CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake

Introduction

Some cars enter a room — others redefine it. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake with EQ Technology belongs firmly in the latter category. As a fully electric Shooting Brake, it combines a body style that barely exists in this form with a level of technology usually reserved for significantly more expensive vehicles. Our test car, finished in MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic — a colour surcharge of €1,000 — comes fully loaded with AMG Line Plus, the Premium Plus Package and a host of digital extras, totalling €80,764. The base price stands at €51,133 net. The premium for the full package is substantial — whether it's justified is exactly what this test is here to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The CLA Shooting Brake makes an impression without shouting for attention. The proportions are elegantly stretched, the AMG Line Plus package gives the car real presence, and Patagonia Red Metallic is a colour that suits it well — bold without being excessive. Step inside and first impressions become convictions. The build quality is exactly what Mercedes-Benz promises — and actually delivers here. Soft Nappa-look leather, high-quality surfaces, flush-fitting elements, illuminated door sill panels with interchangeable covers: the interior communicates quality at every turn. Anyone searching for hard plastic will leave disappointed.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

354 hp, 260 kW, all-wheel drive — the CLA 350 4MATIC means business. A 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds is a strong statement for a Shooting Brake of this class, and the experience behind that number doesn't disappoint. The powertrain responds immediately, the acceleration is linear and composed — sporting without being nervous. A top speed of 210 km/h fits the character of the car perfectly. The comfort suspension does precisely what its name promises: it rides with refinement while remaining clearly on the sporting side of the spectrum. Daily drivers will find neither cause for complaint about ride harshness nor any sense of lethargy behind the wheel.

Interior and Infotainment

The centrepiece of the cabin is the MBUX Superscreen — a display arrangement that lifts the cockpit into a class of its own. The rendering is brilliant, the operation intuitive, and Mercedes' voice assistant is one of the fastest and most intelligent in its category. Anyone who says "Hey Mercedes" and experiences just how immediately and precisely the system responds will understand that this is not a gimmick — it's genuine everyday value. The Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, head-up display, front massage function and panoramic sunroof round out an interior package that has few rivals at this price point. Ambient lighting with animated Mercedes-Benz pattern projection — it's details like these that make the difference.

Efficiency

A WLTP range of 663 kilometres from the 85 kWh battery is impressive on paper — and surprisingly close to real-world results in everyday use. The 800-volt charging system, combined with the optional 400-volt DC system and the 22 kW AC on-board charger, makes the CLA one of the most flexible vehicles in the segment when it comes to charging. Fast charging, home wallbox, public charging point — the CLA is ready for every scenario. Drivers who regularly cover long distances will come to appreciate the combination of range and charging speed.

Driver Assistance and Safety

The assistance package is comprehensive: DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, Blind Spot Assist Plus, 360° camera, Park Assist, evasive steering assist, emergency stop function — the CLA is at the cutting edge and offers more than most drivers will ever need in daily use. The depth of digital assistance is particularly impressive: MB.DRIVE ASSIST and MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 operate reliably and genuinely reduce effort in everyday situations. One point stands out, however: the emergency braking assistant when reversing occasionally triggers without any visible reason — a behaviour that is irritating and in certain everyday situations more disruptive than helpful. Not a safety concern, but a calibration detail that Mercedes should address in a future software update.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake with EQ Technology costs €80,764 in the tested configuration — and it justifies that figure with a package that few competitors can match in this form. Premium interior, MBUX Superscreen at reference level, an intelligent voice assistant, strong performance figures and a charging setup that covers every base. The reversing emergency brake assist is a solvable issue, not a deal-breaker. For those prepared to pay the price, this is one of the most technologically advanced electric vehicles on the market — in a body style that exists nowhere else quite like this.