If you’re in the market for a small luxury station wagon, there is quite literally just one choice. That would be the Mercedes-Benz CLA, more specifically, the Shooting Brake. It’s the only wagon among its compatriots, as the Audi A3 Sportback is a hatch, and BMW doesn’t offer a stretched 1-Series.
Well, there’s good news for small, posh wagon lovers worldwide, as the compact wagon returns for its third generation. Sure, it’s a bit of a niche model, but it’s proven popular enough for Mercedes-Benz to keep building them.
But not only is it the only car of its kind in its segment, it also boasts another first. This generation now gains the option of full electric power. That shouldn’t come as much as a surprise, though, as the sedan already has it available.
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Think of this then as a lower, longer, but more practical version of the GLA crossover. And longer, it is, as it’s over 4.7 meters from bumper to bumper. For reference, this one measures 4,723mm, while the supposedly bigger C-Class wagon is just a hair longer at 4,751mm.
Okay, so it’s not exactly compact, but you do get more cargo space in return. There’s 455 liters in its loading area, which should be good enough for a month’s worth of groceries and more. Also, the EV gets an additional 100 liters thanks to its frunk.
As for looks, it’s identical to the CLA sedan until the middle section. From there, it gets a longer roof with a rakish profile, just like all the Shooting Brake versions that came before it. It also gets a neat set of tail lights seemingly inspired by the EQ electric models. Then again, there is an EV version of this wagon.
It’s the same story on the inside. The dash from the sedan has been slapped on this wagon version which means, you guessed it, screens everywhere. At least there are some physical button left in there for basic controls. Oh, and there’s also an option for the Hyperscreen that adds yet another display for the passenger side.
Under the hood of the CLA Shooting Brake is a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with mild-hybrid assist. The output of that option is still yet to be published, but what we do have are the numbers for the EV model. It’s vailable in two states of tune, one with 268hp and 335Nm for the CLA 250+, and another with 349hp and 515Nm for the CLA 350 4Matic.
Range hovers between 672km to 792km, depending on the model chosen. The reason for its long range is Mercedes-Benz’s decision to use something else other than lithium-ion batteries. Instead, the German automaker opted for nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries which is said to be more energy dense. In other words, we’re slowly, but surely, getting closer to the magic 1,000km number for pure electric vehicles.
More photos of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake:
