Electric cars: Mercedes Cla 250+ Shooting Brake, test, how it goes, prices

Mercedes-Benz and touring bodies tell a story spanning over 70 years. We start from 1949 with the first multi-purpose versions set up by Lueg, we move on to the Universal of 1966, the first station wagon marketed directly by the company and we arrive at the S 123 generations of 1978 and S 124 of 1985, the first to introduce 4Matic all-wheel drive in the category. As for the term Shooting Brake, it is a formula born in the British context for cars suitable for hunters (the large rear door derives from this load requirement) and reinterpreted in a premium key with the Cls Shooting Brake of 2012 and, three years later, with the first Cla Shooting Brake. Today that same bodywork, two and a half volumes with a sporty style, becomes completely electric for the first time. The new Cla Shooting Brake was born on the MMA platform (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture). It is therefore the brand’s first zero-emission Shooting Brake, designed to cover the entire range of daily use, from urban commutes to family trips. The test focused on the Cla 250+, the rear-wheel drive version with the longest autonomy in the range. tested near the province of Caserta.

1Design and interiors

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With 4,723 mm in length, 1,855 in width and 1,469 in height, the Shooting Brake shares the footprint of the sedan version but extends the roof towards the tailgate, obtaining the already widely known tail line. The front introduces a closed panel with a star motif, i.e. 142 individually illuminated LED stars; this pattern also returns to the rear light cluster, creating a recognizable light signature at night. The interior focuses on light: the panoramic roof integrates 158 stars in the glass surface which follow the same lighting as that chosen for the rest of the interior. The dashboard is dominated by the Mbux Superscreen, which can have up to three displays in the top of the range version: 10.25-inch instrument panel, 14-inch central screen and, as an option, a third 14-inch screen dedicated to the front passenger. The absence of the central tunnel, a consequence of the native electric architecture of the MMA platform, frees up space on board and makes the environment more airy, especially for those sitting in the center in the rear row. The materials and the quality of the assemblies remain at the height of the brand’s tradition, with a perceived care that remains one of the distinctive features of the car.

2engine and performance

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The Cla 250+ adopts a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle with 200 kW (272 HP) and 335 Nm of torque, combined with a new two-speed gearbox to promote consistency in elongation. 0-100 km/h is covered in 6.8 seconds and the maximum speed is self-limited to 210 km/h. The battery has a useful capacity of 85 kWh with nickel-manganese-cobalt (Nmc) cells and 800 volt architecture. On the autonomy front, the figure declared in the WLTP cycle is 769 km, the highest value of the entire range. Direct current charging reaches 320 kW, with 320 km recoverable in ten minutes in optimal conditions; in alternating current it goes up to 22 kW. Energy recovery during deceleration reaches 200 kW.

3technology and infotainment

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The digital heart is Mb.Os, the Mercedes-Benz operating system with remote updates also extended to key functions. The voice assistant combines multiple AI sources (Microsoft and Google) for more natural dialogues. In terms of driving assistance, the car is placed at Sae 2++ level: the second “+” was obtained thanks to the automation of the overtaking manoeuvre. The equipment, with which the car obtained the award as the safest car from Euroncap, includes Distance Assist Distronic, Steering Assist, Blind Spot Assist Plus, Lane Change Assist, sign recognition, 360 degree camera and emergency functions. In real use, the multimedia system was not quick to respond and the on-board cartography proved to be improvable; Alternatively, integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is always available, which covers navigation without difficulty.

4How is it going

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On the road, Mercedes quality does the talking. The most striking element is the work of the suspensions: the filtering of roughness and the composure of the rolling bring the on-board experience closer to that of higher-ranking cars, with a comfort that refers to references of the most absolute luxury. Actual consumption proved to be more than adequate compared to expectations: the result is a convincing balance between sporty character, elegance and comfort. To complete the picture of versatility there is the load capacity: the boot goes from 455 to 1,290 liters by folding down the seats, while under the front bonnet there is room for a frunk (front trunkfront load compartment) of 101 litres, therefore useful not only for charging cables but it can fit an entire travel trolley inside.

5Who is it suitable for?

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The electric Cla Shooting Brake is aimed at those looking for a premium family car without giving up the style of the coupé and zero-emission power. It is a suitable choice for families and for those who travel a lot of kilometres, thanks to the 250+’s high autonomy, fast charging and a spacious and quiet interior. Less suitable, however, for those who put an information system with immediate responses first and rely exclusively on integrated navigation.

6Equipment and prices

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The Cla Shooting Brake range is divided into four trim levels, sorted by richness of equipment: Advanced, Advanced Plus, Premium and Premium Plus. In terms of engines, access to the range is entrusted to the 224 HP Cla SB 200, offered at 52,041 euros. The Cla 250+ tested, with 272 HP, starts at 58,098 euros, while at the top is the Cla 350 4Matic with 354 HP and all-wheel drive, at 63,698 euros.

• Reference ride comfort, with suspensions that bring the car closer to higher categories.
• Declared autonomy of up to 769 km and DC charging up to 320 kW on the 250+ version.
• Usable passenger compartment and ample load space (455-1,290 liters more frunk 101 litres), favored by the absence of the central tunnel.

• Infotainment not particularly responsive in responses. On-board cartography could be improved in terms of reliability.