Balancing Style and Practicality

As the "A" in its name indicates, this model is part of the A-Class family, meaning it uses Mercedes' only front-wheel-drive platform. It is the fifth variation to use this FWD platform, a development long rumored.

The "CLA" in its name strongly suggests a connection to the four-door coupe "CLA-Class," and indeed, there are many commonalities in terms of body design and dimensions. The design itself is one such aspect, utilizing techniques honed with the "CLS" and "CLS Shooting Brake" already on the market, based on the CLA. While "station wagon" might first bring to mind practicality, the stylish form successfully expresses a coupe-like wagon, earning it high marks.

The body dimensions are 4,630mm in length, 1,777mm in width, and 1,435mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,699mm. Compared to the four-door coupe "CLA" in its home market specifications, the length, width, and wheelbase are identical, with only the height of the "CLA Shooting Brake" being 2mm greater.

The large rear tailgate opens from bumper level, making it seem easy to load and unload luggage into the cargo area. The distinctive line, which flows from the roof to the rear and converges at the D-pillar—arguably the CLA Shooting Brake's most defining feature—is a design inherited from the earlier CLS Shooting Brake. The taillights share a design similar to the CLA, mirroring the relationship between the CLS and CLS Shooting Brake.

However, such coupe-like styling isn't solely for aesthetic appeal. In fact, the drag coefficient (Cd) is announced as 0.26, a figure that significantly contributes to fuel efficiency. This demonstrates Mercedes' characteristic design, which supports performance and numerical values by delivering functional (aerodynamic) benefits.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

The fifth model in the A-Class family

Introducing the CLA Shooting Brake (2)

The Advantages of a Wagon Body

The interior is identical to the CLA. Cabin space is also the same, but crucially, rear headroom offers more room than the CLA because the rear window has been moved to the end after the D-pillar. According to Mercedes' announcement, headroom is 40mm more generous compared to the CLA. While not often emphasized, an improvement in rear-seat comfort is a key benefit of station wagons, and this figure certainly supports that claim.

In reality, the sense of spaciousness in the rear seats of a station wagon is created by the increased distance between the rear seats and the rear window. Compared to sedans and coupes where the glass area is positioned directly behind the passenger's head, station wagons with their significantly set-back rear windows feel comparatively less constricting.

Another advantage worth mentioning is the improved ingress and egress, generally better than sedans due to the larger door opening. Those who frequently use the rear seats will likely benefit more from this. However, the downside is that the bulkhead between the rear seats and the trunk space, a standard feature in sedans, is effectively absent, which undeniably impacts quietness and vibration levels.

The cargo space, created by extending the roof and adding the D-pillar, offers a capacity of 495 liters for normal use. When fully loaded, this expands to 1,354 liters. If you need to carry more luggage even with five occupants, angling the rear seatbacks forward to the "Cargo" position increases the capacity by 100 liters to 595 liters.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

The fifth model in the A-Class family

Introducing the CLA Shooting Brake (3)

A Special Edition Model with Striking Orange Accents

In the European market, the powertrain options include two diesel engines and three gasoline engines. The diesel engines are a 2.2-liter "CLA 200 CDI" producing 100 kW (136 hp) and a "CLA 220 CDI" producing 130 kW (177 hp). The gasoline engines are a 1.6-liter "CLA 180" with 90 kW (122 hp), a "CLA 200" with 115 kW (156 hp), and a 2-liter "CLA 250" generating 155 kW (211 hp). The CLA 250 is also available with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. All models are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 7G-DCT.

Furthermore, a higher-performance "CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake" equipped with a 2-liter turbo engine is also offered. Similar to the "A 45 AMG," "CLA 45 AMG," and "GLA 45 AMG," this model delivers a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp). It is coupled with the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission. A key feature shared with previous 45 AMG series models is the "Momentary M mode," which enhances engine response and transmission shift speed, in addition to three other driving modes.

Like other 45 AMG models, it features a front bumper with large air intakes, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. The standard wheels are 8J x 18 inches with a titanium gray, five twin-spoke design, paired with 235/40R18 tires. However, 235/35R19 tires and 9J x 19-inch wheels are also available options.

Additionally, as a special edition for the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake, the "OrangeArt Edition" is available. This model features orange accents on the front grille and wheels, and the roof rails and side sill panels are finished in a sharp matte black. The interior also boasts a dynamic color scheme, primarily black with striking orange highlights. This edition is planned to be offered for the CLA 45 AMG as well, to commemorate the launch of the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake.

In Europe, deliveries for gasoline engine models, including the top-tier CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake, are scheduled to begin in March 2015. Diesel engine models will follow, with market introduction planned for September 2015.