Mercedes-Benz Confirms CLA Shooting Brake for 2014 Launch
Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the CLA Shooting Brake, set to join the A-Class family in 2014 as a stylish estate alternative.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will add a CLA Shooting Brake to its growing compact range, with the new estate variant scheduled to arrive in 2014. The announcement came from design chief Gordon Wagener, who told What Car? that the CLA Shooting Brake is already in development and will become the fourth member of the A-Class platform.
The CLA Shooting Brake will follow the A-Class hatchback, the four-door CLA saloon and the GLA crossover, all of which use Mercedes' MFA front-wheel-drive architecture. The new model is expected to mirror the CLA saloon's engine line-up, which includes a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. No official technical details have been released yet, but the Shooting Brake is likely to offer similar performance and efficiency figures to its coupe sibling.
A-Class Platform Expands
Mercedes is using the MFA platform to underpin a family of compact cars aimed at younger buyers and those seeking premium features in a smaller package. The CLA Shooting Brake will be positioned as a more practical, estate-bodied alternative to the CLA saloon, with a design influenced by the larger CLS Shooting Brake. At 182.3 inches long and 80.0 inches wide, the CLA Shooting Brake is set to offer a spacious interior while maintaining the sleek styling of the CLA range.
The Shooting Brake's arrival continues Mercedes' strategy of targeting new market niches with distinctive body styles. The company has already seen success with the larger CLS Shooting Brake, and the CLA variant is expected to appeal to buyers looking for estate practicality without sacrificing style. The new model will compete with other premium compact estates, though few direct rivals offer the same combination of coupe-inspired styling and estate versatility.
Engine Options and Market Position
While Mercedes-Benz has not released specific engine details for the CLA Shooting Brake, it is expected to use the same powertrains as the CLA saloon. This would include turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with both manual and automatic transmission options. The model will be front-wheel drive, with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive likely to be available on selected variants.
Pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to launch. The CLA Shooting Brake will join a segment that has seen limited competition from other premium brands, giving Mercedes an opportunity to attract buyers looking for something different in the compact estate market.
- CLA Shooting Brake confirmed for 2014
- Shares MFA platform with A-Class, CLA, and GLA
- Expected to use CLA saloon's engine range
- Estate body style with coupe-inspired design
Further details on the CLA Shooting Brake, including interior features and UK pricing, are expected later in the year as Mercedes prepares for its market introduction.
