Mercedes-Benz Worldwide

Menu
  • News
  • A-Class
  • B-Class
  • C-Class
  • E-Class
  • S-Class
  • G-Class
  • V-Class
  • X-Class
  • T-Class
  • CLA
  • CLE
  • CLS
  • CLK
  • GLA
  • GLB
  • GLC
  • GLE
  • GLS
  • SL
  • SLC
  • Citan
  • Sprinter
  • AMG GT
  • Maybach
  • EQ
  • Unimog
  • Trucks
  • F1
  • Concept Car

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 review & test drive

Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG 28/01/2020 No Comments
Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG
Click to rate this post
[Total: 1 Average: 5]

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is biggest problem is its A 35 Saloon relative. The two feel much the same to drive and have the same great engine, but the A 35 is cheaper and is a little more practical despite its marginally smaller boot. As with so many premium four-door coupes, the appeal of the CLA 35 Coupe over its more flexible siblings lies almost exclusively in its swoopier styling.
 

The Mercedes CLA rounds off the wider A-Class line-up as a stylish four-door coupe or Shooting Brake estate that takes more than a little inspiration from the larger CLS.
 

The fact that the A-Class Saloon exists at the same time as the CLA is testament to Mercedes’ fondness for niche-filling – as is the fact that both can be had in AMG-fettled 35 and 45 versions. These two performance-orientated models cross over on remit and even share rivals in the market; only the forthcoming BMW M235i Gran Coupe will square-up to the CLA 35 directly, while the Shooting Brake version stands in a class of one.
 

The CLA 35 is more expensive and slightly better-equipped as standard than its A 35 counterpart but mechanical differences are marginal; the pair share identical engines, gearboxes, four-wheel drive systems and wheelbases, but the CLA is ever-so-slightly longer and boasts a wider track that, according to Mercedes, makes it sharper to drive.
 

Driving both back-to-back, these small differences are very hard to detect. A bigger change is clear on our top-flight Premium Plus test car, however; its adaptive suspension is a much better match for the CLA’s character, offering a smoother and more controlled ride than the standard passive system, even in its stiffest setting. The system helps to tame some road noise too, eliminating some of the standard set-up’s excessive tyre roar.
 

It’s a must-pick option regardless of which 35 you choose but only comes as part of the £6,000 Premium Plus pack; spec the Saloon and CLA version like this and there’s a £1,355 difference in total price between them.
 

In use the 306bhp 2.0-litre engine is just as effective as in other applications – the CLA 35 feels hugely quick in everyday driving. Light, accurate steering gives just enough feedback to keep the driver engaged and the four-wheel drive system is flattering rather than intrusive. The highly strung four-cylinder’s jarring clatter at idle and low speeds is not very becoming of a Mercedes, however.
 

Elsewhere, entry-level CLA 35 buyers benefit from a small amount of extra equipment. Where the A 35 Saloon opposite gets two seven-inch infotainment screens as standard, the CLA 35 replaces the central media screen with a 10.25-inch item; other differences include the CLA’s standard, more comfortable fixed-headrest sports seats and a set of stainless steel pedals. You’ll still need to climb the trim levels to get all the best equipment.
 

That dramatic roofline lends a look that’s certain to sell but the trade-off is reduced headroom and hampered access to the rear seats thanks to a low, thick C-pillar – a potential problem for those regularly fitting child seats.

Share this ↓

Related posts :

  1. New Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and 45 Get Fresh Aero Parts
  2. 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 And CLA 35 Getting New Panamericana Grille
  3. 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Review Test Drive
Prev Article
Next Article

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Google Translate

Recent Posts

  • 2024 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Special Version Gets Transformed Via CGI
  • Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Mariani With Mindblowing 725-HP
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe W111 The Timeless Beauty
  • Mercedes C-Class W205 Which Version Is More Reliable?
  • 2024 Mercedes E-Class Available In Nine Versions From 61,999 Euro
  • Sauber-Mercedes C9 Accelerations Twin-Turbo V8 Sound
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision HFC Design Projects Fuel Cell Muscle Car Illusions
  • 2024 Mercedes EQC Might Not Be Badged As An EQ Anymore
  • Mercedes-AMG G 63 MANSORY Grande Entrée Up To 1,000 Nm
  • 2024 Mercedes G-Class Facelift Tremendous Reduction In Fuel Consumption
  • Mercedes-Benz 280 S From King Of Sweden Up For Sale
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ultimate Luxury Stealth Camper Van Conversion
  • Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe Silently Cruising In Traffic
  • 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 SUV Interior Review
  • 2024 Mercedes CLA Will Come With A Choice Of Electric Or Combustion Powertrains
  • 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe E With The Soul Of C
  • Mercedes-AMG SL 65 Black Series Is Peak AMG Madness
  • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV Still A Star Contender
  • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV Style & Supersized
  • 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Power & Prestige

Categories

  • A-Class
  • AMG GT
  • B-Class
  • C-Class
  • Citan
  • CLA
  • CLE
  • CLK
  • CLS
  • Concept Car
  • E-Class
  • EQ
  • F1
  • G-Class
  • GLA
  • GLB
  • GLC
  • GLE
  • GLS
  • Maybach
  • News
  • S-Class
  • SL
  • SLC
  • Sprinter
  • T-Class
  • Trucks
  • Unimog
  • V-Class
  • X-Class

Mercedes-Benz Worldwide

Copyright © 2023 Mercedes-Benz Worldwide