In Brief
The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic embodies the new generation of the “hunting wagon” in a 100% electric form. It stands out for its long range, rapid charging, and rare towing capabilities for an electric car, all while delivering comfort, onboard technology, and dynamic performance. Despite a slightly smaller trunk than the previous generation, it appeals with its styling and equipment, but the price remains high and a lot of options are to be priced in.
Wagons have fallen out of fashion. Especially in the compact segment. The fault lies with SUVs that dominate the market. But the Mercedes CLA isn’t just any wagon—it’s a “shooting brake,” to use the proper term.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: a “shooting brake”
A shooting brake, as the established name implies, is a more stylish interpretation with a sleek, sloping roofline, echoing the same design language as the CLA sedan: four doors, yes, but with a coupe-like silhouette. The German automaker isn’t backing away from this body style, which accounts for roughly 30 to 40 percent of CLA sales—the kind of success Mercedes has relied on for the past decade. Particularly as some Chinese rivals argue that lines less bulky than a SUV can deliver efficiency benefits. It even seems appropriate to electrify the CLA, especially with a modular, efficient chassis capable of housing both electric and internal-combustion powertrains (three mild-hybrid variants arriving soon). For the three electric versions (as with the sedan-fastback), the Shooting Brake naturally inherits the so-called MMA platform, renowned for its 800 V technology, the very system that enables rapid charging of the sizable 85 kWh battery in the 250+ and 350 4Matic variants tested here.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: up to 768 km of range
Roughly 20 minutes is all it takes to recover 10–80% of the battery, or about 300 km added in ten minutes—a respectable pace, though Chinese brands like Xpeng or Denza have recently touted even shorter times. The caveat is that you must find charging stations capable of delivering that power. The “more power” principle doesn’t always translate to the ability to plug into every system: the CLA Shooting Brake (like the CLA or GLB) cannot, for example, plug into Tesla’s 400 V network without paying extra. Unless, of course, you opt for the relevant option. In that case, charging speed increases from 320 to 100 kW. A “versatility” package priced at €700, plus the optional 22 kW AC charger (11 kW comes standard). It’s a stingy setup, especially on the pricier CLA Shooting Brake like the 350 4Matic. If rapid charging is appealing, it’s even more valuable not to deplete the battery too quickly.
Engineers on the modular platform have relentlessly optimized efficiency to beat consumption and range records. The Shooting Brake weighs only slightly more than the coupe (about 20 kg officially), and, within a few dozen kilometers, nearly matches its endurance. The 250+ variant goes the farthest—up to 768 km, with the 350 4Matic conceding a few dozen kilometers less. While these numbers look impressive on paper, they are rarely realized in real life (unless you practically live at the charger).
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: a vehicle flirting with 2.2 tons
What the 350 gains in range compared to its lighter sibling, it loses in agility; what it loses in agility, it more than makes up for in power. With a second electric motor, it delivers 354 hp and, most importantly, all-wheel drive that helps bite into traction and attempts to mask the heft of a vehicle that edges toward 2.2 tons. This drivetrain is paired with Mercedes’ new two-gear electric transmission—one gear for acceleration, the second for higher speeds—also enabling a towing capacity of 1800 kg. That figure is quite unusual for an electric car, and it makes sense for a wagon. In operation, the electronics work miracles and the driver never feels encumbered by a heavy vehicle. Yet just because the CLA Shooting Brake accelerates briskly—paper promises a 0-60 mph time under 5 seconds—doesn’t guarantee a truly dynamic driving experience. Coupled with an optional adaptive suspension (€750), it handles body roll well and, on the winding roads of Mallorca, transitions from one corner to the next with an almost natural ease. Still, it lacks that extra spark, that bite, that would truly set it apart—even in Sport mode. The steering, too, feels a bit numb and doesn’t relay meaningful feedback. All told, the 250+ is already more than enough value for less money!
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: the most powerful mode
This even-handed chassis setup helps deliver a comfortable suspension experience, though at times this CLA can feel a touch firm on city surfaces. On highways, the suspension works in harmony with a well-managed insulation, though the absence of engine noise—in line with most EVs—makes aerodynamic wind noise more noticeable: nature abhors a vacuum, after all. There is, however, a circuitous way to make this CLA feel more aggressive: engage the strongest energy-recovery mode during braking. There are four levels, adjustable with the steering-wheel stalk, including an automatic (quite neutral) mode and a One-Pedal option that can bring you to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. Still, depending on road type, this system can brake so hard that passengers may feel queasy after a couple of bends. You have to use it judiciously, at the right moments. As before, the Shooting Brake is identical to the CLA coupe up to the central pillar, and shares the same exterior dimensions apart from overall height. Therefore, many will choose it more for style than for interior space, though rear passengers benefit from extra headroom. In truth, the trunk isn’t larger either (455 L vs 425 L for the coupe) and it even loses about 30 L versus the previous Shooting Brake generation. A compensating factor is the 101 L front storage compartment. The tailgate opening, the regular cargo area shape, and the ability to fold the rear seats still make the wagon more practical than the coupe.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: the spectacle factor
Inside, it plays the spectacle card as well, with a cockpit that can feature up to three displays, including an optional passenger display. A striking multimedia interface—nearly oversized by today’s standards—dominates the interior ambiance just as much as the glass skylight, which can automatically shade and, when desired, be lit with starry LEDs at night: a guaranteed wow factor. But this fully digital, fully touchscreen interface—constantly evolving through over-the-air updates—demands an adjustment period. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are extremely responsive, sometimes overly so, triggering two functions depending on whether you brush or press. And just because the screen is large doesn’t guarantee readability: the left side of the central display can be obscured by the steering wheel’s spoke, right where the GPS AR window appears. In short, it’s a bit of a shame.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: its advantages
- Range and charging speed
- Driving pleasure
- Comfort and handling
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: its drawbacks
- Many options to choose from
- Fairly firm in urban driving
- Ergonomics
The Auto-Journal verdict: 4/5
As Chinese players enter the wagon segment, Mercedes maintains its stance with a CLA Shooting Brake that leans on electricity, offering range and fast charging as its core strengths. All at a premium price.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line: in numbers
Find our test of the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic 354 hp/85 kWh* Progressive Line in l’Auto-Journal issue #1209 dated 13/05/2026.
Comparison Table
| Model | Power (hp) | Battery (kWh) | Range (km) | 0-100 mph (s) | Weight (kg) | Trunk Capacity (L) | 10-80% Charge Time | Towing (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA Shooting Brake 250+ | Not specified | 85 | 768 | Not specified | Not specified | 455 | 20 min | Not specified |
| CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic | 354 | 85 | ~748 | <5 | ~2200 | 455 | 20 min | 1800 |
| CLA Shooting Brake (old generation) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | 485 | Not specified | Not specified |
Key Takeaways
- The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic adopts a 100% electric drivetrain with a high range.
- Rapid charging enables 10–80% in just over 20 minutes.
- The trunk volume is 455 L, slightly smaller than the previous Shooting Brake generation.
- Can tow up to 1800 kg, rare for an electric car.
- Comfort, onboard technology, and driving enjoyment are there, but a lot of options are needed for a fully equipped package.
- Price remains steep, and some controls ergonomics could be improved.
FAQ
What range does the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake EV offer?
The 250+ model offers up to 768 km of range, while the 350 4Matic is about 20 km less.
How long does it take to recharge the battery?
Charging from 10 to 80% takes a little over 20 minutes, assuming you have a capable charger.
What is the towing capacity of the CLA Shooting Brake 350 4Matic?
Towing capacity is up to 1800 kg.
Is the Shooting Brake’s cargo area larger than the coupe’s?
The trunk volume is 455 L versus 425 L for the coupe, but it loses about 30 L compared to the previous Shooting Brake generation.
What are its main strengths and drawbacks?
Strengths include range, fast charging, comfort, and driving enjoyment. Drawbacks include the abundance of options, a somewhat firm ride in town, and ergonomics that could be better.
