Just weeks after unveiling the next-generation CLA, Mercedes-Benz has taken another bold step in redefining the premium compact segment—this time with the all-new CLA Shooting Brake. Combining sleek design with everyday practicality, it becomes the first electric estate car from the brand, showcasing the future of mobility without sacrificing luxury, utility, or performance.
Estate Practicality Meets Electric Precision
The new CLA Shooting Brake represents a carefully calibrated evolution of the iconic Shooting Brake formula. With up to 761 km of WLTP-certified electric range (CLA 250+), DC charging speeds of up to 320 kW, and a spacious 1,290-litre cargo capacity, Mercedes is pitching this model at eco-conscious drivers who want style, space, and long-distance capability.
Need to haul gear? The 101-litre illuminated frunk under the bonnet complements the main cargo area, while standard roof rails (75 kg load limit) and an optional tow bar (up to 1,800 kg braked) ensure it’s ready for surfboards, bike racks—or even a weekend escape with a jet ski in tow.
Sculpted Style with Shooting Brake DNA
Up front, the CLA Shooting Brake inherits the saloon’s dramatic shark-nose profile and signature illuminated star grille featuring 142 chrome-look LEDs. But it’s at the rear where things get distinct. The roofline gently arcs into a longer silhouette, seamlessly blending into a unique one-piece panoramic glass roof, crowned by an illuminated “starry sky” that offers rear passengers a night-time experience like no other.
Whether it’s aesthetics or aerodynamics, this car is engineered to turn heads.
Inside: Light, Space, and Digital Luxury
The cabin blends avant-garde design with next-gen tech. Mercedes’ MBUX Superscreen, powered by the Unity Game Engine, stretches across the dashboard with optional triple-screen functionality. The infotainment suite includes video streaming via Disney+, in-car gaming via Boosteroid, and the debut of an emotion-aware AI assistant built on ChatGPT-4o and Google Gemini.
Personalisation is central: the new system remembers conversations, recognises moods, and adapts navigation or entertainment based on driver behaviour. And with over-the-air updates, this digital experience evolves long after you’ve left the showroom.
Material options range from vegan ARTICO leather to sustainable wood and metal trims. New paint shades like aquamint solid and sheer blue metallic lend visual exclusivity to the Shooting Brake.
Bigger, Roomier, Better
The new CLA Shooting Brake has grown in almost every dimension:
- +35 mm longer (4,723 mm)
- +27 mm taller (1,469 mm)
- +61 mm longer wheelbase (2,790 mm)
This means more headroom and legroom, particularly in the second row (+26 mm headroom), while boot space (with rear seats up) clocks in at 455 litres, expandable to 1,290 litres when folded. Comfort and usability come standard, including EASY-PACK tailgate, hands-free access, and second-row air vents.
Performance Meets Efficiency
Two versions headline the launch:
- CLA 250+ Shooting Brake (RWD): 200 kW, 6.8 sec to 100 km/h, 761 km range
- CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake (AWD): 260 kW, 5.0 sec to 100 km/h, 730 km range
Both are powered by a new 85 kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide anodes for higher energy density. Mercedes-Benz pairs this with a two-speed transmission and a cutting-edge 800-volt architecture, slashing charging times. In just 10 minutes, you can add up to 310 km of range.
Hybrids Still Matter
While the fully electric variants take centre stage, Mercedes-Benz will also offer 48V mild hybrids with electric coasting, regenerative braking in all gears, and short-range electric driving under 20 kW. It’s a nod to global markets where full electrification isn’t yet viable.
Built on the Future: MMA Platform
The CLA Shooting Brake is one of four models riding on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA)—a flexible EV-first platform that supports both electric and hybrid powertrains. It’s a strategic move to optimise development costs and streamline production, while enabling modular scaling across different model lines, including two upcoming SUVs.
With the all-new CLA Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz has created a compelling case for those who crave emotional design, digital innovation, and real-world practicality—all wrapped in a sustainable, electric package. It’s not just a wagon, not just a luxury compact, and not just an EV. It’s all of those—and more.
The European market launch is slated for March 2026. For buyers looking to embrace the electric future without leaving lifestyle and utility behind, this may be the most well-rounded estate in its class.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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