Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (2015 – 2018) Review

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (2015 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
More practical estate version of the Mercedes CLA offers a decent boot, but as with the saloon version, there simply too many flaws.

+Handsome design. Good interior quality. CLA 200 CDI is economical. Boot is surprisingly useful.

-Diesels and 7G DCT automatic don’t make for the best combination. Cramped in the back seats. Ride is too firm.

Insurance Groups are between 22–46
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The fact this wagon was called the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake rather than a simple estate speaks volumes. It’s all about style over load lugging, although it does have a decent boot compared to the Mercedes CLA four-door coupe. Next to the Honda Civic Tourer or the Volkswagen Golf Estate, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake trails behind, but it can hold its own with the MINI Clubman. Read on for our full Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake review.

At launch, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake was described as an exciting, practical and alternative family car.

Alternative was the right word. Here is a small coupe-like estate that’s come from the Mercedes CLA, which itself was based on the 2012 Mercedes A-Class. So is this strange blend a successful one?

Well in terms of looks, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake stands out. Like the larger Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake, it’s an elegant and distinctive vehicle that’s the antithesis to the standard boxy estate car. It’s a refreshing change. But is this a case of style over substance?

Not necessarily. Yes, the boot isn’t as practical as you’ll find on a Volkswagen Golf Estate but it’s still pretty handy and will easily accommodate a pushchair and shopping.

It’s not good for boxy items, but the boot is long and wide enough for everyday needs. Plus there’s a large under-the-floor storage area.

Being based on the Mercedes A-Class, don’t expect acres of rear legroom, but there’s reasonable space. That said, put in a standard rear-facing baby car seat and you’ll need to slide the front seats pretty much all the way forward.

The swooping roofline at the back doesn’t make it particularly easy to get your little one in or out either.

There are no question marks over interior quality though. The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake feels like a premium product with a high level to the fit and finish.

It’s perhaps not quite as sophisticated a design as the Audi A3 – things like the infotainment panel and air-conditioning controls are somewhat pedestrian – but everything is intuitive and easy to use.

Unlike larger models from the firm, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is front wheel drive; however, it’s well set-up to handle neatly with little body roll and responsive steering.

Four-wheel drive was also an option. As small estates go, few are as good or as enjoyable to drive as the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, but it does come with the caveat of a firm ride.

The engine line-up mimicked the saloon’s with two main petrol and two turbodiesel offerings, plus the rapid Mercedes CLA 45 AMG performance version. However, we’re still not convinced by the combination of the CDI engines and the 7G DCT automatic gearbox. 

If you want outright space then look elsewhere, but if you want plenty of style and a dash of practicality, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake has loads of appeal.

Read our review of the latest Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake here.

What does a Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (2015 – 2018) cost?