Two performance versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, called the AMG CLA 35 and 45, will soon debut and become part of the CLA vehicle family, as evidenced by these spy shots showing both estate/wagon vehicles during their road tests. Note that neither has much test mule camouflage on.
Both cars appear to have the same exterior trim as the CLA 35 sedan/saloon. Their rear ends are virtually identical, but the No. 45 has four tailpipes where the No. 35 only has two.
As you probably know, all Mercedes 35 and 45 series cars are AWD. However, while the 35s make do with seven-speed DCT transmissions, the 45s take advantage of 8-gear DCTs. Furthermore, they also get Drift Mode.
As for the engine options, it is official that the CLA 35 Shooting Brake ships with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 306 hp (228 kW) and 400 Nm (298 lb×ft) of torque. What its senior sibling gets remains unannounced, but a number of car media report that all 45s – this includes the estate/wagon, the A-Class hatchback, the CLA sedan/saloon, and even the GLA crossover SUV – will ship with two power options to choose from, namely 389 hp (290 kW) and 422 hp (315 kW). Please bear in mind that none of this has been confirmed officially yet.
Photos: carscoops.com