NY preview: 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

The CLA 35 is AMG's answer to the Audi S3.

Mercedes-AMG has introduced the 2020 CLA 35 ahead of its global debut at the 2019 New York auto show.

The CLA 35 is positioned as an Audi S3-chasing mid-range model that's warmer than the CLA 250, but not scorching hot like the upcoming, 400-plus-horsepower CLA 45. It wears a sportier design than the entry-level CLA introduced at CES 2019, though the updates are relatively discreet. Eagle-eyed car-spotters will notice it wears a model-specific body kit, and it rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The driver faces a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while a second 10.25-inch screen displays the MBUX infotainment system. The software is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. AMG also added sport seats, 64-color ambient lighting, five USB-C ports, and a triple-zone climate control system.

Under the sheet metal, the CLA 35 is identical to the A35. Power comes from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine tuned to produce 302 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. The turbo four spins the four wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and a sport-tuned version of Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Mercedes quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds, but the CLA's mission in life isn't to go in a straight line. AMG made the sedan more dynamic on a twisty road by tweaking the suspension, and adding speed-sensitive power steering. Buyers who plan on taking the CLA 35 to the track can pay extra for AMG's Track Pace app.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 will arrive in American showrooms in late 2019. Pricing information will be released closer to its on-sale date. It's not the next new Mercedes model we'll see, however. The firm will be in Shanghai on April 15 to unveil a close-to-production concept built to preview a new crossover named GLB.