The range of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is expanded with the Shooting Brake estate version

A couple of months ago, Mercedes-Benz began the commercial launch in Spain of the new CLA, a model that, until it receives the 48 V mild-hybrid system, was offered as a pure electric option with two available powertrains. The range is not yet complete, and it is now being expanded with the new CLA Shooting Brake, which, sharing the same powertrains as the coupé bodywork, becomes the first electric estate version of the German brand.

As is usually the case, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is practically identical to its coupé sibling; the differences between the two bodies only become apparent from the B-pillar onwards, with an extended roofline that drops towards the rear more gradually, ending in a spoiler painted in the same colour as the bodywork. At the rear, the main difference is the tailgate layout, which makes it easier to load cargo into the boot. Beyond that, even the light cluster and bumper are similar to the coupé.

The dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake are the same as those of the CLA coupé, but thanks to the design of its roof, the rear seats benefit from more interior space: not only for access thanks to larger doors, but also because of the 26 mm more of headroom, plus a little more legroom. The boot also gains capacity, offering 455 litres compared with the coupé’s 405 litres and, with the rear seats folded, up to 1,290 litres; not forgetting the 101 litres provided by the front boot.

From here on, the new CLA Shooting Brake is similar to the CLA coupé, equally enjoying a fairly comprehensive standard equipment list that can be upgraded with the two packs available from the German brand. As standard equipment, we can find, among others, the following items:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Animated grille panel
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14-inch infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• DAB digital radio
• Route-based speed adaptation
• Active speed limit assist
• Braking assist
• Evasive steering assist
• Manoeuvring assist
• Exit warning
• Blind Spot Assist Plus
• Reversing camera
• Distronic distance assist
• Traffic sign assist
• Automatic high beam
• Lane keeping function
• Emergency stop function
• Heat pump

Mechanically, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake will be available from launch in two fully electric versions. The entry-level version will be the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake, with an electric motor on the rear axle producing 200 kW (272 CV) and 335 Nm of torque; one step up will be the CLA 350 4Matic Shooting Brake, which adds a second motor on the front axle to deliver 260 kW (354 CV) and 515 Nm of torque distributed across all four wheels.

The battery is therefore the same new-generation lithium-ion unit, with an 85 kWh capacity, providing a range of 761 kilometres for the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake and 730 kilometres for the CLA 350 4Matic Shooting Brake, figures according to the WLTP cycle. Thanks to its 800 V architecture, the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake can add up to 310 kilometres of range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions, and both versions support DC fast charging at up to 320 kW.

To learn their prices and order availability in Spain, we will have to wait a little longer, as for now Mercedes-Benz intends for the electric CLA Shooting Brake not to reach European dealerships until March 2026.