The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake (X118), produced from 2019 to 2021, represents the high-performance variant of the CLA Shooting Brake model line. Positioned as the flagship trim, it combined the practicality of a wagon body style with the potent performance expected from the AMG division. This model was part of the X118 series, a refresh of the CLA, and aimed to deliver a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and everyday usability within the compact executive car segment. It primarily targeted enthusiasts seeking a more engaging driving experience than the standard CLA models, while still benefiting from the added space and versatility of a shooting brake.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLA |
| Generation | CLA Shooting Brake (X118) |
| Type | AMG CLA 45 (387 Hp) 4MATIC+ AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 8.7-9.1 l/100 km (27 – 25.8 US mpg, 32.5 – 31 UK mpg, 11.5 – 11 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 198-207 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 10.3-10.7 l/100 km (22.8 – 22 US mpg, 27.4 – 26.4 UK mpg, 9.7 – 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 6.9-7.1 l/100 km (34.1 – 33.1 US mpg, 40.9 – 39.8 UK mpg, 14.5 – 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 8.2-8.4 l/100 km (28.7 – 28 US mpg, 34.4 – 33.6 UK mpg, 12.2 – 11.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 188-191 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.2 kg/Hp, 239.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 297.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 387 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 194.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 480 Nm @ 4750-5000 rpm (354.03 lb.-ft. @ 4750-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 139.980 |
| Engine displacement | 1991 cm3 (121.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-scroll turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CAMTRONIC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.6 l (12.26 US qt | 10.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1615-1630 kg (3560.47 – 3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2175-2205 kg (4795.05 – 4861.19 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560-575 kg (1234.59 – 1267.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 505 l (17.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1370 l (48.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 l (13.47 US gal | 11.22 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4688 mm (184.57 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Height | 1442 mm (56.77 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2729 mm (107.44 in.) |
| Front overhang | 927 mm (36.5 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1032 mm (40.63 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 350×34 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330×22 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/40 R18; 255/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 18; 9J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake is the M139.980 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a highly sophisticated unit, notable for its cylinder head and crankshaft rotated 180 degrees, allowing for a flatter, more efficient layout for turbocharger integration. It utilizes a twin-scroll turbocharger, along with direct fuel injection and multi-port manifold injection, to deliver 387 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque between 4750 and 5000 rpm. The engine features CAMTRONIC variable valve timing and lift control for optimized performance and efficiency. The engine is paired with an 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which provides rapid and precise gear changes. This transmission is specifically tuned for performance, offering quicker shift times and a more responsive driving experience compared to the standard CLA automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake delivers a significantly more engaging driving experience than its lower-powered siblings. The combination of the potent engine and the quick-shifting DCT transmission results in a 0-60 mph time of around 3.9 seconds. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, allowing for confident acceleration even in less-than-ideal conditions. The suspension is tuned for a balance between comfort and handling, offering a firm but controlled ride. While not as overtly track-focused as some other AMG models, the CLA 45 AMG provides a sporty and dynamic driving experience suitable for both daily commutes and spirited driving on winding roads. The gear ratios are optimized for acceleration, with shorter gearing in the lower gears to maximize responsiveness.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The AMG CLA 45 Shooting Brake came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including AMG-specific styling elements (body kit, wheels, interior trim), performance seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a premium sound system. Standard interior features included leather upholstery, dual 10.25-inch digital displays (instrument cluster and infotainment system), and advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and upgraded audio systems. The interior was generally well-appointed, with a focus on sporty aesthetics and high-quality materials.
Chassis & Braking
The chassis of the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake features an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both with stabilizer bars. The braking system consists of ventilated discs all around, with larger front rotors (350×34 mm) and rear rotors (330×22 mm) compared to the standard CLA models. The AMG-tuned braking system provides strong and consistent stopping power. The car’s electronic stability program (ESP) is also specifically calibrated for performance driving, allowing for a degree of controlled oversteer.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its performance, handling, and practicality. It was often compared to other high-performance compact cars, such as the Audi S3 and the BMW M235i/M240i. While the CLA 45 AMG offered a compelling combination of features and performance, some critics noted that its ride could be firm and that its interior, while well-equipped, lacked the outright luxury of some of its rivals. Fuel economy, while respectable for a performance car, was not a strong point, with combined figures ranging from 27 to 25.8 US mpg.
Legacy
The M139 engine family, first introduced in the CLA 45 AMG, has proven to be a robust and reliable powertrain. While some early models experienced minor issues with the fuel pump, these were generally addressed under warranty. The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake remains a desirable used car, offering a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and style. Its relatively high initial price and the ongoing maintenance costs associated with a high-performance vehicle mean that it commands a premium in the used car market. The model helped solidify Mercedes-AMG’s position in the compact performance segment and paved the way for future high-performance CLA variants.
