Mercedes-Benz has officially brought the estate car into the electric age. The all-new CLA Shooting Brake isn’t just a natural successor to a popular model, it’s the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz in this category. Sleek, intelligent, and versatile, this new-generation Shooting Brake takes the established coupe-meets-estate formula and propels it into the future. From its illuminated panoramic roof to its cutting-edge drivetrain, this is Mercedes-Benz pushing boundaries, not just iterating.
Design That Speaks for Itself
Visually, the CLA Shooting Brake shares much of its DNA with the CLA Saloon up to the B-pillar. But what follows is uniquely estate: a stretched, sloping roofline, increased cargo capacity, and a striking rear treatment. The shark-nose front grille with 142 illuminated LED stars isn’t just a statement, it’s the face of the brand’s new design language.
Move to the rear, and the large, single-piece glass panoramic roof flows seamlessly into the tailgate. The floating-effect spoiler, two-tone by design, offers an understated elegance. And if you're still in doubt about where this car sits visually, the illuminated starry sky embedded in the glass roof featuring 158 ambient-lit stars puts that to rest. It’s futuristic but refined.
Spacious, Practical, and Ready for the Real World
The Shooting Brake stretches slightly longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor. The gains in space are felt everywhere, more headroom front and back, improved legroom, and more comfortable access to the rear. Boot capacity sits at 455 litres, expandable to 1,290 litres with the seats down. That’s before you factor in the 101-litre frunk under the bonnet.
You’ll find roof rails standard, a powered EASY‑PACK tailgate for hands-free loading, and up to 1,800 kg of towing capacity. It’s a car that knows the brief family life, gear, bikes, weekends away and nails it.
Real Range, Real Charging, Real Use
Mercedes-Benz claims a WLTP range of up to 761 km for the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake, which puts it firmly at the front of the pack. But more impressive is its charging capability. Thanks to 800-volt architecture and the latest lithium-ion tech, the car can take on 310 km of range in just 10 minutes via DC fast charging. That’s Geneva to Milan, or Berlin to Hamburg, covered while you’re grabbing a coffee.
The CLA 350 4MATIC version adds a second motor and all-wheel drive, offering more power, more grip, and a 0-100 km/h time of just 5 seconds. But even in its 250+ guise, the CLA hits 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, swift enough for most real-world scenarios.
A Cabin That Redefines Luxury Tech
Inside, the CLA Shooting Brake showcases what modern interiors should feel like. The MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dashboard, powered by real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. Optional triple screens, including a 14-inch passenger display, turn this into a tech lounge on wheels.
Gaming via Boosteroid? Streaming Disney+ in the front passenger seat? It’s all on offer. But this isn't style over substance. The layout is clean, light, and deeply ergonomic. New roller and rocker switches return to the multifunction steering wheel, combining modern tech with tactile usability.
A new digital assistant, based on ChatGPT and Google Gemini, brings contextual intelligence into the cabin. It remembers previous conversations, senses emotion, and offers proactive support, all visualised via an animated Mercedes-Benz star on the centre screen.
Driving Dynamics Built for the Electric Age
Under the skin, the CLA Shooting Brake benefits from a newly developed drivetrain. A two-speed gearbox helps deliver torque and acceleration when you want it, while maximising range at cruising speeds. Mercedes' new “one-box” braking system optimises energy recuperation up to 200 kW meaning most braking is done without even touching the discs.
The 85 kWh battery uses silicon-oxide blended anodes, improving energy density and reducing charge times. Fast DC charging peaks at 320 kW. AC home charging supports up to 22 kW. Whether you’re on a road trip or just doing the school run, this drivetrain handles it with quiet confidence.
Built to Adapt: From Electric to Hybrid
While the fully electric models headline the launch, Mercedes-Benz is also preparing to roll out 48-volt mild hybrids with an integrated electric motor and dual-clutch transmission. These hybrids will allow limited electric-only driving in urban settings, along with regenerative braking in all eight gears.
It’s a nod to the brand’s global customer base: different markets, different needs, one consistent approach to electrified performance.
Conclusion: Not Just a Car, a Marker in Time
The CLA Shooting Brake isn’t just a refresh. It’s a clear signal from Mercedes-Benz about where the brand is heading. Combining practicality, flair, real-world electric performance, and bleeding-edge tech, it redefines what we should expect from an estate in the electric era.
For those who want space without compromise, innovation without showboating, and performance without guilt, this car answers every call.
The Shooting Brake is back, and it’s electric.
