Mercedes AMG CLA 35 review

As a sleek four-door coupe with a serious turn of pace, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is ideal for those looking for a combination of performance and style – without sacrificing rear seats like you would have to for a ‘true’ coupe. It’s an alternative to the Audi S3 saloon, but somewhat more slick-looking.

The differences between the CLA 35 and the regular CLA are obvious as soon as you set eyes on it. There are bigger wheels and brakes, plus a chunky bodykit. Mind you, unless you go for the optional AMG exterior pack, the CLA 35’s look is relatively subdued.

Inside, there are body-hugging sports seats, metal shift paddles and a flat-bottomed steering wheel that all contribute to a suitably sporty ambience. And, as with the standard CLA, you’ll get the fantastic, futuristic dual-screen infotainment system.

The Mercedes AMG CLA 35 is hugely fast and its futuristic interior is extraordinary, but adding in hi-tech options can quickly become expensive.

In fact, most of the cool kit that you find in the CLA 35 is standard fit. You do have to pay extra to get the sportiest seats, though.

You expect punchy performance from any AMG model. With the CLA 35, this comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 306hp. Standard four-wheel drive and launch control mean this is enough to push the little four-door from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds.

Just like the far more expensive and posh AMG GT 4-Door supercar, the suspension is adjustable – you can do so via a dial on the wheel. Other hi-tech options include systems that let it automatically brake, accelerate and keep the CLA 35 in its lane, which is ideal in stressful rush-hour motorway traffic.

Don’t expect the CLA 35 to be a cheap experience, however. If you start adding options, it quickly begins to look expensive against comparable alternatives. So why not have a look at the carwow Mercedes deals to see how much you could save?