► New Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake revealed
► Estate launches as EV first with mega range
► Hybrids to come later, EV launches in 2026
Mercedes-Benz has launched its new CLA Shooting Brake – its first electric estate – to accompany its baby CLA saloon. The small estate is the second car to launch on Merc’s new MMA platform, with new SUVs to come.
As well as promising more usable space inside than the saloon, Mercedes says the new CLA Shooting Brake is capable of massive range figures for the EQ Technology-branded electric version that launches first. Like the CLA saloon, the Shooting Brake will also benefit from new hybrid engines that will launch at a later date.
Little has changed beyond the body style morphing, with the new CLA Shooting Brake still featuring the CLA’s rather grumpy face and three-pointed star details in the lights, as well as a chintzy light-up grille. The biggest focus, design-wise, for the new Shooting Brake is its stretched rear end that allows for a larger boot – one that’s 50 litres bigger than the CLA saloon. On top of that, Mercedes claims you can use the 101-litre frunk and incorporated roof rails to boost how much you can carry.
All of the tech beneath the bodywork is the same as the CLA saloon, including that new Mercedes Modular Architecture platform. Two variants will arrive at launch: the CLA 250+ and 350 4Matic. Both use an 85kWh battery pack and can be charged at up to 320kW on DC charging (although will be incompatible with many 400-volt DC chargers in the UK, annoyingly).
The 250+ version uses a single 268bhp e-motor, sprinting to 62mph in 6.8 seconds and topping out at 130mph. Mercedes claims a 473-mile max e-range via WLTP testing. Choose the pokier 350 4Matic version and you’ll benefit from two e-motors generating 349bhp, good for a 5.0sec 0-62mph sprint and a slightly smaller claimed max range of 454 miles. Not bothered by an EV? Like the CLA saloon, you’ll be able to choose from a non-plug-in hybrid model at a later date.
Just like the CLA saloon, the Shooting Brake features a new version of MBUX inside that massively improves the amount of connectivity on offer, with Mercedes including features like an AI assistant and a much more expanded app store.
The new CLA Shooting Brake launches in March 2026.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
