Mercedes-Benz Cla CLA 35 Premium Plus 4Matic 4dr Tip Auto

  • Automatic
  • Petrol
  • 33.2 mpg
  • 4 door coupe
  • 192 g/km CO2
  • 192 g/km CO2 emissions
  • 33.2 mpg Fuel efficiency
  • 4.9 secs 0 to 62 mph
  • 306 bhp Engine power

Ten Second Review

The entry-level Mercedes-AMG 35 drivetrain gets more striking packaging with this CLA version, offered as a four-door Coupe or a Shooting Brake estate. It's gained mild hybrid tech in recent times, but the package here is otherwise familiar, with pricey style and speed in equal measure.

Background

So, how would you like your Mercedes-AMG 35? In A 35 hatch form? As a GLA 35 crossover? Or perhaps with the bodywork of this prettier CLA model, which comes as either a four-door 'Coupe' or a 'Shooting Brake' estate? In terms of pavement presence, the CLA models win hands-down. Which is significant because the AMG 35 package needs a unique selling point to justify ambitious pricing which puts it up against significantly more powerful hot hatches and SUVs. That '35' package was upgraded in 2022 with the addition of the brand's mild hybrid tech, but otherwise not too much has changed on this CLA 35 4MATIC since it first arrived in 2019, the more accessible stablemate to the wild CLA 45 4MATIC+ model. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

You'd hope this CLA 35 would drive pretty much like the A 35 hot hatch model and by and large, it does. The four cylinder 2.0-litre engine borrowed from the A 35 has the same performance stats with this updated CLA 35 model - 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. This has now been embellished with a 48V mild hybrid module which adds 13bhp to the powertrain at low revs and also energises the start stop system. The 62mph from rest sprint takes 4.9s en route to 155mph. And there's a 4MATIC 4WD system that allows up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle. But you don't get the torque vectoring rear differential of the faster CLA 45, or that car's wild 'drift mode'. There's an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G 8-speed paddle shift auto transmission and buyers get much the same 'Dynamic Select' driving modes system as you'd find the AMG GT sports car, with 'comfort', 'sport', 'sport+' and 'individual' settings. There's quick, precise steering. And with top 'Premium Plus' trim you get adaptive damping, though you won't want to engage the stiffer 'sport+' mode very often because it makes the already rather over-firm ride firmer still. There's quite a bit of road noise, but what might sell you this car to you is its fruity exhaust note complete with parps and crackles. Through the turns, there's lots of grip but not much of a feeling of hot hatch-style engagement.

Design and Build

The AMG designers here have more or less kept the basic CLA shape, though with wide wheel arches and a slim sporty waistline. The two powerdomes on the bonnet are also adopted as sporty details. The radiator grille has classic twin louvres and the AMG Line front apron features flics on the air inlets, plus there are silver chrome louvres in the outer air inlets. From a side view, the aerodynamically optimised 19-inch light-alloy wheels catch the eye. The rear view is dominated by a rear apron with a potent diffuser insert, plus there's a small spoiler lip on the boot and two round tailpipe trims. Inside, there are AMG sports seats and pedals, a bespoke AMG steering wheel and the expected big twin screens of the MBUX multimedia system and the Widescreen Cockpit instrument display. The driver can choose between the three AMG display styles "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport" for the instrument cluster. The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter. The centre touchscreen multimedia display also emphasises the dynamic character with individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the driving programs, AMG TRACK PACE and telemetry data. The AMG-specific centre console in piano lacquer finish with standard touchpad has additional buttons that control the functions ESP, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping System. In the rear, two adults will just about fit. Out back, there's a 460-litre boot, but if that's not enough, talk to your dealer about the CLA-Class Shooting Brake estate variant. Here, there's a 505-litre boot.

Market and Model

The CLA 35 4MATIC prices from around £50,000 in four-door Coupe form - that's in base 'Premium' form; there's a plusher 'Premium Plus' variant available for just over £54,000. Add on an extra £1,500 or so to both figures if you want the alternative 'Shooting Brake' estate version. Either way, though very pricey in segment terms, it's much more accessible than the faster CLA 45 model (which costs over £68,000). Both '35' versions have 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG sports exhaust system and LED high performance headlamps. Plus 64-colour ambient lighting, an AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather and an MBUX augmented reality navigation system. To this tally, Mercedes also adds black leather upholstery, AMG-branded floor mats, sports seats and illuminated AMG door sills. There's also the brand's advanced sound system with 225-watts. Stretch to 'Premium Plus' trim and you get an AMG Aerodynamic Package, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled damping, a panoramic sunroof and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with the brand's 'adaptive high beam assist plus' system. In addition, the 19-inch wheels are of a more eye-catching 5-twin-spoke design and are finished in painted matt black with a high sheen rim flange. There's also a seat memory package, an exit warning function and traffic sign assist.

Cost of Ownership

The CLA 35 Coupe manages up to 32.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and between 190 to 192g/km of CO2; or 32.8mpg and 194-195g/km if you go for the Shooting Brake version. These figures don't seem to have been very noticeably improved by the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system to this revised model's 2.0-litre AMG-tuned four cylinder turbo engine. The electrified bit comprises of a belt-driven starter generator (RSG) and an additional 48 volt on-board power supply. The second-generation RSG set-up functions as a mild hybrid and in addition to a temporary power boost of 14PS under mid-range acceleration, it permits such functions as coasting and recuperation for supposedly greater efficiency. The 48 volt technology is also supposed to improve comfort, with the transitions of the start/stop and coasting function barely noticeable.  The CLA 35's 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving mode system doesn't feature a frugal 'Eco' setting but if you keep this car in its 'Comfort' mode, the auto gearbox will upshift itself earlier to promote frugality. Service intervals for this CLA 35 will depend on how far you drive and under what conditions - but Mercedes does offer 'ServiceCare', which allows you to spread your bills into manageable payments, guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to four services, and covers the cost of recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. Another thing we'll need to tell you is that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. Insurance is group 37E. And the BiK tax rating is 37%.

Summary

The '35' powertrain package is the entry point to the entire Mercedes-AMG range and were we to be choosing it, we'd be most tempted by this CLA version. It doesn't cost much more than the equivalent A 35 hatch but feels a much more desirably premium bit of kit. Instead of your boss and/or your friends looking disapprovingly at a bespoilered hot hatch in the car park and dismissing you as someone in a mid-life crisis, you'll be more likely to be thought on-trend or aspirational. If that matters. If it does, then this CLA 35 will probably appeal hugely. If it doesn't, you'll look at what's being asked for this car and probably choose something else that's cheaper, faster and more involving. But will such an alternative have the same lasting appeal? That's a question you'll have to answer.

  • Car wash mode
  • ECO start/stop function
  • DAB digital radio tuner
  • MBUX multimedia system
  • Mercedes Benz advanced sound system (225 W) with 10 speakers, 1 central speaker, speakers on doors, a tweeter on door,one sub woofer + boost amplifier
  • Pre installation for Mercedes Benz Link
  • USB (type C) ports (2) in stowage compartment and 1 in front of centre console
  • AMG emblem on the front instead of the "Mercedes-Benz" laurel wreath badge
  • AMG Front apron with flics as air deflector elements on the outer air intakes
  • AMG illuminated door sills with AMG lettering and with exchangeable cover
  • AMG Rear apron with specific diffuser look with four vertical fins and two round chrome plated tailpipe trim elements with a diameter of 90 mm
  • AMG Sports exhaust system with two round tailpipes measuring 90 mm in diameter attached in rear apron, AMG lettering plus ribbing on the inside of the
  • Body colour bumpers
  • Body colour door handles
  • Electric panoramic sunroof with automatic tilt and convenience closing fuinctions, rain sensor auto closing and electronic roller sunblind
  • Front splitter and trim elements on the louvres in the outer air inlets in silver chrome
  • Front wings with TURBO 4MATIC lettering
  • Hand free access
  • High gloss beltline strips
  • Rear boot
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Rear wheel arch extensions AMG wheels
  • AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather
  • Black roof lining
  • Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs
  • Fluorescent jacket
  • Front centre armrest with stowage
  • Luggage net on driver/front passenger seat backrest
  • Manually height and reach adjustable steering column
  • Rear armrest with two integral cup holders for drinks
  • Silver coloured aluminium gear shift paddles on steering wheel
  • Stowage compartment in centre console with retractable cover
  • Twin front cupholders
  • Aerodynamics pack - CLA
  • AMG Night package - CLA 35/45
  • Keyless go comfort pack - CLA
  • Light and sight pack - CLA
  • Mirror pack with Self dimming rear view mirror - CLA
  • Seat comfort pack - CLA
  • Active bonnet pedestrain safety measure which detects an impact and raises bonnet by 65mm
  • Black seat belts
  • Childproof locks manually operated for rear doors and electrically operated for rear power windows
  • Crash responsive emergency lighting
  • Driver and front passenger head and sidebags
  • Driver and front passenger windowbags
  • Drivers knee airbag
  • Dual stage driver and front passenger airbags
  • Exit warning
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminder
  • Front passenger seat occupancy sensor
  • Three point rear seat belts
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Alarm system with immobiliser and interior protection -Thatcham category 1
  • Guard 360 deg vehicle protection - tow away protection with visual, acoustic warning, interior monitoring, preinstallation for parking damage
  • Remote central locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function
  • CO: 0.128
  • HC: 0.008
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Noise Level dB(A): 69
  • NOx: 0.01
  • Particles: 0.0007
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 192
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • CC: 1991
  • Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 13.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 8.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 37.2
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 38.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 21.6
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 32.1
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Badge Power: 306
  • Based On ID: N
  • Coin Description: 4 MATIC
  • Coin Series: Premium Plus
  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E
  • Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 91
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 75
  • Safety Concerns: False
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • Service Interval Mileage: 12500
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.9
  • Engine Power - BHP: 306
  • Engine Power - KW: 225
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • Engine Power - RPM: 6100
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8
  • Engine Torque - NM: 400
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 2500
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2
  • Alloys: True
  • Space Saver: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 235/35 R19
  • Tyre Size Rear: 235/35 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: AMG 5 TWIN SPOKE
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY
  • Height: 1402
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4692
  • Wheelbase: 2729
  • Width: 1834
  • Width (including mirrors): 1999
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 51
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2155
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 460
  • Max. Loading Weight: 475
  • Max. Roof Load: 100
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1680
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6