheel-drive system, and uprated suspension, wheels, tires and brakes. Owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration in under 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

Order books for the full CLA Shooting Brake range open in Europe in January and the car’s first public appearance will take place at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in early March. Deliveries will commence shortly after the Geneva debut.

Since we recently got a good look at the next-generation CLA-Class, it's perhaps not that surprising that we would now see the high-performance Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 compact luxury sports sedan. Still, we're pleased to see that the hot sedan appears to be coming back, since it was by far the most enjoyable version of the outgoing model. The photos above show that it's a fairly traditional Mercedes-AMG upgrade with subtle, yet aggressive body modifications, and hopefully a monstrous engine under the hood.

Starting from the front, we can see that this new AMG will breathe better than the normal CLA. The grilles under each headlight have been enlarged, and an additional slot has been added between the main center grille and the one below it. The main grille also trades in the single, wide bar of the standard car in favor of an egg crate version. Odds are it's the "AMG Heritage" grille, and the vertical bars will feature chrome.

The CLA 45's sides are relatively untouched. The sideskirts are a bit lower and have a more aggressive lip to them. It is clear that the CLA 45 sits much lower than the regular CLA, too.

At the back, the CLA 45 appears to have a taller lip spoiler coming off the trunk lid. It's complemented by a much more aggressive rear bumper. Extractor vents (real or otherwise) are found aft of the rear wheels on the bumper. There's a very obvious diffuser design (real or otherwise, again), and it surrounds the quad-exhaust tips of the little sedan.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this car is what we can't see: the powertrain. We're expecting impressive things from the car since the outgoing model made a whopping 375 horsepower, one of only two factory four-cylinder engines to hit that mark. The other is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder in 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS models. We're expecting this engine to carryover from the current model, but with additional improvements to increase output. We wouldn't be surprised if Mercedes-AMG gets it to 400 horsepower, or at least seriously close. It should also make for an even starker contrast to the upcoming standard CLA-Class, which we expect will share engines with the new A-Class sedan.

The subcompact Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale in the US early next year. And while it's easy to assume that this new model will serve as the replacement for the CLA, the truth is, these models will coexist in Mercedes showrooms.

During a media event for the A-Class in Seattle this week, a Mercedes-Benz representative told Roadshow the current CLA-Class will be sold until a new one arrives sometime next year. A redesigned GLA-Class crossover will follow.

The A-Class will be sold in front-wheel-drive A220 and all-wheel-drive A220 4Matic guises, and will "establish a new gateway for the Mercedes-Benz brand," according to one spokesperson.

As for how the A and CLA will get along side by side, Mercedes reps reference the relationship between the larger E-Class and CLS-Class cars. That is to say, the CLA-Class will be a bit more stylish and a bit more upscale, despite having similar powertrains and amenities.

That also means the CLA will be more expensive, fully eschewing its one-time position as Mercedes' sub-$30,000 entry point. A-Class pricing has yet to be announced, but it's expected to start below $35,000. That means the CLA-Class will likely come in closer to $40,000. And when you add in the options, it'll certainly crest $50,000 which is, well, a lot.

Critically, it's hard to imagine there's enough room in the subcompact premium sedan market to support both A- and CLA-Class models, especially at these higher price points. This specific segment currently only includes the CLA and the Audi A3, and on a broader scale, we've seen automakers shifting away from sedans altogether. That said, the new A-Class is a very good little car -- read our first drive story for the full shakedown -- so a second take on a compelling formula isn't necessarily a bad move.

In Mercedes’ dictionary, there’s no such thing as cannibalization. The A-Class Sedan / CLA and E-Class Sedan / CLS pairs go to show these days some automakers believe in the saying “the more, the better.” There’s also the confusingly called GT 4-Door Coupe, essentially a hardcore and more practical E63 to fight the Porsche Panamera.

In this spy video shot during an extremely foggy day we get to see a future member of Mercedes’ compact car lineup, the second-generation CLA-Class. The baby CLS catering those in need of a more stylish A-Class Sedan has less camouflage than ever before and appears to be carrying the full production body. With full-LED headlights, sunroof, and sports seats with integrated headrests, we’re probably dealing with a fancier version of the coupe-ified four-door sedan.

As it’s the case with these niche models, the sloped roofline will definitely eat into the rear headroom and we have a feeling the trunk’s cargo capacity will also have to suffer for the sake of style. Should you want to carry more stuff but the C-Class Estate is out of your price range, you’ll be happy to hear Mercedes will come out with a CLA Shooting Brake part deux.

It goes without saying virtually all of the oily bits will be taken from the A-Class Sedan, including the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine powering the A35 hot hatch with 302 hp (225 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) on tap. As a matter of fact, the CLA35 was spotted earlier this month testing as a fully disguised prototype with the same oval exhaust tips as the A35.

Eventually, there’s going to be a new CLA45 with more than 400 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a drift-happy 4Matic all-wheel-drive system inherited from the A45 due to be unveiled in 2019.

Visually, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA isn’t terribly different from the car that it replaces. But it’s bigger, has a nicer (looking) interior, and there’s a lot of tech on board. That and there is, tantalizingly, the prospect of a manual.

Unveiled at CES, the new CLA is apparently 48 mm longer, 53 mm wider and two mm lower than the previous generation, as published by Australian news outlet Redline. This means improved rear seat room, more legroom, and additional shoulder and elbow room.

Inside, you’ll recognize the basic setup from the new A Class, including the long screen from Mercedes’s new MBUX system. Driver assistance features include emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The car that Mercedes has on the stand at CES is apparently the CLA250, which has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger that puts out about 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

And this is what’s most interesting, writes Redline:

Huh, a new manual Mercedes! When was the last time anybody saw that happen? And if it’s true, will that option come to the U.S.?

We’ve reached out to Mercedes for more confirmation and will update when we hear back.

Here at Motor1.com, we are all huge fans of video games. I mean, we love all kinds of virtual racing simulators – from the most realistic ones to titles with arcade game-inspired graphics and surrealistic physics. Like, you guessed it, Mario Kart, Nintendo’s mega-hit from the 1990s. You can imagine how excited we were when we discovered Mercedes-Benz has presented a Mario Kart integrated into the infotainment system of the new CLA sedan.

During the 2019 Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona from 25 to 28 February, the German automaker had a CLA on display at its stand. It was there to showcase the latest improvements of the brand’s MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, including a number of new applications. Visitors were able to play Mario Kart on the vehicle’s central screen.

In fact, the game in question is SuperTuxKart, an open-source version of Mario Kart. It’s a cross-platform, running on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android systems, and – apparently – on Mercedes’ latest generation infotainment system.

Interestingly, the manufacturer has involved a lot more than just the steering wheel and pedals in the experience. For example, the air vents blow air and the airflow depends on the speed of the car in the game. In addition, the interior’s LED ambient lighting switches from red to green at the start of the race. Finally, when the kart of the player crashes with a competitor, the seat belt tightens.

While the integration of Mario Kart in the MBUX is just an exercise to show what the system is capable of, Mercedes plans to deliver gaming applications to its customers in the very near future. You can already play a medley of classic Atari video games on the infotainment screen of your Tesla – and soon you will be able to race a tiny kart from the driver's seat of your Mercedes. Digitalization might not be that bad after all.

Attractive, intelligent - and at the same time practical: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA will also be available as a Shooting Brake. Just like the four-door CLA Coupé, the Shooting Brake puts its own spin on the design idiom of sensual purity and turns the interior into a coolly designed user interface for intelligent digital technology. From the striking sharknose at the front of the vehicle to the clean edge with accented surfaces, the design displays elegant athletics right down to the gently muscular rear. The latter on the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake ensures a decisive addition in terms of functionality. While just as much a designer piece as the CLA Coupé, it offers more space for spontaneity, be it on an extended shopping spree or for sports and outdoor activities where space is required.

The interior of the CLA Shooting Brake displays the modern, cool and high quality ambience of the Coupé. In addition, it offers passengers more space than the predecessor model in the shoulder, head and elbow areas. The digital environment of the CLA's technophile customers is integrated into the interior in a creatively and technically pioneering way. Thanks to MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience with intelligent interior assistants and refined voice recognition - operation of ever more functions is becoming more natural and much simpler.

Great emphasis is placed on individualisation in the new Shooting Brake with the Progressive and AMG Line equipment lines as well as an increasing and diverse range of apps and services, which can be downloaded from Mercedes me depending on your own preferences and called up via MBUX.

This CLA is thus aimed at customers for whom, just a few years ago, Mercedes-Benz was not the first thing that came to mind when they were looking to buy a car. "We want to address young individualists with the particularly expressive design of the CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake. Furthermore, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers more space than its predecessor - for sports equipment and much more", states Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars sales.

Like the previous model, the new CLA Shooting Brake will be manufactured at the Kecskemét plant (Hungary) and comes onto the market in September 2019.

I don’t know if Mercedes just had an exceptionally talented photographer here (it did) or if I’m just high off yellow paint (a little), but I’ll be damned if the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 isn’t one of the finest looking new cars right now.

The sculpted front is expressive and lively without being annoyingly aggressive, the tail and rear lights look like a callback to something bigger and more luxurious, and the swooping roof reminds me of what I liked about the CLS when that first came out years ago.

I’m not crazy about the rear bumper sculpting near where the reflectors are at, and I’m sure about the crease down the gunwales, but generally speaking it’s impossible to get an unflattering angle on this thing.

Like the A35 that was shown off last month, the CLA35 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making a claimed 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive is mandatory, and propulsion is going to be heavily managed by Mercedes’ traction control computers and driving aids.

Also like the A35, this car gets 13.8-inch brake discs up front with four-piston calipers. According to a preliminary spec sheet, it’s 0.1 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph than its A-Class brethren, but otherwise the two cars seem pretty closely related.

As such I’m not entirely sure why both cars exist, but I have to admit I’m smitten with the design of this one and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the road. Good thing, I guess, because entry-level AMG cars are pretty common in LA’s “Beverly Hills-adjacent” neighborhoods.

Mercedes didn’t list a price or top speed in its launch release, but today you can order a 375-HP 2019 CLA45 for about $53,000. The CLA35 will have to slot under that to leave room for a 2020 CLA45 revised in this body style, so I would guess this will ring up in the mid to high-$40,000s range.

Outstanding performance, the ultimate driving dynamics, expressive design - the new Mercedes-AMG compact A45 4MATIC+/ A45 S 4MATIC+ sports cars and CLA45 4MATIC+/ CLA45 S 4MATIC+ reassert their leading positions in their segments. They seamlessly continue the success story of their predecessors, while setting numerous new standards. Available in two output and torque variants, the completely newly developed 2.0-litre engine is the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in manufactured for series production. Even the basic model with 285 kW (387 hp) is more powerful than its predecessor. The S-variant with 310 kW (421 hp) jostles with considerably higher vehicle classes. Perfect sequences in all driving situations, and fast gearshifts measured in milliseconds, are guaranteed by the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-8G dual-clutch transmission with eight gears. The active, fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive distributes the power to the rear axle wheel-selectively by AMG TORQUE CONTROL - for top traction and the spectacular Drift mode. This is made possible by a new rear axle differential featuring two multidisc clutches - one for each rear wheel.

With its new compact sports models Mercedes-AMG is demonstrating its high competence in development once again: "We have completely redesigned our "45" models - from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself - all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class. With the presentation of this, our most powerful and most dynamic compact sports car, we are also reinforcing the significance of this segment for our growth strategy", says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Mercedes-AMG has been teasing a new generation of its entry-level CLA 45 for what seems like forever. The company showed off the car's engine, the 416-horsepower M139 2.0-liter inline-four, a month back. Now, we finally get to see the rest of the car in full.

The main attraction here is the engine. We've gone in-depth with Mercedes's new M139 powerplant before, but here's what you need to know. The engine sports a single twin-scroll turbocharger with roller bearings for the compressor and the turbine, allowing for less friction, more response, and a higher maximum RPM. The cylinder linings are coated in a patented material called Nanoslide, which creattes a mirror-like surface that's twice as hard as cast-iron liners. In addition to the standard direct-injection fuel system, there's an additional set of injectors in the intake manifold to create even more power.

The standard CLA45 makes 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, while the CLA 45 S model makes 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. The 0-62 mph sprint happens in 4.1 seconds for the base car, and 4.0 seconds flat for the S. Top speed is limited to 155 mph for the base car, and 168 mph for the S. Buyers of the base car can option the AMG Driver's Package, which raises top speed to 168 mph.

Getting power to the wheels is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission connected an all-new 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled rear differential. There are two multi-disc clutches for either axle, allowing the system to control power distribution independently. Launch control is standard, while AMG's drift mode, which first appeared on the E63 sedan, is optional. A digital gauge cluster, six driving modes, and a two-mode exhaust are also standard. Passive dampers are standard, but a three-mode adaptive units are optional.

Currently, Mercedes has only announced that the base CLA 45 is coming to the US, though we suspect the more-powerful S variant will arrive in the not-too-distant future. For those curious about the CLA's hatchback cousin, the A 45, that car is a Europe-only affair, just as before. Though, an A 45 sedan is seems like a possibility for the US market, and a 45-series variant of the next-gen GLA baby SUV is almost certain for the states. Pricing for either variant of the CLA 45 has yet to be announced, though Mercedes says sales will start by the end of 2019.

With numerous innovations and upgraded standard equipment, Mercedes-Benz is strengthening the position of the CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake as trendsetters in the compact segment. The newly shaped front apron, the revised radiator grille with star pattern and the new rear diffuser sharpen the sporty character. Added to this are the modernised graphics in the LED High Performance headlamps, which are standard for the first time, and the LED rear lights. The new paint colours hyper blue (exclusive to the CLA models) and spectral blue, as well as three additional wheel-rim designs in sizes up to 19 inches, extend the choice for individualisation. As standard, the new CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake models are fitted with 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in vanadium silver or a five-double-spoke design in high-gloss black with high-sheen finish.

Exclusive interior with high-tech look, fresh colours and new trims

The highlight of the interior is the free-standing double screen. It now includes a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display as standard. Two 10.25-inch displays with a wide-screen look are optionally available. They offer a holistic high-tech experience and create an exceptionally open spatial architecture. The steering wheel of the current generation is upholstered in leather Nappa as standard. Alternatively, the multifunction sports steering wheel is available in ARTICO man made leather for the first time. The new trim elements in a dark carbon look, open-pore brown lime wood or brown MICROCUT microfibre (AMG Line only) further enhance the interior. A heated steering wheel rim is also available in the AMG Line for the first time.

The comfort seats are also part of the new high-quality standard in the CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake. They are fitted as standard with a combination of ARTICO man-made leather and three-dimensionally embossed fabric in black. They are also optionally available in trendy sage grey. The Progressive equipment line offers three interior colours: black, macchiato beige and sage grey. In the AMG Line, the standard seat upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/microfibre MICROCUT is now also available in bahia brown. A total of five upholstery colours are available in the AMG Line: black, bahia brown, sage grey, titanium grey pearl/black and, for the first time, red pepper/black.

The fabric cover of the comfort seat consists of 100% recycled materials. In the ARTICO/MICROCUT seat cover, this proportion is 65% in the seat mirror and 85% in the bottom fabric. The use of recycled materials is an important measure on the way to CO2 neutrality. As early as the end of this decade, Mercedes-Benz aims to at least halve the CO2 emissions per passenger car in the new vehicle fleet over the entire life cycle compared to 2020. From 2039 onwards, the passenger car and van fleet aims to be CO2-neutral with offsets across the entire automotive value chain.

Significantly upgraded equipment and simplified offer logic

Mercedes-Benz has significantly upgraded the standard equipment and tailored the offer logic even more precisely to specific customer wishes. For example, the basic equipment of the two new CLA models already includes Highbeam Assist, a reversing camera and the USB package in addition to the leather steering wheel and LED front headlamps. From vehicles equipped with the Progressive trim line onwards, customers also receive the Parking Package and Mirror Package as well as the EASY-PACK tailgate for the CLA Shooting Brake.

Other functional equipment is bundled into packages based on real customer behaviour. In terms of design scopes such as colours, upholstery, trims and wheels, customers can configure vehicles as individually as possible.

Latest generation MBUX and Burmester® sound system with Dolby Atmos

The CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake feature the latest generation of MBUX - with newly designed display styles: "Classic" provides all relevant driver information, "Sporty" impresses with the dynamic rev counter and "Discreet" is limited to the most essential items. Together with the three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service) and seven colour worlds, the instrument cluster and central display can be individualised according to the driver's wishes and the situation. The central display offers all previous functions such as navigation, media, phone, vehicle, etc. and can be operated conveniently as a touchscreen.

The revised telematics system impresses with a new design and improved performance. A new feature is connectivity with smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Wireless. For further connectivity, the CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake have an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging capacity. All USB ports are now illuminated.

With the activation of online services in the Mercedes me app, the Hey Mercedes voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. Certain actions can also be triggered without saying "Hey Mercedes". The MBUX voice assistant can also explain vehicle functions. Initially available in Germany, the new audio travel guide "Tourguide" adds an exciting feature to travel information as part of the "MBUX Voice Assistant" from Mercedes me. When the "Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide" voice command is given, the MBUX infotainment system reads out interesting facts about places of interest along the route. The system responds to the approximately 3,400 brown informational signs along the German motorways.

In conjunction with the latest MBUX generation, the optional Burmester® surround sound system now features the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience. It gives music more space, clarity and depth. Dolby Atmos allows discrete audio elements or objects to be placed in a three-dimensional sound field and adapted to any playback environment.

The new CLA models also improve in terms of safety assistance. With the upgraded Driver Assistance Package, for example, Lane Keeping Assist is controlled much more comfortably by the active steering control. The next generation of the Parking Package supports longitudinal parking and offers 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking using 3D images.

Electrified and powerful drives

The petrol engines are electrified throughout and include four-cylinder units with a 7- or 8-speed DCT automatic transmission as standard. As mild hybrids, the engines are equipped with an additional 48-volt on-board power supply that supports agility at start-up with 10 kW more power. The new belt-driven starter-generator noticeably improves customer comfort and experience. For example, it enables low-vibration and low-noise engine starting as well as coasting with the combustion engine switched off. During braking and acceleration, the starter-generator recuperates and thus supplies the 12-volt on-board network and the 48-volt battery with electrical energy. This can support the combustion engine during acceleration. The new ECO Score 3.0 motivates drivers to adopt fuel-saving behaviour through a differentiated evaluation of the various driving phases.

More power for plug-in hybrids

Another big step is taken by the new CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake models with plug-in hybrid drive. The improved high-voltage battery offers a higher usable energy content, resulting in greater electric range. The power of the electric motor has increased by 5 kW and now reaches a powertrain output of 80 kW. For charging, three options are still available: in addition to the 3.7 kW standard, the battery can now also be charged with alternating current and up to 11 kW instead of the previous 7.4 kW. The new CLA models also continue to offer the option of charging the battery with direct current, and up to 22 kW. A DC charge from 10% to 80% takes around 25 minutes, providing a versatile charging experience suitable for everyday use.