2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake price announced

Mercedes has announced that the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake estate will start at £53,570. It completes the trio of ‘45’ badged models, along with the A 45 S hatchback and the CLA 45 S Coupe. It’s available to order now, with first deliveries expected before the end of 2019.

Under the bonnet is the same 415bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine found in the hatchback and saloon versions, with the Shooting Brake estate achieving a four second 0-62mph sprint time - the same as the CLA 45 S saloon. Its top speed is limited to 168mph.Mercedes says that there are no plans to sell the lesser powered 382bhp standard model in the UK.

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The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake gets more aggressive styling with the vertically slatted ‘Panamericana’ front grille, similar to the one on the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door, and front bumper mounted aero fins. Other changes include a more muscular bulged bonnet, 19-inch alloy wheels showing the larger AMG spec brakes and red brake calipers. The back of the car features a quad-exhaust setup, a rear diffuser and a small rear lip spoiler extension.

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It also has the same engine modifications as the other models in the range, including the same unique engine layout which helps with aerodynamics and cooling. According to Mercedes, a majority of the engine’s power is higher up the rev range, making it feel like a non-turbo engine.

Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is standard, along with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that comes with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

Six different driving modes are available with Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race. These different modes can be selected via a button on the steering wheel to adjust the dynamics of the car, including throttle response, steering weight and speed, exhaust sound and the traction control settings.

As part of the standard AMG Dynamic Plus package, a Drift mode function can be used when in ‘Race’ mode. Similar to the system found in the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, it allows the driver to slide the car in a controlled drift when on a racetrack.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake also gets AMG-tuned sports suspension to improve the car’s handling. AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension is available as an option, adding three suspension modes ranging from normal to sport. It also gets bigger AMG-spec brakes.

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Inside is Mercedes’ latest ‘MBUX’ twin-widescreen infotainment system featuring AMG specific displays that are unique to the ‘45’ models. The interior is trimmed in nappa leather and fabric, with contrasting yellow accents and stitching. An AMG performance steering wheel is standard with galvanized gearshift paddles, yellow stitching and a matching yellow 12 o’clock marker.

Read our guide to the best driver’s cars you can buy, or why not check out the recently revealed Mercedes-AMG A45.