Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 - Understated Performance
Sometimes it’s nice to have performance under the bonnet but not want the rest of the driving population to know about it - Honda Civic Type R, we’re looking at you! If you prefer to have a performance car without it being too loud, then you should take a close look at this.
It’s the latest Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. A toned-down version of the Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback in terms of appearance - there’s no high rear spoiler for example. However, underneath the sleek coupé styling, you’ll find the same oily bits which means you get a rapid point-to-point car that cuts a refined stance. If you prefer something a bit more versatile, go for the handsome Shooting Brake estate version.
In terms of power, you get a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine which has a mild hybrid system. Add the two together and you get 302 bhp which equates to a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds. However, this is one of those cars where it feels quicker than the performance figure suggests because the all-wheel drive 4MATIC transmission gives you terrific grip both off the line and through corners.
One plus point I did manage to experience was that during my time with the Merc, we had the first decent snowfall of December 2023. Fat tyres with normal tread, lots of power and an automatic gearbox are generally three things you don’t want when it snows. But, it’s good to report that the car actually managed it without too much fuss. Okay, if you overdo the throttle you’ll end up with all four wheels spinning, but go steadily and you can overtake several stranded rear-wheel drive Beemers like I did. Smug driver? Oh yes.
And if you can find a clear stretch of snowy road, blip the throttle, flick out the rear end and practice a bit of drifting.
Anyway, back in the real world of what is now ankle-deep slush, the AMG CLA 35 continues to prove to be an easy car to live with. It’s surprisingly economical too bearing in mind the amount of power available - Mercedes reckons you can get around 34 mpg which seems about right.
And even though this car is aimed at the performance end of the driving scale, the ride is supple and controlled. Okay, it’ll thump over drains and ridges in the road at town speed, but once you get moving on quicker roads, everything settles nicely. It builds your confidence to be able to push on because it always feels very surefooted even when cornering hard. When you give the engine full beans and use the paddles on the steering wheel to change gear in Sport mode, you get a lovely pop and crackle from the exhaust. Yes, the car may look understated, but you can have a boatload of fun with it.
For the majority of the time, you’ll let the 8-speed DSG gearbox sort out the cogs by itself and leave the setting in Comfort mode. The car will make for excellent long distance cruising although you do get a fair amount of noise from those chunky tyres. Perhaps best to turn up the radio a bit.
Long journeys also give you time to enjoy the interior which is a work of art with subtle lighting. If you’d climbed from an S-Class into this CLA, you’d struggle to spot the difference, it’s that good and seriously classy. It has one of the best dashboards around with two screens, one for your infotainment and one for the driver’s digital readout and you can scroll through both screens by using tiny touchpads on the steering wheel. They take a bit of getting used to and you need to be precise as you can find yourself changing a radio station by accident, on occasion.
The sports seats are wonderful - powered if you go for Premium Plus trim - comfy but supportive for when you decide to chuck the car around. You could squeeze three adults into the back but headroom is a tad tight for tall-ish people due to the sloping coupé roof.
A starting price of £49,560 gets you in the AMG CLA 35, but I’d add £1570 and go for Premium Plus trim because that gives you a panoramic sunroof, those electric seats, 360-degree parking and terrific LED headlights. The AMG trim, inside and out, really makes the car look über stylish.
One of my neighbours summed up the car perfectly. She likes a premium car that’s fun to drive, and quick, but safe for her family. She owns a business where she’d rather not have a car that seriously stands out in the car park - not good to make employees too jealous, apparently - but it is something she’ll look forward to driving home in or using for attending a meeting with clients.
Bingo. It ticks all the boxes.
Words: Graham Courtney
Pictures: Mercedes
