New Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 revealed

Mercedes self-proclaimed 'style icon', the CLA-Class sedan, has a new hero versionL: the high-performance Mercedes-AMG CLA 35.

Unveiled ahead of its public debut at the 2019 New York motor show, the new model has been putting in the hard yakka in the gym, increasing muscle density via its 2.0-litre four-pot screamer.

Capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds thanks to it's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, the pumped-up 250km/h Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 will be available in Australia from October 2019.

Powered by the Mercedes 'M260' 2.0-litre turbo-petrol inline four-cylinder engine (225kW/400Nm), the CLA 35 will join the A 35 hatch and A 35 sedan models coming to Australia, the former launching in August, the latter in showrooms around October this year.

There will also be the full-strength hard core A 45 and CLA 45 models coming in 2020.

It's understood the new A-Class sedan will not get the face-melting AMG 45 treatment, whose claim to fame is a development of the 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine, generating what could be a jaw-dropping 300-plus kilowatts of power. The AMG 45 models will also get a new eight-speed double-clutch transmission and a top speed of about 300km/h.

Pricing and specification for the fresh-faced Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is yet to be confirmed but don't expect much change from $80,000.

Like most AMG models sold in Australia the AMG CLA 35 is expected to get all the fruit, such as the bigger 19-inch alloy wheels, the full MBUX infotainment system with twin 10.2-inch screens (and voice activated 'Hey Mercedes' shenanigans), adaptive suspension, ambient lighting and a head-up display.

A range of driver assistance gubbins will also be available, such as adaptive cruise control, active lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) among others.

Read the new Mercedes Benz CLA-Class 2019 Review

Leather may be optional with standard upholstery on the sports seats a blend of Artico faux leather and microfibre faux suede, with red stitching and seatbelts denoting its racing attitude.

As the photos reveal, you can get the slinky Benz sedan in a 2001 Holden Monaro-like Canary yellow colour.

Visual changes over standard models include a slightly more menacing front apron with a chrome grille and silver inserts for the lateral air intakes. Sporty side skirts join the lower front end to the rear, which gains a deeper diffuser with a pair of big bore tailpipes.

There's also a small boot lid spoiler that doesn't scream 'boy-racer' like AMG's A-Class hatchbacks.

Suspension, brakes and steering have all been tweaked to deliver improved handling response.

The suspension system comprises MacPherson strut front suspension and four-links independent rear suspension with AMG Ride Control calibrations to deliver firmer, more dynamic handling characteristics.

AMG has reinforced the body of the car to increase torsional rigidity via an aluminium shear panel bolted to the underside of the engine, along with a pair of diagonal braces under the front of the car.

Together with bigger brakes, 350mm front rotors with four-piston front calipers and 330mm rear discs with single piston calipers and recalibrated steering, Mercedes-AMG reckons the new CLA 35 is ready for race track punishment.

It even comes with an optional AMG Track Pace system, which is being dubbed a 'virtual race engineer'. We're not sure it's going to hold give you pep talks about where to brake into turn four, but it will record around 80 different data sets, from speed, acceleration and braking, to lap and sector times.

AMG has fettled the exhaust system to deliver more acoustic drama, but thanks to an exhaust flap the car's battle cry can be dialed back.

Measuring 4688mm front to rear and 1830mm wide, the second-generation CLA compact sedan uses the same MFA 2 platform architecture as the new A-Class hatch and sedan, and has boot space of 460 litres.

Getting ahead of its rivals, namely the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the rumoured Audi A3 sedan (aka four-door coupe), the high-performance Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is being pitched at young, successful go-getters.

"With its iconic design and agile driving dynamics, the new CLA 35 is an attractive offer for a young, active and lifestyle-conscious target group," said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.

The rev-head boss of AMG reckons the new model delivers "…superior performance and inspiring handling characteristics" while offering a "particularly emotional way," to get the pulse-pounding AMG experience.