It was a warm, wind-swept morning when I rolled the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 200 onto the serpentine ascent of the Ith ridge. Rising sharply above the Weser Uplands, this ribbon of forested tarmac offered the perfect proving ground for what Mercedes markets as a “lifestyle estate”, a car more about elegance and aspiration than raw utility.
To the casual observer, the CLA Shooting Brake might appear to be just another premium compact. But under the flowing sheet metal and beneath the oversized star sits a surprisingly complex machine, and one with something to prove. The route? A demanding mix of tight bends, sudden inclines, and narrow viewpoints that tested more than just chassis balance and torque curves. It tested usability, visibility, and yes, real-world livability.
CLA Shooting Brake: The Station Wagon Coupé
The CLA Shooting Brake isn’t here to solve your logistical problems. It’s here to look good while trying. Low-slung and narrow-glassed, it breaks with the high-roofed, boxy station wagon norms. From the front, the new “shark nose” grille bites the wind with intent. From the rear, the sculpted hips and wide-set tail lamps remind you this isn’t about volume, it’s about visual drama.
Yet, there’s more than just theater. Open the electrically operated tailgate and you’ll find a boot space that surprises. Officially, it’s 380 liters up to the cargo cover, which is,ironically, more than the larger C-Class Estate. Fold the seats, and you can pack eleven crates of mineral water. Sure, the load lip is tall and the entry not as box-shaped as a Passat’s, but this isn’t a compromise as much as it is a clever repackaging.
On the climb through the forest roads of the Ith, the CLA Shooting Brake felt planted and proportionally agile. It’s no hot hatch, but it doesn’t trip over itself like a compact SUV might. Steering response was sharp, the rear tracked confidently, and even as the tarmac crumbled into gravel at the summit’s lookout, the car held its posture.
Uncomfortable Entry, Poor Visibility
Sliding into the CLA requires a small ritual. The front seats sit low, framed by thick sills that require a bit of a dip-and-drop maneuver. Once you’re in, the driving position is near spot-on, legs stretched out, arms relaxed, everything angled toward engagement. But the story’s different at the rear.
Anyone over 1.80 meters will need to duck, pivot, and exhale to enter the back row. The door cutouts are narrow and roofline unforgiving. Even seated, taller passengers will feel the headliner brushing their hair. Rear visibility? Not great. Thick C-pillars and wide headrests leave a lot to guesswork when reversing out of a parking space.
Up on the Ith, with blind bends and tight switchbacks, I found myself relying heavily on the camera system, a necessity more than a convenience.
Many Operating Options
Inside, the CLA blends premium polish with digital depth. The twin 10.25-inch screens create a panoramic tech sweep across the dash. The latest MBUX interface is fast, sharp, and, mostly, intuitive. Swiping through menus works well, but finger slips are common, especially on the tiny touchpads of the steering wheel.
During one descent on the Ith, I accidentally changed the radio station while trying to adjust the cruise limiter, a small but telling reminder that over-digitization isn’t always an upgrade. What I missed most was a simple rotary dial for climate control. Everything is layered into menus, requiring either practice or patience.
Still, voice control worked impressively well. Say, “I’m cold,” and the system raises the temperature. Say, “Navigate to the nearest bakery,” and it’ll plot the route instantly. It’s not perfect, but it’s smart enough to feel natural in day-to-day use.
Solid Driving Performance of the CLA 200
The CLA 200’s 1.3-liter turbocharged engine might raise some eyebrows, especially for those expecting the silky purr of a traditional Merc six-cylinder. But this little engine, co-developed with Renault, holds its own. With 163 hp and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, it delivers power cleanly, if not quickly.
On the uphill straights of the Ith, overtaking cyclists and slower traffic was never an issue. The power is there, but it doesn’t rush you. Mid-range torque is respectable, and the gearbox mostly knows what it’s doing, though occasionally hesitant when shifting down.
At higher revs, the engine sounds a bit raspy. It’s not sporty, nor entirely refined,just functional. I noticed some light vibrations when pushing past 4,500 rpm, especially in sport mode. It’s not disruptive, but enough to remind you that this is a downsized engine with a big job.
Fuel efficiency over 130 km of varied driving, climbing the Ith, cruising through Holzen, and snaking through forest trails, averaged 6.8 l/100 km. That’s in line with ADAC’s official 6.7 liters and more than acceptable for a car with this design and weight.
Price: 50,000 Euros Are Quickly Reached
The base CLA 200 starts at just under €43,000. But the test car, in Progressive trim with optional leather seats, upgraded wheels, a panoramic roof, ambient lighting, Burmester audio, and the full driver assistance package, landed squarely over €50,000.
That’s a hefty price for a compact estate. But then again, Mercedes isn’t selling practicality here. It’s selling image, tech, and lifestyle. And there’s not much competition for this format, maybe the Kia ProCeed GT, but that’s another story.
Would I pay that much for it? As a family car, no. But as a daily driver for someone who values form over raw function, it starts to make sense. Especially with the badge prestige and that seductive rear quarter view.
Mercedes CLA: Facelift 2023
For 2023, Mercedes gave the CLA lineup a subtle refresh. The grille and bumpers have been sharpened, the taillights slightly re-sculpted, and LED headlights are now standard. Inside, more features became standard too: 17-inch alloys, a rear-view camera, leather steering wheel, and USB-C charging across the cabin.
Most importantly, all engines now include a mild-hybrid system. The integrated starter-generator adds 10 kW during acceleration and helps lower fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic. You feel it mostly in smoother engine restarts and slightly better throttle response off the line.
The CLA 200 now only comes with automatic transmission, manual options are gone. That fits the character of the car: elegant, techy, and convenience-focused.
Technical Specification
For correct and reliable info, we pull technical details directly from Mercedes’s website.
| Specification | Mercedes CLA 200 Shooting Brake (2024) |
| Engine | 1.3L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Mild Hybrid) |
| Power | 120 kW / 163 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 226 km/h |
| Fuel Type | Super (95 RON) |
| WLTP Consumption | 6.2 – 6.9 l/100 km |
| ADAC Test Consumption | 6.7 l/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | 136-155 g/km |
| Boot Space (Seats up) | 380 liters |
| Boot Space (Seats down) | Up to 1370 liters (est.) |
| Kerb Weight | Approx. 1,500 kg |
| Length x Width x Height | 4688 x 1830 x 1444 mm |
Conclusion
The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake 200 is a niche car. It won’t suit everyone. It’s not a traditional estate, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it occupies a space between sportiness and style, between coupe and wagon.
On the winding roads of the Ith, it performed admirably. Confident handling, decent comfort, and standout looks made it feel special. It asks you to accept a few compromises, tight rear access, less-than-perfect visibility, a somewhat busy infotainment, in exchange for exclusivity, flair, and badge appeal.
It’s a car for someone who wants something different. Not wild, not outrageous, just different enough to make parking it on your driveway a small event.
Is the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake practical enough for families?
It depends. The boot is reasonably sized, but rear headroom and entry can be tight. For younger families or couples, it’s perfectly serviceable, but not a substitute for a true wagon or SUV.
How does the mild-hybrid system benefit the Mercedes CLA?
It assists with smoother start/stop transitions and gives a slight boost during acceleration. It’s subtle but improves fuel economy and driving refinement.
Is the Mercedes CLA 200 engine powerful enough?
For daily use, yes. It’s not a performance engine, but it offers smooth, reliable performance and decent fuel efficiency. Just don’t expect AMG-level thrill.
