Mercedes-Benz has introduced the all-new CLA Shooting Brake, the second model in its new vehicle family and the brand’s first electric estate.
The car pairs the CLA’s design with increased passenger and cargo space, offering 455 to 1,290 litres of boot capacity, a 101-litre illuminated frunk and standard roof rails rated at 75kg.
Towing capacity is up to 1,800kg (braked). WLTP range is quoted at up to 761km for the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake, with a 310-kilometre recharge achievable in 10 minutes.
European sales of EQ Technology versions begin in March 2026.
Mercedes-Benz positions the model as a continuation of its Shooting Brake concept first seen on the CLS in 2012 and the compact CLA variant in 2015.
The new car mirrors the CLA Saloon up to the B-pillar, featuring a low greenhouse, a “shark-nose” front and a panel carrying 142 illuminated chrome-look LED stars.
Rear lamps echo the star motif and are linked by a light strip. A one-piece panoramic glass roof runs from windscreen frame to tail, its spoiler painted black inside and body-coloured outside to visually extend the glazing.
The panoramic roof uses laminated safety glass with infrared-reflecting and LowE coatings to curb heat gain and loss. An optional function switches the glass between clear and opaque in 10–20 milliseconds. Integrated ambient lighting can illuminate 158 embedded stars in the roof panel.
In terms of size, the car grows 35mm to 4,723mm in length and 27mm to 1,469mm in height, with a 61-millimetre longer wheelbase at 2,790mm.
Headroom increases by up to 26mm in the second row and 7mm overall at the rear, while the front gains 14mm of headroom and 11mm of legroom.
Rear access is eased by larger door apertures. Seats fold 40:20:40 as standard. An Easy-Pack powered tailgate is standard; Keyless-Go with Hands-Free Access is optional.
Trailer hitches are available, allowing 1,500kg towing on rear-wheel drive and 1,800kg on all-wheel drive versions.
Inside, the architecture matches the CLA, with a two-level centre console, floating door inserts and the MBUX Superscreen.
Upholstery spans Artico man-made leather/fabric to genuine leather in multiple colours. Trims range from anodised anthracite to brushed aluminium, carbon fibre, wood and papered finishes. New exterior paints include aquamint solid and sheer blue metallic.
A revised steering wheel restores a rocker for speed limiter and Distronic and a roller for volume.
Capacitive panels are integrated, and a larger finger pad controls the driver display. The optional MBUX Superscreen combines a 26-centimetre driver display and 35.6-centimetre central screen under one glass pane, with an optional separate 35.6-centimetre passenger screen.
Apps include Disney+, RIDEVU and Boosteroid cloud gaming; Bluetooth controllers are supported. Unity Game Engine renders real-time graphics. A 31-centimetre head-up display is optional.
This is the second model to run fully on MB.OS, linked to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud for over-the-air updates to core vehicle systems.
The fourth-generation MBUX integrates AI from Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant, built on ChatGPT4o, Microsoft Bing Search and Google Gemini, supports complex dialogues, short-term memory and emotion recognition, appearing as a “living” Mercedes star avatar.
The Zero Layer homescreen now shows recent apps and lets users group apps into folders.
Navigation is based on Google Maps data combined with vehicle inputs. Electric Intelligence plans routes with charging stops, preconditions the battery for DC fast charging and offers efficiency tips.
Two launch variants use an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery (silicon-oxide/graphite anodes) and 800-volt architecture.
The 200-kW CLA 250+ Shooting Brake (0–100kph in 6.8 seconds) and 260-kW CLA 350 4Matic Shooting Brake (range up to 730km) feature a rear PSM with a two-speed gearbox; most braking is via recuperation up to 200 kW. DC charging peaks at 320 kW; AC charging is up to 22 kW.
More battery-electric versions arrive early next year, alongside 48-volt hybrids with an integrated motor, 8F-eDCT and electric coasting to around 100 km/h; recuperation is up to 25 kW in all eight gears.
Standard kit includes the Progressive Line, LED High Performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Mirror Package, a multifunction leather sports steering wheel, Artico/fabric heated seats with 4-way lumbar support, Thermatic single-zone climate control with rear vents, selfie/video camera with face recognition, and two 100-watt USB-C ports front and rear.
The boot gains an Easy-Pack tailgate, four tie-downs, side net and 12-volt socket. Charging gear includes a five-metre 22-kW cable and MB.Charge Public access, which covers a large global network and allows reservations at Mercedes-Benz charging parks. AMG Line packages and individual options broaden customisation.
The car sits on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture, built to support four models with either electric or hybrid powertrains, aiming to cut complexity and costs through common modules.
Two SUVs will follow the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake.
“The new CLA Shooting Brake is designed for those who appreciate the dynamism of a sporty vehicle but don’t want to compromise on space and practicality in everyday life,” said Mercedes-Benz sale chief Mathias Geisen.
