By Deji Osas
A Bold New Chapter in Electric Mobility
Mercedes-Benz is rewriting the rules of luxury wagons with the unveiling of its first all-electric estate car — the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology. As part of the automaker’s expanding EQ electric family, the new Shooting Brake brings sleek styling, cutting-edge technology, and an impressive electric range to a market traditionally dominated by sedans and SUVs.
Built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) — the same platform underpinning the next-gen CLA sedan — this electrified wagon is engineered to deliver not just efficiency and performance, but also everyday versatility. It’s a bold step by the German luxury marque, blending style and substance in one of its most practical formats yet.
The headline feature? A WLTP-rated driving range of up to 473 miles (761 km) — a class-leading figure for an electric wagon, and a game-changer for long-distance EV travel in Europe and beyond.
Power, Range, and Charging Capabilities
Under the hood — or rather, beneath the floor — the CLA Shooting Brake EV features a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack with a usable capacity of 85 kWh. Both the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+ and the dual-motor CLA 300 4MATIC variants utilize this same pack.
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CLA 250+ Shooting Brake:
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Range: 473 miles (761 km, WLTP)
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Power: 268 hp, 247 lb-ft (335 Nm)
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0–62 mph: 6.8 seconds
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CLA 300 4MATIC Shooting Brake (AWD):
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Range: 453 miles (730 km, WLTP)
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Power: 348 hp, 380 lb-ft (515 Nm)
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0–62 mph: 5.0 seconds
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Despite a slight reduction in range compared to the sedan counterpart, the Shooting Brake’s performance and range remain exceptional, especially considering its larger body and added utility.
Mercedes also equips the CLA EV with an 800-volt electrical architecture — a major leap forward in charging speed. Using a high-powered DC fast charger, drivers can add 186 miles (300 km) of range in just 10 minutes. AC charging is supported at up to 22 kW, ensuring compatibility with most home and workplace charging setups.
Size, Space, and Practical Upgrades
The 2026 CLA Shooting Brake EV isn’t just about electrification — it’s also about usability. Compared to its predecessor, this new model is larger in every dimension:
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Length: 185.9 in (4,723 mm)
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Width: 73 in (1,855 mm)
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Height: 57.8 in (1,469 mm)
That’s an increase of over an inch in each direction, translating into more cabin space and a broader stance on the road.
Cargo capacity, however, is where things get interesting. While the rear trunk is slightly smaller than before at 16 cu ft (455 liters), the addition of a front trunk (frunk) with 3.5 cu ft (101 liters) pushes total capacity to 19.6 cu ft (556 liters) with the rear seats up — and up to 49.1 cu ft (1,391 liters) when folded down. That’s even more space than the CLA electric sedan offers.
Whether for families, commuters, or road-trip lovers, the Shooting Brake’s expanded cargo space makes it a practical EV choice for those who demand more than just city-range performance.
Interior Tech, Design Innovations, and Availability
Inside, the CLA Shooting Brake EV is loaded with premium features, reflecting Mercedes’ push toward digital luxury. The cabin includes:
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Optional triple-screen MBUX Superscreen
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14-inch central touchscreen
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10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
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14-inch passenger display
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Optional 12.2-inch head-up display
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Advanced voice assistant and AI-driven navigation
Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the all-new panoramic sunroof, crafted with heat-insulating glass and featuring switchable opacity — from transparent to opaque at the push of a button. In a first for Mercedes-Benz, the roof is also illuminated with 158 LED “stars,” creating a dazzling effect that reflects the night sky while subtly reinforcing the brand’s “Star” identity.
Mercedes hasn’t forgotten performance hybrids either — a 48V mild-hybrid CLA Shooting Brake will also be available in select markets, offering a lower-cost alternative for those not quite ready to go full-electric.
Global Launch and U.S. Market Status
The all-electric CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology is set to arrive on European roads in March 2026, where its sleek wagon body style remains popular. However, much like the previous generation, the new model is unlikely to be sold in the United States, where wagons continue to play second fiddle to crossovers and SUVs.
Still, the CLA Shooting Brake EV is a strong signal of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainable mobility and diversified electric offerings. With impressive range, rapid charging, and a refined, futuristic interior, it’s positioned to become one of the most well-rounded EV wagons on the global market.
