The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is a coupe-style, station wagon version of the regular 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA. It's based on the second-generation 2020 CLA, which was unveiled in January 2019. The 2020 CLA Shooting Brake broke cover at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with identical specifications and drivetrains. But the Shooting Brake benefits from the longer roof, which translates into enhanced luggage room. The engine lineup includes a variety of gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines. Unlike the 2020 CLA, the 2020 CLA Shooting Brake isn't offered in the United States. Find out more about Merc's latest sporty station wagon in the review below.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Specifications
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  • Model: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
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Pros
Cons

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Exterior

- Heavily based on CLA four-door - Sleek roof - Unique rear end - Inspired by CLS - Shares cues with A-Class - Plenty of options - Various size wheels - Larger than old model

The rear section stands out thank to the longer roof and a wagon-style tailgate instead of a traditional decklid. Despite the notably different layout, the Shooting Brake is just as long as the regular CLA.

The previous CLA Shooting Brake looked a lot like its bigger brother, the CLS Shooting Brake. I could say the same for the new model, but Mercedes-Benz has yet to launch a Shooting Brake version of the third-gen CLS. And it might not even happen, as recent rumors suggest the Germans are discontinuing the midsize wagon. So the statement is only half true. Just like the regular CLA, it borrows many styling elements from the latest CLS, but it blends them with features seen on the A-Class.

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Up front, the diamond-block grille with the central star and horizontal stripes on each side is shared with other Mercedes-Benz models.

The front bumper looks awfully familiar. The A-shaped center section with arms that extend toward the lower corners of the bumper, large side vents with two winglets each, and the sporty splitter at the bottom all look similar to those seen on the A-Class. The hood comes from the small hatchback too. It features a similar shape and it also includes the two power domes on each side of the center line.

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Things change a bit onto the sides. With no CLS Shooting Brake to compare it to, we can say that the CLA Shooting Brake looks unique. It's the company's only sporty station wagon as of January 2020. But of course, the profile looks identical to the regular CLA from the nose to the C-pillars. It also shares a lot with the old CLA Shooting Brake, but the frameless doors and the fact that the cabin was moved farther toward the back give it a notably sportier stance. This is a breath of fresh air given that most station wagons tend to look utilitarian toward the rear.

As far as wheels go, Mercedes-Benz offers a wide selection and most of them are shared with the A-Class. The standard rollers measure 18 inches, but you can grab bigger, 19-inch rims off the options list.

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The rear end of the CLA Shooting Brake is unique compared to any other Mercedes. Again, mostly because the CLS has yet to spawn a Shooting Brake version. The taillights and bumper are obviously taken from the sedan, but the small vertical vents in the apron are missing, likely for a more utilitarian look. The fascia is also very similar to the sedan, but it's incorporated into the tailgate. The cool thing is that Mercedes kept the fascia at the same angle as on the sedan, so the tailgate looks rather sleek.

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Size-wise, the CLA Shooting Brake is a tad bigger than its predecessor. Specifically, it's 48 mm (1.9 inches) longer and 53 mm (2.1 inches) wider. The wheelbase is 30 mm (1.2 inches) longer, which adds some extra legroom for rear-seat passenger. The height remains the same, with the new wagon sitting only two mm (0.07 inches) lower.

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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake - exterior dimensions

Length

mm

4688

4640

+48

Width

mm

1830

1777

+53

Width incl. exterior mirrors

mm

1999

2032

-33

Height

mm

1442

1444

-2

Wheelbase

mm

2729

2699

+30

Front track

mm

1612

1549

+63

Rear track

mm

1602

1547

+55


2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Interior

- Identical to A-Class - Stylish dashboard - Big displays - Digital instrument cluster - A bit more passenger space - Plenty of options - Decent trunk - Almost as spacious as C-Class Estate - MBUX infotainment

While the exterior mixes features from the A-Class, the CLS, and a few unique cues, the cabin is a carbon copy of the A-Class. Fortunately, the latest A-Class is by far the most appealing and technologically advanced vehicle in its class, so this is actually good news. The CLA doesn't have direct competitors, but if it had, it would have put them to shame in terms of interior design and equipment.

Sedan like the E-Class and the S-Class feature very similar dashboard, center stack with three A/C vents, instrument cluster, and the infotainment display layout. The dashboard is a two-tier design, with the horizontal sections separated by metal trim, so it looks pretty fancy for a compact model. The round A/C vents at the corners and on the center stack feature the familiar "turbine" design seen on almost all Mercs. This specific feature debuted on the AMG GT sports car, so it's another cool design to have in a small wagon.

Just like in A-Class and other models, the instrument cluster and the infotainment display are set next to each other. It all looks like a really long screen that stretches from the driver's corner toward the passenger side. But the CLA is missing the hood on top seen on the CLS and other large Mercs, so it features a more spartan layout.

The CLA Shooting Brake also features Mercedes' latest, state-of-the-art ambient lighting system with 64 colors and ten configuration.

Of course, another big highlight here is the MBUX infotainment system. Short for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, it features artificial intelligence that has the ability to learn and it can be customized to your liking. It also includes augmented reality technology,through which you can operate the media display and the navigation system once you activate it using the code "Hey Mercedes."

But it's mostly just a few mm, so you probably won't feel a big improvement. Front-seat headroom increased by nine mm (0.35 inches), front-seat elbow room is up 35 mm (1.4 inches). Front shoulder room also increased by nine mm (0.35 inches), but legroom is down by one mm (0.04 inches). In the rear, passengers will benefit from an extra mm of legroom, an extra 44 mm (1.73 inches) of elbow room, and an extra 22 mm (0.86 inches) of shoulder room. As you can see, legroom for rear passengers remain the same, but there's notably more space for the elbow and the shoulders.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake - interior dimensions

Max. headroom, front

mm

1025

1016

+9

Headroom, rear

mm

955

947

+8

Legroom, front

mm

1062

1063

-1

Legroom, rear

mm

861

860

+1

Elbow room, front

mm

1457

1422

+35

Elbow room, rear

mm

1454

1410

+44

Shoulder room, front

mm

1400

1391

+9

Shoulder room, rear

mm

1372

1350

+22


When it comes to cargo space, the CLA Shooting Brake swallows up to 505 liters (17.8 cubic feet) of luggage behind the second row seats. That's an extra 10 liters (0.35 cubic feet) compared to the old model.

Compared to the CLA sedan, the Shooting Brake offers an extra 46 liters of luggage room (1.62 cubic feet). Granted, space behind the second-row seats isn't that much bigger than the regular CLA, but things change when you fold them. With the seat backs out of the way, you can load up to 1,370 liters (48.4 cubic feet) of luggage.

That's almost as good as bigger wagons such as the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Audi A4 Avant. The former offers 1,500 liters (53 cubic feet), while the latter comes in at 1,430 liters (50.5 cubic feet). Actually, the CLA Shooting Brake is almost as spacious as the C-Class Estate, rated at 1,510 liters (53.3 cubic feet).

Another important improvement here is the trunk opening. Now measuring 871 mm (34.3 inches), it's significantly wider than in the previous model, rated at 635 mm (25 inches). That's an extra 236 mm (9.3 inches) that will help you drop bigger items and bags in the trunk.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Drivetrain

- Engines from the A-Class - Only four-cylinder mills - Both gasoline and diesel - Gas with up to 221 horsepower - AMG versions available - Diesel with up to 295 pound-feet - Manual transmission - Automatic gearbox - Retuned suspension

This means that it's available with a big variety of gasoline and diesel units.

The gas range begins with the CLA 180, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill rated at 134 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The base model hits 62 mph in 9.4 seconds and tops out at 134 mph. Next up is the CLA 200, motivated by the same four-pot, but rated at 161 horses and 184 pound-feet. This trim will take you to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and to a top speed of 142 mph

The CLA 220, powered by a slightly different 2.0-liter four-banger, comes with 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet on tap. Charging to 62 mph takes exactly seven seconds, while top speed increases to 150 mph. Unlike the CLA 180 and CLA 200, the CLA 220 is also available with a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. While a tenth-second quicker, the AWD model has a slightly lower top speed at 147. The CLA 250, also available with AWD, delivers 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It hits 62 mph in 6.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake - gasoline lineup

Mercedes-Benz CLA 180

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200

Mercedes-Benz CLA 220

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

Number of cylinders/arrangement

4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder

4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder

4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder

4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder

Displacement

cc

1332

1332

1991

1991

Bore x stroke

mm

72.2 x 81.4

72.2 x 81.4

83.0 x 92.0

83.0 x 92.0

Rated output

hp

136  @ 5,500 RPM

161 @ 5,500 RPM

188 @ 5,500-6,100 RPM

221 @ 5,500 RPM

Rated torque

lb-ft

148 @ 1,460-4,000 rpm

184 @ 1,620 RPM

221 @ 1,800-4,000 RPM

258 @ 1,800-4,000 RPM

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

s

9.6

8.5

7.1

6.4

Top speed

km/h

215

229

240

250


Next up we have the AMG-prepped models. There's the AMG CLA35, an AWD model, with 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It hits 62 mph in an impressive 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. More power comes with the AMG CLA45 4Matic, which features a different four-cylinder that cranks out a solid 382 horses and 354 pound-feet. The sprint to 62 mph drops to 4.1 seconds, while top speed remains the same at 155 mph. However, it can hit 168 mph with an optional performance package. Finally, the AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+ comes with 420 horsepower and 369 pound-feet on tap. At full blast, it hits 62 mph in four seconds flat and tops out at 155 or 168 mph.

Mercedes-AMG CLA Shooting Brake lineup

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake

Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 turbo

2.0-litre 4 in-line with roller bearing twinscroll turbocharger

2.0-litre 4 in-line with roller bearing twinscroll turbocharger

Displacement

1991 cc

1991 cc

1991 cc

Max. output

302 hp at 5800 rpm

387 hp at 6500 rpm

421 hp at 6750 rpm

Peak torque

295 lb-ft at 3000-4000 rpm

354 lb-ft at 4750-5000 rpm

369 lb-ft @ 5000-5250 rpm

Drive system

AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission

Acceleration 0-60 mph

4.6 s (est)

4.0 s

3.9 s

Top speed

155 mph

155 mph

168 mph


If you're a fan of oil burners, you have three options to choose from. The base model, called the CLA 180d features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 114 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It's not particularly quick to 62 mph with a 10.7-second benchmark and it hits a top speed of 127 mph. The CLA 200d features a larger, 2.0-liter four-banger and output increases to 148 horses and 236 pound-feet. The sprint to 62 mph takes 8.3 seconds, while top speed increases to 140 mph. The range-topping diesel, the CLA 220d, comes with 188 horsepower and 295 pound-feet on tap. This is the fastest version with a 0-to-62 mph sprint of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake - diesel lineup

Number of cylinders/arrangement

4/in-line, 2 valves per cylinder

4/in-line, 2 valves per cylinder

4/in-line, 2 valves per cylinder

Displacement

1461 cc

1950 cc

1950 cc

Rated output

114 hp at 4000 rpm

148 hp at 3400-4400 rpm

188 hp at 3800 rpm

Rated torque

192 lb-ft at 1750–2500 rpm

236 lb-ft at 1400-3200 rpm

295 lb-ft at 1600-2600 rpm

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

10.7 s

8.3 s

7.1 s

Top speed

203 km/h

221 km/h

237 km/h


As far as transmissions go, the CLA 180 and CLA 200 are available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. The CLA 220 and CLA 250 are restricted to the seven-speed automatic, while the CLA35 AMG features an AMG-tuned seven-speed. The CLA45 models come with an eight-speed automatic. The CLA 180d is sold with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic, while the CLA 200d and CLA 220d are offered with the eight-speed automatic only.

The standard suspension setup includes a decoupled multi-link axle in the rear, a Direct-Steer system, hydromounts in the front, and a stabilizer bar with a larger diameter for reduced body roll. Again, it’s virtually identical to the A-Class, but reworked to better suit the longer body and heavier. Options include an active damping suspension that will enable you to switch between comfort or sportier settings.

Safety

Just like the CLA, the CLA Shooting Brake shares its safety features with the latest A-Class. As a result, it's packed with state-of-the-art technology, some of which is borrowed from larger models like the S-Class.

The big highlight of the safety package is the semi-autonomous system. Using a camera and radar system, it keeps a close eye on the traffic and "sees" up to 0.3 miles ahead. It also uses map and navigation data to activate its assistance functions, while Active Distance Assist Distronic adjusts the speed when approaching bends or roundabouts.

Standard features include Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The latter helps reduce or prevent rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead and with crossing pedestrians and cyclists. Pre-Safe Plus, borrowed from the bigger Mercedes models, has the ability to recognize an imminent rear-end collision with a vehicle coming from behind.

As far as passive safety features, the CLA Shooting Brake is equipped with three-point seat belts with belt force limiter and belt tensioner in the front, driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s kneebag, and side window airbags as standard. Thorax-pelvis sidebags are standard in the front and available as optional equipment for the rear passenger compartment.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Prices

The CLA Shooting Brake is not available in North America, but you can buy it in every country in Europe. In the United Kingdom, where station wagons are still relatively popular, the Shooting Brake starts from £32,280. For this price, you get the base CLA 180 model. Compared to the four-door coupe, the Shooting Brake carries a minor £1,000 premium.

Opt for the CLA 200 trim and pricing jumps to £33,830. The CLA 250 comes in at £35,370, while the CLA 220d retails from £36,480. Next up is the AMG CLA35, priced from £40,970, while the AMG CLA45 S retails from £53,470.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Competition

Kia Proceed

With no shooting brakes available in the premium segment, we need to compare the CLA with vehicles from the more affordable classes. Not that there are many shooting brakes to choose from here, but the Kia Proceed almost looks like one thanks to its sleek rear roof section. The Proceed is a bit smaller than the CLA, but the discrepancy is rather negligible. Specifically, the Proceed is 83 mm (3.26 inches) shorter and 30 mm (1.2 inches) narrower. Launched in 2018, the current Proceed still looks fresh. And although it's not a premium vehicle, the upper trim have what it takes to compete with the CLA Shooting Brake. The interior design isn't bad either. The trunk takes up to 594 liters (21 cubic feet) of luggage behind the rear seats, which is an extra 89 liters (3.1 cubic feet) compared to the CLA. As far as drivetrains go, the Proceed is a bit underpowered. The base 1.0-liter engine delivers only 120 horsepower and 127 pound-feet, while the 1.4-liter mill cranks out 140 horses and 178 pound-feet. But Kia offers a 1.6-liter with 204 horsepower and 195 pound-feet, basically the only engine that makes it worthy of a face-off with the CLA. Diesel options include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 136 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of twist. The Proceed starts from £24,290, but the range-topping model comes in at £29,090 before options.

Read our full story on the 2020 Kia Proceed

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Yes, the C-Class Estate features a boxier design and it's marginally bigger, but there is a certain degree of cannibalization between the compact wagon and the CLA Shooting Brake. The Estate is based on the W205-generation C-Class, launched in 2014 and updated in 2018. It features a similar interior and technology, while the engine lineup is just as diverse and includes four- and six-cylinder engines. The range begins with the C 180 rated at 154 horsepower and goes up to the C 400 rated at 328 horses. AMG models with up to 503 horsepower are also available. The diesel lineup is restricted to the 2.1-liter four-cylinder with outputs between 168 horsepower and 295 pound-feet and 228 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. When it comes to trunk space, the C-Class Estate swallows up to 490 liters (17.3 cubic feet) behind the rear seats, and that's actually 15 liters (0.53 cubic feet) less than the CLA. However, the compact wagon offers more room behind the first row at 1,510 liters (53.3 cubic feet), or 140 liters (4.94 cubic feet) more than the CLA. The C-Class Estate starts from £36,185, but it can cost as much as £75,458 in AMG trim.

Read our full review of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Conclusion

Granted, wagons are no longer popular in most markets as people are moving toward crossovers, but the CLA Shooting Brake is a breath of fresh air. Thanks to its sleek roof and compact size, it's more practical solution to the larger wagons and it also looks almost as sporty as a coupe. It's the perfect choice if you want the sportiness of a four-door coupe with the practicality of a wagon. With the CLS Shooting Brake no longer on the market, the CLA Shooting Brake could become even more popular than before. Too bad that Mercedes-Benz won't bring it to the United States.