This is the EQ-equipped Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake. Although it sounds like the title of a startup’s business plan, this is a real vehicle that might potentially become the least expensive electric waggon offered by Mercedes-Benz.
The German carmaker’s entry-level family hauler, which shares the same architecture as the CLA sedan, has more features than its predecessor. However, since the driving range is typically a deal breaker for first-time EV customers, let’s start there. And, at least on paper, everything is well here.
The dual-motor CLA 300 Shooting Brake has a little shorter estimated range of 453 miles (730 km) than the standard rear-wheel drive CLA 250+ Shooting Brake, which has a WLTP-rated range of 473 miles (761 km). Despite being a few miles less than the sedan, it is more than sufficient for any situation, and stops should be swift thanks to the car’s 800-volt architecture and 320-kilowatt maximum charging output. According to Mercedes-Benz, if a strong enough DC fast charger is being used, a 10-minute charging session should yield 186 miles (300 km) of range.
A nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack with an 85 kWh useable capacity is shared by both variants. Up to 22 kW can be used for AC charging.
In terms of power, the rear-wheel-drive version of the electric CLA waggon produces 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet (335 Newton-meters) of torque. These numbers are increased to 348 horsepower and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) by the all-wheel drive CLA 300 4Matic. Because of this, the base model can run from a stop to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometres per hour) in 6.8 seconds, while the more potent model can do so in only five seconds. Both have a top speed of 130 mph (210 kph).
In terms of dimensions, the new CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology is larger than its predecessor. The new waggon is 1.3 inches (35 mm) longer, 1 inch (25 mm) broader, and 1.1 inches (27 mm) taller than the previous generation. Its dimensions are 185.9 inches (4,723 millimetres) long, 73 inches (1,855 mm) wide, and 57.8 inches (1,469 mm) high.
Intriguingly, the new CLA EV’s trunk is smaller than its predecessor’s despite its greater dimensions. Although it is 1 cubic foot (30 litres) smaller at 16 cubic feet (455 litres), the electric CLA waggon’s overall capacity is greater because of the 3.5 cu ft (101 l) front trunk. When the rear seats are upright, the waggon can carry up to 19.6 cu ft (556 l); when the rear seats are folded, the total capacity, including the frunk, is 49.1 cu ft (1,391 l). The waggon has a 2.1 cu ft (60 l) larger trunk than the CLA EV sedan.
All of the sedan’s interior features are also available in the electric waggon, such as the optional three-screen MBUX infotainment system, which has a 14-inch central display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14-inch front passenger screen. Additionally, a 12.2-inch head-up display is an option.
A big panoramic roof with heat-insulating glass and adjustable transparency levels is also available from Mercedes-Benz; it can be in either opaque or transparent states with a single button press. Not only that, but the electric CLA Shooting Brake’s panoramic roof is now lighted with 158 stars for the first time ever.
The family-friendly CLA will also come with a 48V hybrid powertrain in addition to the two all-electric models.
March 2026 will mark the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology (try saying that three times in a row). Given that the previous generation was prohibited, it is unlikely that the electric waggon will ever be seen in the United States.