Spy Shots

Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG gets its Shooting Brake on

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We give BMW a whole lot of grief for its niche-exploiting ways. Check our report on the rumored X2 to see what we mean. But in reality, Mercedes-Benz is very nearly as guilty. The latest batch of evidence supporting the argument is this, the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake.

See, Mercedes already makes the A-Class, a five-door hatch that rides on the same platform as the CLA. It also makes the GLA, a five-door crossover. Quod erat demonstrandum, there's no reason to make a five-door hatch based on the CLA, even if it is this darn pretty. Much like we'd rather have a CLS Shooting Brake than an E-Class Wagon, the long, swooping roof does the already attractive CLA plenty of favors, particularly in AMG guise.

Outside of the longer, slinkier roofline, that AMG powertrain should remain intact, with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder dispatching around 360 horsepower to a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Past the powertrain, there are the normal AMG calling cards, including the multi-spokes wheels and aggressive body kit, complete with some noticeable vents in the front fascia. The tail hides a subtle set of quad exhausts, while the rear bumper has grown vents.

As with the larger CLS Shooting Brake, we shouldn't count on seeing the five-door CLA on US shores. What do you think about this one? Should Mercedes be selling a proper hot hatch in the US, rather than just a hot sedan, or are you happy just having a four-door CLA?

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Information

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