The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupé and Shooting Brake models now feature even more dynamic styling and a further upgraded interior. With a peak performance of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm they are among the most powerful vehicles in their segment.

The facelifted version of the CLA Coupé will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show (25 March to 3 April 2016), while the modified CLA Shooting Brake will be launched to the public on the occasion of the awards ceremony for the Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin on 17/18 April 2016. Both models will be available to order from April and will land in dealerships in July 2016.

Their sporty proportions and powerful, dynamic design language characterised by sensuously rounded contours make the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake quite unmistakable. In addition, the CLA Shooting Brake offers a concept that is unique in this class of vehicle: while certain styling elements, such as frameless windows, give the car the character of a coupé, it also offers the versatility and practicality of an estate car.

In undertaking the facelift modifications, the Mercedes-Benz designers have subtly honed the distinctive look of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. All models now have a diamond radiator grille in black as standard, plus a new front bumper with a silver, black or chrome trim strip. The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black (Night package) between the tailpipes. The tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper. This adds visual width to the vehicle and ensures a superior high-quality appearance thanks to even and narrow gaps where the panels join.

There is a new paintwork shade, cavansite blue metallic. The range of available wheels has also been significantly extended. There is now a choice of five 45.7 cm (18-inch) light-alloy wheels, all in all, including one in a new 5-twin-spoke design in conjunction with the AMG Line. This is available in two colours (painted black or titanium grey, with a high-sheen finish).

Both the CLA and the CLA Shooting Brake already previously included the latest generation of assistance and safety systems that are, in some cases, only now gradually being introduced in the other model series. Among these are, for example, Active Brake Assist as standard (known until now as Collision Prevention Assist Plus), which is able to trigger autonomous braking as a means of reducing the danger of rear-end collisions, as well as the transmission mode selection function Dynamic Select. With this system the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission and steering at the driver’s behest. The ambient lighting system, which can be individualised by setting any one of twelve colour moods, has been part of the specification since the start.

“Avant-garde meets Driving Performance” is the motto for the Mercedes-AMG models CLA 45 4MATIC and CLA 45 4MATIC Shooting Brake. These two cars offer a unique combination of a fascinatingly sporty driving experience, extravagant design and maximum individuality, while also benefiting from the facelift modifications. Some items that were previously options, such as the LED High Performance headlamps, now come as standard. The twin louvre in the radiator grille is finished in silver chrome.

The aerodynamics have been further improved and the Cd value reduced, all to the benefit of the driving dynamics and stability. In the case of the Coupé for example, the design of the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid is new. Further exterior features of the facelift include the AMG front apron in a new A-wing design with front splitter inserts in matt titanium grey and high-gloss black flics. The latter also help to improve the flow of cooling air. New at the rear is the design of the diffuser insert, with four vertical fins. An AMG Aerodynamics package is now available as an optional extra. This comprises a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip at the rear plus spoiler lips over the simulated air outlets on either side at the back.

Two attractive light-alloy wheels join the range: the standard specification includes 45.7 cm (18-inch) AMG 10-spoke wheels painted titanium grey or black and with a high-sheen finish, with 235/40 R 18 tyres on 8.0 J x 18 ET 48. Available as an option are 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels with 235/35 R 19 tyres on 8 J x 19 ET 48. Here, too, there are two colour variants, with matt black or titanium grey paintwork, in each case with a high-sheen rim flange.

The interior has been similarly upgraded. The instrument panel is upholstered as standard in ARTICO man-made leather, as are the beltlines. Both are given an exclusive finishing touch of red contrasting topstitching. The trim element represents a further highlight: this features a matt printed finish, although the essential structure still has a polished surface that bears the AMG logo. It is available in black/red (standard) or in black/silver (in conjunction with the Exclusive package). Also new is the optional AMG DINAMICA Cockpit package with a trim element in Dinamica and a Dinamica Performance steering wheel. The ignition key and the E-Select selector lever each bear an AMG emblem.

With a peak performance of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupé and Shooting Brake are among the most powerful vehicles in their segment, accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.2/4.3 seconds (figures for Coupé/Shooting Brake). At the same time, fuel consumption of just 6.9 litres for every 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) underlines the trailblazing standards of efficiency achieved by Mercedes-AMG.

Extensive modifications undertaken by Mercedes-AMG last September had already added to the fun at the wheel and emotive appeal of both CLA models. Along with the more powerful engine, the new features included the AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes as standard, plus the shorter gear ratios of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. A mechanical differential lock is available in conjunction with the Dynamic Plus package (optional extra).

On sale in the USA since 2013, the CLA is the first compact car to be marketed there by Mercedes-Benz. As the new entry-level model there, it has proved hugely successful, with sales of 29,643 units (2015: +8.3% vs. 2014) making the USA the single most important market for the CLA in 2015. More than four million compact cars from Mercedes-Benz have already been delivered to customers.