First road tests of the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake herald a stylish and high-performance model for 2026
In 2025, anticipation for the launch of the new Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is only growing. The German brand is actively continuing its road tests, hinting at a model that combines both sharp design and high-level performance. With the introduction of this estate version, Mercedes aims to expand its compact range by offering an elegant, practical, and technically innovative version. The CLA Shooting Brake, which follows on from the 4-door coupe presented in early 2025, boasts a sleek profile and dynamic silhouette. Therefore, this version, eagerly awaited by lovers of style and efficiency, raises several questions: What will its design be? What engines will be offered? And above all, how does it compare to its competitors? Discover the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, a vehicle combining elegance, performance, and practicality. With its unique design and generous space, it offers an incomparable driving experience. Perfect for combining style and functionality, explore this sedan with a sporty and chic look, suitable for all your adventures. What’s the secret behind the attractive design of the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake? Design is often the first impression a vehicle gives. The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
The stylistic choice for this model reflects Mercedes’ desire to reconcile aesthetics and aerodynamics. Low aerodynamic drag is essential to optimize fuel consumption and performance, while ensuring a quieter ride. The body, with its roofline gently sloping toward the rear, evokes a sense of lightness and agility, despite the estate’s size. Finally, the overall finish, combining elegance and modernity, highlights Mercedes’ expertise and its ability to revisit a classic style by integrating resolutely contemporary elements.
Carefully crafted with clean lines ✨ Sloping roof for a sportier profile 🏎️ Light camouflage hints at the overall silhouette 🎨
What engines will the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offer in 2026?
- Road tests already suggest a varied range of engines, which is part of Mercedes’ strategy to integrate electrified and thermal solutions as quickly as possible. The
- CLA Shooting Brake
- will benefit from the MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform, specially designed to accommodate both electric and combustion engine powertrains, with an 800-volt architecture dedicated to electric vehicles. This choice underscores the brand’s commitment to equipping its models with advanced technology, ready to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and other compact electric SUVs.
In the electric version, two battery options will be offered:
An 85 kWh net battery, capable of delivering up to 750 km of range, with a 272 hp motor on the rear axle ⚡ A more compact alternative with a 58 kWh battery, for a shorter range but a certain lightness 🤏 For the top-of-the-line versions, the combination of a 272 hp motor at the rear and a 109 hp motor at the front could achieve a total output of 381 hp. This lineup of engines promises optimal aerial performance and solid acceleration. The transition to full electric power is expected to be accompanied by the introduction of internal combustion engines equipped with a 48V micro-hybrid powertrain. The launch baseline includes turbocharged gasoline engines with outputs up to 190 hp, with a future power increase to over 200 hp thanks to a collaboration with Renault and Geely via the Horse joint venture. The diversity of the range will allow Mercedes to address different customer segments, from the eco-conscious to the performance enthusiast. Engines
Features
- Range / Power
- 85 kWh Electric
Rear axles, 272 hp engine
| ⚡ 750 km range | 58 kWh Electric | Compact system, less powerful, reduced range |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Intermediate range | 48V Hybrid | Turbo gasoline, 8-speed transmission |
| 🌟 Up to 190 hp (soon more) | The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake market: a strategic positioning by 2026 | Mercedes isn’t simply looking to refresh its lineup; it’s also looking to capitalize on a long-term strategy. The CLA Shooting Brake is expected to play a key role in the premium compact segment, with a flexible and innovative offering. Its launch, scheduled for early 2026, should allow it to compete directly with vehicles such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and the upcoming Audi Q3 Sportback. The desire to integrate electric and hybrid powertrains also reflects a focus on the future of mobility. The German brand, true to its luxury image, intends to offer a driving experience that combines performance, comfort, and advanced technology. In terms of its sales strategy, Mercedes is also focusing on the appeal of its design, a symbol of its identity, to attract a demanding urban clientele. The estate version, less common in this range, is intended to meet a growing demand for vehicles that combine practicality and elegance. In addition, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will also benefit from innovations in connectivity and driver assistance systems, strengthening its appeal in an increasingly competitive market. |
| Direct competition with BMW, Audi, and Tesla 🔝 | Technological and modular offering 🛠️ | Premium positioning for a demanding clientele 🚘 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2SpSzXdTQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gN1-d90kB4 Road tests: a glimpse of the future driving experience The ongoing road tests of the
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
- offer a first glimpse of its capabilities and potential on the road. The prototypes are progressing on different terrains, in varied conditions, to validate the stability, handling, and efficiency of its powertrains. The presence of limited camouflage suggests a bodywork very close to the final design, while allowing key technical elements to be tested.
- Initial feedback indicates high efficiency of the electric powertrains, with strong torque responsiveness, essential in the premium compact vehicle category. Handling also appears to have improved thanks to the new MMA platform, which offers increased rigidity and optimized weight management. Finally, sound and on-board comfort will also be scrutinized for a final product that must impress with its driving pleasure. High-speed stability tests 🚀
- Real-world range assessment 📱
Description
Status Cornering stability Tested at various speeds on a closed circuit
Very promising ✔️
- Electric range
- Road time
- Testing in progress, results expected soon ⏳
| Interior comfort | Ambiance, soundproofing, seats | Positive initial feedback 👍 |
|---|---|---|
| Why is the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake so attractive? | This model appeals for its ability to blend style, technology, and performance in a rapidly evolving segment. The | CLA Shooting Brake |
| embodies the elegance of a coupé, the practicality of a station wagon, and the modernity of an electric vehicle. Its sleek silhouette, technical innovations, and refined finish make it a remarkable car in 2025. But beyond its design, its philosophy is also compelling: to offer a more environmentally friendly vehicle while maintaining exciting driving dynamics. | This subtle blend of technological innovation and sophisticated aesthetics gives it a definite advantage over its competitors, especially as the brand focuses on a connected experience enriched by the latest advances in assistance and data transmission. This is especially true given the diversity of its engines, which allows the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake | to address a variety of customers, concerned about their ecological footprint and driving pleasure. |
| A silhouette that combines sportiness and practicality 🚗 | Advanced technologies for connectivity and safety 🔒 | An engine range for all profiles 🔧 |
Technological innovations to expect in the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Road tests also serve to test technological innovations that will be central to the success of the CLA Shooting Brake . The MMA platform, for example, offers remarkable flexibility. It is designed to support 800-volt architectures, which allows for ultra-fast charging in the electric version, making the car even more practical for the modern user. Compatibility with multiple power supply types is also a key point, since it allows for the evolution towards hybrid and micro-hybrid powertrains.
In addition, Mercedes’ driver assistance technology promises to bring a new dimension of safety and comfort. The future CLA will therefore be able to benefit from the latest generation of driver assistance systems, capable of managing semi-autonomous driving and ensuring better hazard detection during road tests. The implementation of such innovations clearly demonstrates the brand’s commitment to making the CLA Shooting Brake a vehicle where technology and design combine to offer a unique driving experience. Fast charging thanks to the 800-volt platform ⚡ Intelligent data management and advanced assistance 🤖
- Next-generation safety systems 🔐
- Discover the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, a perfect fusion of elegance and practicality. With its dynamic design, refined interior, and exceptional performance, this model embodies modern luxury while offering flexible cargo space. Ideal for adventurers with an active lifestyle, the CLA Shooting Brake combines aesthetics and functionality.
- When can we expect to see the final version of the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake?
After several months of intensive testing, the final version of the
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will be unveiled to the public at an event scheduled for early 2026, with a market launch planned for the same year. First unveiled at the Rome Motor Show, scheduled for March 13, this official presentation will mark a turning point in Mercedes’ strategy for its compact models. The brand carefully orchestrated its testing to ensure a successful launch phase, combining innovation and stylistic finesse. The first few years will be crucial for evaluating the performance, reliability, and impact of this new platform in real-world conditions. Mercedes has also planned a series of marketing campaigns to highlight its technological innovations, sleek design, and performance. The 2025-2026 period will therefore be crucial for establishing this Shooting Brake’s place in the hearts of demanding drivers.Official announcements planned for the Rome Motor Show in March 2026 🗓️
Commercial launch planned for the beginning of the year 🚘 Final testing and validation before delivery 🚀 FAQs about the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake: key takeaways
- When exactly will it go on sale?
- The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is expected to be available in early 2026, with an official reveal at the Rome Motor Show in March 2026.
- Which engines will be offered first?
What is the design highlight of this new Shooting Brake?
Its slender, sporty profile, with a sloping roof and a sleek silhouette, which combines elegance and aerodynamics, giving it a very dynamic look. What are the technological advantages of this version? It will benefit from the MMA platform, with 800-volt architecture, as well as advanced assistance systems for semi-autonomous and safe driving.
What will the approximate price be? Initial estimates suggest a premium positioning, equivalent to or higher than that of the latest CLA, probably between 45,000 and 60,000 euros depending on the options.