Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake order books open with $66,888 starting price

The European EV buyers are getting excited as the all-new, all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake officially goes on sale. This stylish wagon combines a sleek, athletic design with long-distance capability and smart technology. For families, active folks, or anyone needing more space without sacrificing style, this new EV offers a compelling package. That's, of course, as long as you can stomach the asking price.

Right from the start, Mercedes gives buyers two powerful models to choose from, both using the same 85 kWh lithium-ion battery. The entry model is the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ technology (yes, that's the official name), which features a rear-wheel-drive setup delivering 200 kW of power. This version sets a high bar for range, promising up to 477 miles on a full charge based on the WLTP test cycle. The starting price for this model in Germany is $66,888, with private lease options available at $474 per month.

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If you need maximum grip and performance, you can jump to the top-tier CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake with EQ technology. This model adds a second motor for all-wheel drive, boosting total output to 260 kW and providing 380 lb-ft of torque. It starts at $72,226 and still manages an excellent range of up to 454 miles. Both CLA models use an advanced 800V electrical setup, allowing for fast DC charging at up to 320 kW. This means drivers can add up to 196 miles of range in 10 minutes at a compatible charging station. We put the sedan CLA to a real-life range test, and you can find out how it did right here.

The "Shooting Brake" body style, with its gracefully extended roofline, brings extra practicality without sacrificing the looks. The design is sporty, featuring distinct "power domes" on the hood and an elegant, flat rear profile. The interior space is versatile, thanks to rear seats that split and fold in a 40:20:40 ratio, expanding the luggage area to a massive 45.6 ft³.

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The standard electric EASY-PACK tailgate makes loading simple, and for extra gear, the car has standard roof rails and a towing capacity of up to 3,968 lb for the all-wheel-drive model. The frunk (front trunk) under the hood provides 3.57 ft³ of extra storage, perfect for keeping charging cables separate. The fixed glass roof, which stretches seamlessly to the back, helps create an airy cabin and even features a high-tech coating to reduce heat in the summer and keep it in during the winter.

The driver experience inside the new CLA Shooting Brake centers around the company's powerful MB.OS. This software promises to turn the vehicle into a smart device with supercomputers and cloud connection, enabling over-the-air updates for everything, including driving assistance systems. The MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by both Microsoft and Google AI, apparently makes talking to the car feel like chatting with a friend.

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The passenger is not forgotten, with an optional 14-inch screen for personalized entertainment, offering access to everything from video streaming platforms like Disney+ to cloud gaming through Boosteroid. Even the navigation system gets an upgrade, using Google Maps data combined with Mercedes-Benz's own Electric Intelligence to plan the quickest route and perfectly warm up the battery for optimal fast charging.

Mercedes finally listened to customer feedback when designing the steering wheel for the new CLA. The physical controls like rocker switches for cruise control, and a rotary dial for volume are back, blending the best of both physical and digital inputs. The capacitive touch panels are now better integrated and offer a satisfying tactile click.

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When it comes to safety, all models in Europe include the DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control. Buyers can opt for the MB.DRIVE ASSIST package, which adds steering assistance for a modern SAE Level 2 driver assistance experience. A helpful new Lane Change Assist feature simplifies highway driving, allowing the driver to change lanes with a single click of the turn signal.

With its blend of high-end design, exceptional electric range, and advanced, user-friendly technology, the new Shooting Brake stands out in the premium EV segment. Mercedes hopes that the initial high demand for the CLA sedan means the wagon version will also be a popular choice. The ability to carry more cargo and tow a heavier trailer only makes this a more practical, long-range EV for daily life and extended travel.

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There is no doubt that the Shooting Brake version is a refreshing addition to Mercedes's electric lineup. But the pricing puts it at the very high end of the premium market. The German pricing is somewhat lower than in the UK, where if you go for the AMG Line 350+ version and only pick the $1,170 400V charging option from a very long list of extras, you'll end up with a $101,207 bill. That is a lot of money by any standard for a medium-sized EV, however good it might be.

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