The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (fuel consumption combined: 7.3-3.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 171-101 g/km) ensures maximum recreational value and also lives up to the design aspirations of the CLA. The lower overall height, the coupé-style lines, the low greenhouse and the sweep of the high beltline are the key design features of its distinctive profile. As is the gentle downward slope of the roof line, which makes for more headroom than in the four-door coupé.

Like its big brother, the CLS Shooting Brake, the CLA Shooting Brake is targeted at active customers who are looking outside of the mainstream for a car of unique design that impresses with a high utility value. The elegantly long drawn-out Shooting Brake tail end, in conjunction with the variability that this offers, guarantees exceptional recreational value without compromising on the CLA's aspiration to represent design at its best. At the same time, headroom in the rear is significantly greater than in the four-door CLA. At 94.7 cm, the effective headroom in the rear is 4 cm higher than it is in the companion model. Access to the second row of seats is also much easier.

Spaciousness is one of the strengths of the Shooting Brake. The load compartment offers a capacity that ranges from 495 to 1354 litres (when loaded up to the upper edge of the rear seat backrests or loaded to the roof with the rear bench seat folded down, respectively). If the rear seats are moved into the more steeply raked "cargo" position, the load capacity increases to 595 litres while still leaving space for five occupants.

The width of the luggage compartment, at up to 1328 mm, is leading in this segment. Clever little details, including the magnetic catch on the through-loading flap in the rear-seat backrest for long items, such as skis, are further typical examples of this carefully thought-out concept.

Options such as the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate or the Load Compartment package help to enhance convenience and variability when using the load compartment. Apart from the "cargo" positioning option for the rear-seat backrests, the Load Compartment package includes a collapsible box, a 12 V socket and an additional stowage net at the side of the load compartment. To add to the exclusive ambience, aluminium strips with anti-slip inlays are available as an option for the load compartment floor.

The CLA Shooting Brake in profile:

• Range: 12 model variants (incl. Mercedes-AMG)
• Lines: Urban, AMG Line
• Special model: WhiteArt Edition¹
• Price: from €30,273.60² (CLA 180 Shooting Brake)
• Length/width/height: 4640/1777/1435 mm
• Wheelbase: 2699 mm
• Boot capacity: 495-1354 l (according to VDA)
• Model history: Market launch 03/2015, facelift: 06/2016
• Production: Kecskemét/Hungary

The CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake is powered by the top engine variant with a displacement of 1991 cc and an output of 155 kW (211 hp) (fuel consumption combined: 6.9-6.7 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 158-154 g/km) – or in the Sport variant "engineered by AMG" 160 kW (218 hp) (fuel consumption combined: 6.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 160 g/km) – and has a peak torque of 350 Nm between 1200 and 4000 rpm. Performance is on a par with that of a sports car.

The "AMG Line" design and equipment line is included as standard for the CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC Shooting Brake. It features exclusive AMG 18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with 235/40 R 18 tyres all round and painted in black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers. These give a visual indication of the vehicle's particularly dynamic driving qualities which are characterised, amongst other features, by a special AMG-developed front axle and a chassis that has been tuned to match, including AMG speed-sensitive sports steering. With its special engine and transmission configuration as well as an adapted ESP^® set-up, the CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC Shooting Brake promises a very special driving experience, which is enhanced further by the emotion-stirring sound produced by the modified exhaust system.

Red detailing on the AMG front and rear aprons serves to further underline this model's expressive positioning. The highlighting effect is carried through into the interior with designo seat belts in red.

The data of the two test cars at a glance:

¹ In Germany: PEAK Edition

² MSRP for Germany including 19% VAT