2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: Long-Range Electric Wagon with Utility and Speed

2026 CLA Shooting Brake Sets New Efficiency Benchmark

Mercedes-Benz expands its electric portfolio with the 2026 CLA Shooting Brake, a wagon that prioritizes range, utility, and tech. It’s the first fully electric Shooting Brake in the brand's lineup and part of the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture. The CLA 250+ model leads with a WLTP range of 761 kilometers (472 miles), placing it ahead of most rivals in the premium compact EV segment.

CLA 250+: 200 kW (268 hp), 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.8 seconds
CLA 350 4MATIC: 260 kW (349 hp), 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 5.0 seconds
Charging: Up to 310 km (193 miles) in 10 minutes with 320 kW DC fast charging
Battery: 85 kWh usable, 800-volt architecture

High Usability for Daily Driving

Mercedes-Benz targets families and active-lifestyle buyers with more headroom, flexible seating, and towing capacity up to 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs). Rear passengers gain +7 mm headroom. The cargo floor expands to 1,290 liters (45.6 cu ft) with the seats folded. A 101-liter frunk adds utility.

Key Dimensions:

Spec	CLA Shooting Brake	Previous Gen	Difference
Length (mm)	4,723	4,688	+35
Height (mm)	1,469	1,442	+27
Wheelbase (mm)	2,790	2,729	+61
Max Boot Volume (L)	1,290	1,350	-60
Frunk Volume (L)	101	-	+101
Max Roof Load (kg)	75	100	-25
Max Towing (kg, AWD)	1,800	1,800	±0

Design: Familiar Face, Extended Roofline

The CLA Shooting Brake shares the CLA Sedan’s front up to the B-pillar. It features a shark-nose front, illuminated grille with 142 chrome-look LED stars, and a full-width light bar. The new panoramic glass roof switches between transparent and opaque in 20 milliseconds. At night, 158 backlit stars simulate a starry sky, creating a unique experience for rear passengers.

Interior Technology Push

The new model runs entirely on MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz’s in-house operating system. It supports over-the-air updates, AI voice control, and real-time navigation with Google Maps. Charging stops, battery temperature, and driving range are automatically managed.

MBUX Superscreen Features:

Driver Display: 10.25 inches
Central Display: 14 inches
Optional Passenger Display: 14 inches
Unity Game Engine support
Cloud gaming and streaming apps

The updated steering wheel includes tactile rollers and rockers. This improves usability and addresses customer feedback.

Charging and Powertrain Tech

The CLA Shooting Brake uses a new-generation permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) with a two-speed gearbox. First gear handles acceleration; second gear improves long-distance range. Regenerative braking handles most deceleration, improving efficiency.

Charging Specs:

DC Fast Charging: Up to 320 kW
AC Charging: Up to 22 kW
10-min DC Charge: Up to 193 miles
Battery Chemistry: Nickel-manganese-cobalt with silicon oxide-enhanced anodes

CLA 350 4MATIC vs CLA 250+: Quick Reference

Feature	CLA 250+	CLA 350 4MATIC
Power (kW)	200	260
Torque (Nm)	335	515
0–100 km/h (sec)	6.8	5.0
Top Speed (km/h)	210	210
WLTP Range (km)	761	730
DC Charge in 10 min (km)	310	300
Drive	RWD	AWD

Hybrid Variant Planned

A 48-volt mild hybrid joins the lineup in early 2026. It features an integrated e-motor, eight-speed DCT, and can coast up to 100 km/h electrically. It recuperates energy in all gears up to 25 kW.

Equipment and Trim Levels

Standard equipment includes:

LED High Performance headlights
Heated ARTICO comfort seats
MBUX Navigation with live traffic
EASY-PACK tailgate
100W USB-C ports (front and rear)
Face recognition selfie cam
Digital access to MB.CHARGE Public

Options include AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and exclusive MANUFAKTUR colors like sheer blue metallic and aquamint.

Target Buyers and Launch Timing

Targeted at younger European buyers upgrading from hatchbacks or premium crossovers, the 2026 CLA Shooting Brake enters production for March 2026 deliveries. Pricing will likely start between $58,000 and $65,000 USD.

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