Meet the Merc CLA Shooting Brake

Fans of the station wagon should be rejoicing right about now because it looks like the form is making something of a comeback. Last week, we told you about the powerful, but practical Golf R Wagon and now Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of an all-new CLA Shooting Brake.

According to Merc, the car is similar to its big brother, the CLS Shooting Brake, in as much as it’s aimed at “active customers who are looking outside of the mainstream for a car that impresses with a high utility value.”

And it’s that utility we should start with. The most important thing in any station wagon is, obviously, the boot space. The CLS’ luggage capacity ranges from 495 to 1354 litres (when loaded up to the upper edge of the rear seat backrests or loaded to the roof with the rear bench seat folded down, respectively). If the rear seats are moved into the more steeply raked “cargo” position, the load capacity increases to 595 litres while apparently still leaving space for five occupants.

Merc also says that its 1328 mm width is segment leading and that it’s managed to increase the height by 94cm without impacting too heavily on the drag co-efficient.

Under the bonnet, you’ve got a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines, with Merc highlighting the CLA 200 CDI, which has an output of 100 kW (136 hp), a top speed of 215 km/h and a combined consumption figure of just 3.9 l/100 km, with emissions of 101 g CO2/km.

Inside, all the tech whiz-bangery is controlled by a seven-inch free-standing screen, as well as a multifunction sports steering wheel, plenty of ambient lighting, and some pretty serious sound.

There’s also the autonomous braking tech we’ve come to expect from Mercedes-Benz and automatic connectivity to its rescue operations center in the event of an accident.