The all-new electric Mercedes CLA also gets a Shooting Brake variant, just like its predecessors. Thanks to its higher roof line, it’s more practical than the CLA Coupé, without compromising too much on the model’s impressive range and charging specs. But not all of its figures are as impressive…

Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz finally took the covers off the all-new CLA, which heralds in a new electric era for the brand. Thanks to technology derived from the Vision EQXX concept car, the electric CLA offers a huge range of up to 792 kilometers, while 800 V technology means it also recharges very quickly. And now, the more practical CLA Shooting Brake has been unveiled.

Longer, wider, and taller… but smaller on the inside

Just like the previous two generations, the new Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake combines a rounded shape with a more practical rear hatch. It is no different in size compared to the four-door, measuring 4,723 mm in length, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,469 mm high. That does make it 35 mm longer, 25 mm wider, and 27 mm higher than its predecessor. The 2,790 mm wheelbase is also 61 mm longer than the previous one.

You’d think that this would create a lot of extra space for the interior and trunk, and you’d be wrong. While the front passengers enjoy a few millimeters of extra room, the rear seats have become more cramped. And the same goes for the cargo space: 455 to 1,290 liters, or 30 to 60 liters smaller than the previous-gen CLA Shooting Brake. However, the electric models do come with a 101-liter frunk.

A consolation: the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is the first model to feature a panoramic roof with an illuminated ‘starry sky’, comprising 158 LED stars embedded within the glass itself.

Still an imposing range

Of course, there’s a good reason for this compromise. The all-new Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake has to house a large 85 kWh battery. Due to the worse aerodynamics and higher weight, the range of the station wagon version has been slightly impacted, but only slightly. The CLA Shooting Brake still manages up to 761 kilometers on a full charge.

That is, if you’ve gone for the more efficient base model CLA 250+ Shooting Brake. It has a single rear-mounted electric motor, outputting 200 kW (272 hp) through a two-speed transmission. This enables both brisk acceleration (0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds), a high top speed (210 km/h), and high efficiency during highway driving.

The more powerful CLA 350 4Matic Shooting Brake has two motors, one on each axle, delivering a combined 260 kW (354 hp). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/hour in five seconds, but reaches the same top speed. Its range is limited to ‘just’ 730 km.

Both models are powered by an 85 kWh battery, which can recharge at 22 kW AC or up to 320 kW DC. A standard charging speed of 10-80% has not been specified, but Mercedes claims that you can recover up to 310 km of range in just ten minutes.

Launch in 2026, electric base model and hybrid coming later

The European market launch of the new Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology is scheduled to start in March 2026. Pricing will follow by the start of 2026.

Later, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will also be available with a smaller 58 kWh LFP battery, lowering the price of the electric model. And a (mild) hybrid is also on the cards, using a new 48 V powertrain with a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor built into the 8-speed transmission.