Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Review

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake will arrive in Ireland in October. Based on the recently launched CLA Coupé, the CLA Shooting Brake is pitched by Mercedes-Benz as a “sports car with load space” and offers more practicality in the stylish and sporty body of an estate car. I travelled with Mercedes-Benz Ireland to Stuttgart, Germany, to drive the all-new CLA Shooting Brake!

Styling

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is derived from the new four-door CLA Coupé and is a stylish and sporty compact estate car. It bears the new signature Mercedes-Benz ‘shark-nose’ grille at the front, flat headlamps, low-slung bonnet and diamond-finish radiator grille with central star motif, while frameless windows add to the air of exclusivity. Dimensions have been altered compared to the outgoing model – the new CLA Shooting Brake is 48 millimetres longer, 53 mm wider and 2 mm lower than before.

Interior

Inside, the new CLA Shooting Brake has the same all-new interior as the recently launched CLA Coupé. The interior is a fabulous mix of good quality material finishes, the latest technology features and glossy driver information and infotainment screens that respond to ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control commands. It’s cool and classy with characteristic turbine effect air vents and plenty of luxurious trim options including Alcantara and leather.

Practicality

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake has a little more shoulder, head and elbow room than its predecessor. The CLA Shooting Brake will seat five but the rear will be a more comfortable place for two and legroom is okay, rather than generous. However, the Shooting Brake does offer a larger and more practical boot. The boot volume stands at 505 litres, which is larger than that of the CLA Coupé. The boot opening is also significantly wider than in the previous model, making it easier to load and unload.

Engines

Mercedes-Benz Ireland has not confirmed engine options coming to Ireland but in Europe, CLA 180, 180d, 200, 200d, 220 and 220d are available so expect to see a mix of petrol and diesel engines here.

At the launch in Stuttgart, we had the opportunity to drive the CLA 220d that is powered by a new 2.0-litre diesel with 190 hp and an automatic gearbox. On our test drive, the CLA 220d was smooth and powerful with good refinement.

On the road

The CLA Coupé and CLA Shooting Brake are positioned within the new generation of compact models from Mercedes-Benz as the models with the sportiest driving characteristics. Based on the new A-Class, the CLA models have a wider track as well as a lower centre of gravity. On the road this translates to an even sportier and more fluid drive. The steering feel is sharp and alert, while minimal body roll of that sleek body makes it a pleasure to drive also!

Equipment

Mercedes-Benz are yet to confirm trim levels, pricing and equipment however expect a host of standard and optional features including ‘wellness’ comfort control that can be tailored to the mood of the customer; adaptive damping which allows the driver to switch between comfort and sports tuning; intelligent drive functions derived from the S-Class; and driver assistance systems such as active distance, steering, parking and lane change assist features.

Pricing

Pricing has yet to be confirmed for Ireland but expect a €1500 to €2000 premium over the CLA Coupé, which currently is on sale from €34,110.

Rivals

The CLA Shooting Brake is quite unique in the market as a premium, compact estate car with no direct rival. However, buyers looking for a stylish estate car might also find themselves looking at the larger Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz’ own C-Class estate.

Summary

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake sees a rake of improvements across the board, bearing all the latest hallmarks of Mercedes’ stylish range of compact models. The interior is much improved in terms of design and technology, while the Shooting Brake provides buyers with an enviable sporty silhouette and more practical boot. On the road the CLA Shooting Brake is fun to drive. Designed to appeal to a younger generation, the CLA Shooting Brake carries a premium but is a highly desirable car!

Caroline Kidd