For those who are familiar with Mercedes’ latest releases, it gets very easy to describe how this vehicle looks: it’s a miniature CLS Shooting Brake which received CLA’s design and the same front-wheel-drive MFA platform (with AWD as an option) that underpins any current concoction of this automaker which carries “A” or “B” in its name. However, the new vehicle won’t be that cheaper compared to C-Class Estate because it believes they will attract different kinds of customers. While bigger, more conservative families tend to choose the older brother, CLA’s new variation will lure those who appreciate the combination of stylish exterior and roomy interior, but are just too tired of crossovers. This “double approach” isn’t seen at neither Audi nor BMW or Volvo.
If that arched roofline makes you think you’d have to sit with your head on your thighs, don’t worry. The Germans state it was slightly raised compared to CLA’s, which added 4 cm to headroom. Despite the 4,63-m length makes it just as nimble – and somewhat more than the 72-mm longer C-Class, the shooting brake features 495 liters of basic trunk space. “Basic” because you can put the rear bench at the steeper Cargo position and add another 100 liters, or fold them all the way in order to reach 1,354 liters. It might not have all the fancy trim options as CLS’, but it’s still large enough to carry particularly long items dedicated to leisure activities, such as hunting weapons and skis – this was the original purpose of shooting brake cars, decades ago.
As you might’ve already figured, everything else is shared with CLA and, therefore, with the rest of the “A” family. When it comes to design, trim options and equipment list, Mercedes’ latest shooting brake should offer exactly the same as the sedan from which it was derived, at least in the portion of the cabin which they share. Engines, in turn, will be up to six, depending on the country. The diesel range are actually the same CDI 2.1-liter, which outputs 134 hp and emits 101 g/km of CO2 or 175 hp and 105 g/km. Switching to gasoline, a 1.6-liter propeller is good for 120 hp and 128 g/km, or 154 hp and 130 g/km, while a 2.0-liter takes those numbers to 208 hp and 128 g/km. The sixth option, in turn, goes by the name of CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake.
This one repeats CLA’s more aggressive aerodynamic kit, along with bigger wheels, exclusive external and internal trim… and the very same powertrain: the turbocharged 2.0-liter reaches 355 hp and 161 g/km – the top speed stays limited at 155 mph, but the 0-to-100 kph acceleration goes to quite interesting 4.7 seconds. While Shooting Brake’s regular versions will go on sale only next March, you can already go for the OrangeArt limited edition. In this case, a conventional CLA 250 4Matic gets enhanced with the AMG Sports accessory package and several orange inserts: they appear in the headlights, at the lower part of both bumpers, at the cabin’s stitching, at the seats’ upholstery and even at the black-painted wheels.