The new 349bhp CLA Shooting Brake is Mercedes’ first-ever electric estate

Look: it’s the new starry-eyed Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, coming your way in March 2026. Merc proudly trumpets this CLA SB as its first electric 'estate'... even if Shooting Brakes aren't technically estates. But here we are.

There'll be two versions available from launch, each one bearing an 85kWh battery. The single-motor, rear-drive ‘250+’ has 268bhp and 247lb ft of torque, with up to 473 miles of range. One up is the punchier dual-motor, all-wheel drive ‘350+ 4MATIC’, which packs 349bhp, 380lb ft and a slightly lower range of 454 miles.

Since the CLA is built on 800-volt architecture, you can expect both of these not-a-real-Shooting-Brake cars to regain 190-ish miles in 10 minutes at a 320kW DC charger. Not all that far off a conventional fuel stop.

They’ll also be equipped with MB’s shiny new two-speed transmission, where the first gear is used for acceleration, and the second for gradual power delivery at higher speeds. In terms of 0-62mph times, it's 6.8s for the 250+ and five secs flat in the 350+. Both will top out at 130mph.

Speaking of top, the Shooting Brake looks much the same as the recently unveiled saloon, including an identical shark-nose front, 142-star grille and multibeam LED lights. The key difference is the extended roofline, which has a more gradual slope and an even longer panoramic glass roof.

As such, the overall dimensions have grown over its predecessor: this one’s 35mm longer, 27mm higher and 61mm wider at the wheelbase. It means more space for people and stuff, with up to 455 litres of cargo volume with the back seats up, or 1,290 litres with the seats down. The frunk adds an extra 101 litres of storage to the mix, while those standard-fit roof rails can carry up to 75kg of whatevers.

The panoramic roof is embellished with illuminated stars and uses heat-insulating laminated safety glass to protect against solar radiation. Elsewhere, the leather upholstery can be had in beige, black or brown, while the various trim pieces come in anthracite, brushed aluminium, carbon fibre or wood. Lots of options here.

Can’t forget to mention the MBUX Superscreen, which comprises a 10.25in driver’s display and a 14in central screen. You’ll also have the option of adding another 14in screen to your front passenger’s side, granting them access to video streaming platforms, a gaming suite and so on.

These screens will be powered by Merc’s latest fourth-gen Operating System, which uses a cloud-connected supercomputer for regular OTA updates. You’ll get a dandy Virtual Assistant lingering around somewhere too, which apparently relays commands more effectively than previous systems, and recognises and reacts to ‘emotions’. Right.

Alongside these two EVs, more variants of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake are expected to be announced next year, including a hybrid. Details are slim right now, but we know it’ll get a 48-volt battery and an eight-speed DCT gearbox, with up to 62mph achievable in EV-only mode.

Pricing is yet to be fully announced for the electric not-a-real-Shooting Brake, but do consider the saloon starts at £45,615.