#70 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Break – Unmistakable class and beauty

You've probably heard the expression "You've got to start somewhere." Well, for car buyers lusting after an affordable car with a three-pointed star on the grille, that somewhere could very well be the compact Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saloon. On the basis of styling alone, the CLA-Class doesn't look entry-level: Its sleek "four-door coupe" silhouette is reminiscent of Mercedes' significantly more expensive CLS model. The Mercedes-Benz CLA family which consists of the A-Class hatchback and GLA compact SUV now has a new member in the family. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Break takes the CLA’s sporty proportions and dynamic design idiom to the next level.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Break

Design

The sporty design of its front section gives the CLA its typical look. Among the striking features that contribute to this characteristic dynamic look are the lines on the bonnet, which are s hallmark of Mercedes coupes. The diamond radiator grille features a large central Mercedes star. The way the bonnet is embedded into the front end makes it appear longer and, in conjunction with the upright radiator grille and the prominent V-shape of the front end, gives the car its crouching posture.

Sporty front look 

The arrangement of the light modules and LED behind the headlamp lenses gives rise to the characteristic "eyebrow" effect for the daytime running lamps and indicators. The extended roof contour line, the high beltline, with low side windows and an additional third window, plus the D-pillar (which curves towards the rear) are the particular styling elements of the CLA Shooting Brake seen in profile.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break

The sloping roof line, the pronounced curve of the rear window, tailgate and the distinctive look of the rear end as a whole give the CLA Shooting Brake an unmistakable flair of its own. The narrowing of the car at the D-pillars, in conjunction with the broad shoulders over the rear wheel arch, gives the rear an athletic look. The elegant design of the rear light clusters carries the harmonious flow of the shoulders round from the side to the rear end. The single-piece rear light units are set neatly into the body and reflect the relationship of the CLA Shooting Brake to both the four-door Coupe model CLA and to the larger CLS Shooting Brake. All aerials are integrated into the sporty roof spoiler.

CLA four door coupe 

Performance

Each Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Break comes equipped with thrilling and economic power units. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Shooting Break features a 1.6-litre unit that develops 115 kW (156 hp) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. This particular CLA Shooting Break sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h. Fuel consumption is pegged at 5.5-litre/100 km of fuel. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Shooting Break is powered by the top engine variant with a displacement of 2.0-litre.

Sporty coupe styling 

The power plant develops 155 kW (211 hp) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm from 1200 to 4000 rpm. Performance is at sports car level, with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. Nonetheless it has the best fuel consumption in this class at 6.1-litres/100 km. All versions are equipped as standard with the ECO start/stop function. The 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission and the six-speed manual transmission enable a driving style that is both comfortable and dynamic.

Striking rear design 

The chassis of the CLA Shooting Break features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. All Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Breaks come with an electromechanical Direct Steer power steering system. The steering system offers impressive feedback to the driver and also helps boost overall fuel efficiency. The CLA Shooting Break is also available with a new variant of Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system.

Headlamps 

Safety

The CLA Shooting Brake features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS as standard. This assistance system extends the functionality of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST by the addition of autonomous braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. If the driver fails to act when a risk of collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will automatically trigger braking. The vehicle speed is thus already significantly reduced. 

Depending on the relative speed, this intervention may be enough to avoid a rear-end collision with vehicles that are driving more slowly, stopping or stationary, or significantly mitigate its severity. Also fitted as standard is the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST. Operating within an extended speed range (60 - 200 km/h), it uses a five-stage bar display to visualise the driver's current attention level. Seven airbags are fitted as standard in the CLA Shooting Break.

Most striking compact Mercedes-Benz

Interior

The exterior's progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the CLA Shooting Break. The twin-tube instrument cluster comprises two large round dials, each with a small round dial set inside it. The 3-spoke steering wheel features a flattened bottom section. The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents on all models have a high-quality silver chrome finish.

Cockpit 

The CLA Shooting Brake features the latest generation of telematics systems. The free-standing display screen features a large 7-inch screen together with a high-gloss piano-black front panel, a silver frame and a fully glazed screen. An optional 8-inch screen is also available. The functions shown on the display combine an intuitive approach with attractive images and graphics, thus ensuring a positive user experience that adds to the appeal of the interior as a whole.

Front seats 

Headroom in the rear is significantly greater than in the four-door CLA. At 94.7 cm, the effective headroom in the rear is 4 cm higher than it is in the CLA four-door coupe. Access to the second row of seats is also much easier. The load compartment offers a capacity that ranges from 495 with the seats up and 1354 litres after folding the rear seats.

Rear seats 

The optional panoramic sliding sunroof with its large glazed area provides for an especially bright and friendly ambience in the interior. It comprises an electrically operated glass sliding roof for individual ventilation of the interior, together with a mesh wind deflector. This reduces both draughts and wind noise when the roof is open.

Spacious 

Verdict

Two years ago, in the form of the CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz created a sports car such as had never been seen before: one with five seats and a large tailgate. The founders of this vehicle concept are now following it up with a smaller version, the CLA Shooting Brake - a second Shooting Brake model exuding stylish sporty flair and modern luxury, with lines that are the essence of sensual purity. Just like its saloon sibling the CLA Shooting Break offers customers the elegance and prestige associated with the Mercedes brand plus a little more when it comes to practicality. The CLA Shooting Break is certainly the prettiest car in the three pointed star’s compact family.