Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake With EQ Tech Revealed as Brand's First Electric Estate

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its first electric estate in the form of the 2026 CLA Shooting Brake featuring EQ Technology. This new-generation model, underpinned by the brand’s MMA architecture, blends futuristic tech with practical design. With a driving range of up to 761 km (WLTP), it supports rapid 800-volt charging that can recover 310 km of range in just 10 minutes. The body merges coupe-like curves with estate functionality, offering 455 litres of luggage space in the rear, expandable to 1,290 litres, and an additional 101-litre frunk. Also making its debut is Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS operating system, which brings artificial intelligence features and supports over-the-air software updates for continuous enhancements.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: Appearance

Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the CLA Shooting Brake from the midpoint of the car backward, giving it a longer roofline that now integrates a full-length panoramic glass surface. The rear is marked by sleek LED taillights linked by a horizontal light strip, enhancing the vehicle’s modern appeal.

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Practical gains accompany the visual tweaks – rear passengers get 26mm more headroom, and total boot space expands to 1,290 litres when the rear seats are folded. The latest model has grown noticeably: it is 35mm longer, 25mm wider, and 27mm taller than its predecessor, while the wheelbase is stretched by 61mm. Towing capacity remains unchanged, with the car capable of hauling up to 1,800 kg (braked).

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: Interior Layout and Amenities

Step inside, and the focus shifts sharply to digital innovation. A wide MBUX Superscreen spans the dash, optionally available in a triple-display layout that includes a dedicated screen for the front passenger for gaming, streaming content, and navigation. The infotainment system is built on Unity’s gaming platform and enhanced by AI tech from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google Gemini. The smart assistant is designed to learn user habits, store preferences, and even adapt to emotional cues in speech.

Other tech-rich features include high-speed USB-C charging ports, a 12.2-inch head-up display, heated seats, customisable ambient lighting, and biometric authentication. The electrochromic panoramic roof can shift from transparent to opaque in milliseconds. After dark, 158 illuminated stars on the roof softly glow in sync with the ambient light, creating a dramatic, high-tech cabin atmosphere.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: Powertrain

For now, the brand is focusing on the electric versions, with mild-hybrid petrol variants set to arrive in 2026. Two EV options headline the range: the entry-level CLA 250+ and the higher-spec CLA 350 4Matic. Both are powered by an 85kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery. The CLA 250+ delivers 268bhp and 335Nm, while the more powerful 350 offers 349bhp and 515Nm.

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Acceleration times are brisk – 0–100km/h in 6.8 seconds for the 250+, and just 5 seconds flat for the 350. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 210km/h and feature a two-speed transmission that maintains strong performance even at higher speeds. The range is equally impressive: 761 km (WLTP) for the CLA 250+ and 730 km for the CLA 350. With support for 320 kW DC fast charging, both can gain over 310 km of range in only 10 minutes.