![\"\"](\"https:\/\/autorai.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AutoRAI_Mercedes_Benz_CLA_Shooting_Brake_1-1280x720.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIts proportions underscore that same goal. With a length of 4.72 meters, a width of 1.86 meters and a height of only 1.47 meters, the CLA remains low and stretched with coupe-like lines. Notable is the nose with 142 illuminated stars. A design choice that is visually striking, especially in the dark. The headlights and taillights also feature stars. One can argue about taste, but the whole looks very modern and helped by the longer roofline, the Shooting Brake looks handsome and sporty. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Shooting Brake especially adds practical space. Luggage space is 405 liters in the sedan variant of the CLA. This volume grows to 540 liters in this Shooting Brake, and with the rear seats folded down, this expands to a whopping 1,290 liters. To that is added 101 liters of frunk, making the overall picture surprisingly spacious and practical for a car in this segment. <\/p>\n Despite its elegant and sporty appearance, the CLA is versatile. After all, it can simply tow – and a lot too. The rear-wheel-drive version (250+) can tow 1,500 kg and the all-wheel-drive version (350 4Matic) even 1,800 kg. This suddenly makes the CLA interesting for those who also want to carry a caravan or trailer. <\/p>\n The sloping roofline suggests that rear seat space is limited. Although the entrance to the back seat is a somewhat narrow passage, the space in the back seat is not too bad. You are helped in headroom by the standard panoramic roof and do not have to sit bent over in the back. Thus, taller adults can still sit reasonably well in this car, but the battery pack under the floor does prevent your legs from fully resting on the seat. <\/p>\n One notable detail is that the side window does not fully sink into the door. The front window does look elegant without a frame. <\/p>\n Up front, everything revolves around the MBUX system, which plays a central role in the onboard experience. The dashboard consists of three screens, including a separate display for the passenger. The latter can stream videos on the go, for example, which gives the whole thing a high-tech look. <\/p>\n Mercedes has further enhanced the MB.OS system with AI functionality and integration of Google services. The navigation is thus completely up to date, with automatic route planning including charging stops. What is extra special is that Mercedes-Benz developed this operating system itself. Everything works quickly, sharply and intuitively, although almost every function is embedded in the screen. That takes getting used to, but suits the modern approach. <\/p>\n The finish is solid and up to par, with some plastic here and there, but nothing that detracts from the overall perception of quality. The seats offer adequate support and provide a fine seating position in the CLA, where you sit relatively low to the ground. <\/p>\n The CLA Shooting Brake is available with several electric powertrains. The CLA 250+ forms the basis of the electric offering with 200 kW (272 hp) and 335 Nm, coupled to rear-wheel drive. With this, it sprints to 100 km\/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km\/h. <\/p>\n The CLA 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and extra power. With 260 kW (354 hp) and 515 Nm, it accelerates to 100 km\/h in 5.0 seconds. Both variants use an 85.5 kWh battery pack. <\/p>\n What impresses above all is the range. On paper, the CLA 250+ achieves 766 kilometers (WLTP), while the 350 4Matic comes to 726 kilometers. Combined with consumption between 12.7 and 15.6 kWh per 100 kilometers, this shows what this car excels at – efficiency. <\/p>\n AC charging can be done with 11 kW or optional 22 kW. Thanks to the 800V architecture, the CLA can fast charge up to 320 kW. In practice, this means you can top up to about 270 kilometers of driving range in ten minutes. So at a coffee stop along the highway, the CLA is charged almost before you are. <\/p>\n Navigation plays an important role in this by automatically planning charging stops. With providers like Fastned and Ionity, you can measure 800V technology. However, you should keep in mind that not all charging stations support 800V, such as the Tesla Superchargers. So without an optional inverter, you won’t get anywhere. In addition, the CLA supports bi-directional charging. It’s just waiting for regulations in the Netherlands to allow such forms of power exchange (V2H, V2G). <\/p>\n Efficiency comes not only from aerodynamics and battery capacity. Mercedes-Benz has also made work of the powertrain. For example, the CLA features a two-stage powertrain. This shifts automatically and ensures that the electric motor always remains in its ideal operating range. At lower speeds it drives in first gear, at higher speeds it shifts smoothly. That is around 70 – 80 km\/h in Comfort mode, in Sport mode it is 110 km\/h. <\/p>\n The all-wheel-drive version features an additional electric motor on the front axle. Basically, that car is driven on the rear wheels. The moment you press the gas pedal deeper, the front electric motor is engaged. Using it not permanently as drive, but only when needed, also saves energy. <\/p>\n Efficiency doesn’t just mean making economical use of available power. Mercedes-Benz has made it a real study to recover power while driving as well. A comprehensive regenerative braking system offers multiple modes, including an automatic mode that takes into account the traffic around you and the environment. Based on cameras, sensors and navigation data, the CLA automatically adjusts the degree of regenerative braking, allowing you to keep up nicely with traffic while making smart use of available power. <\/p>\n On the road, the CLA feels instantly stable and balanced. The low build and drive train placement make for a pleasant weight distribution, with the battery pack low in the floor and the electric motor on the rear axle a key shareholder in the CLA Shooting Brake’s balance. <\/p>\n The car steers lightly, drives comfortably and offers sufficient dynamics without becoming overly sporty. It is exactly the kind of handling you expect from a Mercedes in this segment: relaxed, predictable and above all – got it again – efficient. The stated range of 766 km is slightly less in practice, but the CLA indicates a remaining 545 km at 86% remaining battery charge. Converted, that’s just over 630 km on a full battery – not bad! <\/p>\nPractical employability<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Space on board<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/autorai.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AutoRAI_Achterbank_MB_CLA_Shooting_Brake-1280x720.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nInterior full of technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/autorai.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AutoRAI_Mercedes_Benz_CLA_Shooting_Brake_7-1280x720.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\nDrive lines: efficiency as a common thread<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Fast and thoughtful loading<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/autorai.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AutoRAI_Mercedes_Benz_CLA_Shooting_Brake_15-1280x720.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSmart technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/autorai.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AutoRAI_Mercedes_Benz_CLA_Shooting_Brake_11-1280x720.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nHow does the CLA Shooting Brake drive?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/autorai.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AutoRAI_Mercedes_Benz_CLA_Shooting_Brake_10-1-1280x720.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nThe competition is not sitting still<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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