2020 Mercedes CLA 45: AMG’s New Baby Saloon Coming With Up To 416HP, Drift Mode

Mercedes-AMG is cooking up a new CLA 45 and these spy shots, as well as new information about the model, should get you very excited.

Much like the previous-generation CLA 45, the new model will feature a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, Mercedes-AMG engineers have managed to fettle with the engine to improve performance.

Sources tell us that the new model will be sold in ‘regular’ CLA 45 guise with 383 hp while a range-topping CLA 45 S model will also be sold with 416 hp, both of them paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain options are identical to the next A 45, which is also just around the corner.

Power from the 2.0-liter turbo engine of the two CLA 45 models will continue to be sent to all four wheels thanks to the company’s 4MATIC system, which is expected to feature a special ‘Drift’ mode, just like the regular A 45 and its bigger E63 S brother. As a result, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 will be extremely quick off the line and capable of burning some rubber, the AMG way.

In terms of looks, these spy shots reveal that the new model will receive the same Panamericana front grille as other current AMG models. There will also be enlarged front air intakes as well as custom side skirts and larger wheels and tires. The rear will feature all that you’d expect from an AMG model, including a defined bumper, diffuser, and quad tailpipes. While the tailpipes of the car pictured are circular, the production model is expected to have square tips.

Those in the market for a go-fast CLA but not wanting to spend the cash on a CLA 45 or CLA 45 S will have the option of a CLA 35 model. Powering this model will be the same 302 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the A 35. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will come standard alongside a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Both the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and CLA 35 models are expected to premiere later this year, potentially at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show.