Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance car division has extended its range of four-cylinder models with the new CLA35 4Matic Shooting Brake.

Sister model to the CLA35 4Matic saloon revealed at the New York motor show back in April, the new Volkswagen Golf R Estate rival receives an AMG fettled version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine used by the CLA250 Shooting Brake.

With changes to its induction and exhaust system as well the adoption of an AMG specific ECU and stiffened mounting points, the transversely mounted unit provides the CLA35 4Matic Shooting Brake with 225kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm of torque between 3000 and 4000rpm.

By comparison, the latest interation of the Golf R Estate’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine develops 228kW at 5500rpm and the same 400Nm ft of torque between 2000 and 5400rpm.    

Drive is sent through a standard seven-speed dual clutch AMG Speedshift gearbox and electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system that can vary the drive split from 100% to the front to 50% front and 50% rear depending on prevailing traction levels.

AMG claims a 0-100km/h time equal to that of the CLA35 4Matic saloon at 4.9sec and limited top speed of 250km/h along with combined cycle consumption of 7.4L/100km and combined CO2 emissions of 168g/km on the WLTP test procedure.

Underpinning the CLA35 4Matic Shooting Brake is a reworked chassis from the CLA250 Shooting Brake. It features a MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension, which can be optioned with adaptive dampers. It also uses a electro-mechanical variable ratio steering system and, as part of the various modifications undertaken by AMG, also adopts a strengthened body shell with an additional aluminum member incorporated beneath the engine to increase the new model’s torsional rigidity.

Mirroring the visual changes already incorporated on the CLA35 4Matic saloon, the CLA35 4Matic Shooting Brake receives a restyled front bumper featuring a front splitter element, larger air ducts and a revised grille. Further back, there are AMG door mirrors and more prominent sills beneath the doors. At the rear, a lip style gurney has been added the spoiler element at the top of the tailgate and there’s also a new new rear bumper with a multi-channel diffuser and twin chromed tailpipes.

The new AMG models runs on standard 18-in alloy wheels, with 19-in rims available as an option.

Inside, AMG’s latest four-cylinder model comes equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX operating system, which works in combination with standard digital instruments and an infotainment display within a common panel atop the dashboard. The instruments can be customised with different modes, including a so-called Supersport mode that introduces AMG-specific data. Further upgrades over the CLA250 Shooting Brake include front sport seats and AMG-specific trim applications.