Let’s talk about the new Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake. Yes, it’s a bit of a mouthful, but what a machine! This isn’t your average estate car, conjuring images of a sensible dad hauling the weekly groceries. No, this is a sleek, electric beauty that looks like it’s just rolled out of a sci-fi movie, ready to conquer the Autobahn with a hefty dose of style and a boot packed with innovation.
Mercedes has outdone itself with this third-generation CLA Shooting Brake. At 4.72 meters long, it’s slightly longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, but it’s the technology that truly makes this car shine. The foundation is the brand-new MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture, for the tech nerds among us), designed specifically for electric propulsion while still leaving room for hybrids. Let’s be honest: when Mercedes builds something, they don’t do it by halves. This platform is so versatile it’ll soon underpin the new GLA, GLB, and even a compact G-Class. But for now, let’s focus on the Shooting Brake, because it’s got a few tricks up its sleeve that you won’t soon forget.
An electric powerhouse
Let’s cut to the chase: the powertrain. The CLA Shooting Brake launches as fully electric, with two flavors: the CLA 250+ and the CLA 350 4Matic. The 250+ has a rear-axle electric motor pumping out 272 hp, while the 350 4Matic adds a front motor for a total of 354 hp. That’s enough to hit 100 km/h in 6.7 and 4.9 seconds, respectively. Both are capped at 210 km/h, but let’s be real: if you want to go faster, you’ll grab an AMG version. Oh, and for the fossil fuel diehards, a mild-hybrid petrol version is coming later.
The real gem is the range. With an 85 kWh (net) battery, the 250+ achieves up to 761 km on a single charge, and the 350 4Matic isn’t far behind at 730 km. That’s enough to zip from Brussels to Berlin without stopping, unless your bladder gives out before the battery. And when you do need to charge, the 800-volt architecture works wonders. Just 10 minutes at a fast charger (up to 320 kW) adds 300 km of range. Home charging can go up to 22 kW, so your morning coffee won’t even cool down before you’re ready to roll again.
Style with a practical twist
A Shooting Brake isn’t just any estate car. It’s a lifestyle wagon, with a roofline so elegant you almost forget it’s practical. The boot offers 455 liters, 30 liters less than the previous generation, but still plenty for a couple of golf bags or an overload of Capri Sun for the kids. Fold down the rear seats (split in three, handy!) and you’ve got 1,290 liters. And the cherry on top: a 101-liter frunk up front, perfect for your charging cable, a weekend bag, or a stash of waffles.
The design is quintessential Mercedes: sleek, modern, and with a touch of show-off. The grille is studded with 142 illuminated LED stars, because a plain grille is apparently too boring. The headlights and taillights also feature star-shaped light signatures, and a light strip connects the headlights for extra flair. The glass panoramic roof is a highlight: not only can it darken with the press of a button, but it can also light up with 158 tiny stars. Yes, you read that right: your roof becomes a starry sky. Subtle? Not really. Awesome? Absolutely.
A cockpit from the future
Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’re aboard a spaceship. The dashboard is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen, a massive digital panel with three screens: a 10.25-inch display for the driver, a central 14-inch screen, and an optional 14-inch screen for the front passenger. The latter can stream movies via Disney+ or play games via Boosteroid, but only when the car’s stationary, lest the driver gets jealous. The new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) is lightning-fast, powered by AI (thanks to Google and Microsoft), and learns your preferences. Ask it where the nearest chip shop is, and it’ll guide you while optimizing your route. Over-the-air updates ensure your car gets smarter the longer you own it.
And then there’s the steering wheel: Mercedes listened to complaints about touch-sensitive buttons and brought back physical dials for volume and cruise control. Finally, a car that gets that sometimes you just want to twist something instead of swiping. The seats are comfy, though the rear bench is a bit upright and less ideal for long trips. But with more legroom and headroom up front, plus a central airbag for extra safety, this interior is both practical and futuristic.
Why this is a game-changer
Mercedes has created a car with the CLA Shooting Brake that’s not just gorgeous but technically impressive. Efficiency is top-notch, with consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km for the 250+ and 13.2 kWh/100 km for the 350 4Matic, thanks in part to an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.21 and a clever two-speed transmission. And don’t forget the towing capacity: up to 1,800 kg, meaning you can easily haul a caravan or boat. This is a car that appeals to both lease drivers and adventurous family types.
Is it perfect? Almost. The boot is a tad smaller than you’d expect from an estate, and the rear seats could be comfier. But when you consider the blend of range, fast charging, design, and tech, this car leaves the competition – yes, even that American EV maker with a penchant for minimalism – in the dust. This isn’t a dull SUV but an elegant, practical, and above all, electric rocket that proves estate cars can still be cool.
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