New CLA wagon may be forbidden fruit in the USA
After revealing the all-new CLA earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has now taken the covers off the new CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology. Not only is it the first Mercedes Shooting Brake model running on electric power alone, but this version of the new CLA should offer more space than the normal model. A small, electric wagon is not necessarily a recipe for success in today’s automotive climate, but in a shrinking wagon market, we’re just happy Mercedes has decided to invest in such a car. Let’s get into all the details of the new CLA Shooting Brake.
Exterior: Familiar Face, Stretched Profile
View the 6 images of this gallery on the
original article
The CLA Shooting Brake shares the regular model’s new face, which features a big Mercedes star in a glossy panel that replaces a traditional grille. This panel includes no less than 142 LED stars with illumination. Above this, there are sleek headlights connected by a light bar. It’s bold, but we wouldn’t call this the car’s prettiest angle.
The elongated roofline completely transforms the car’s profile, sloping back quite dramatically as it leads into the curvy rear end, which also has taillights linked by a full-width light bar. Interestingly, despite the CLA being considered a subcompact model in the U.S., this new Shooting Brake measures 185.9 inches in length, which is 0.2 inches longer than the compact GLC crossover. In every dimension, the new CLA is larger than its predecessor.
Larger cut-outs for the rear doors are claimed to improve access to the back seats.
Interior: Displays Galore And High-Tech Pano Roof
View the 6 images of this gallery on the
original article
Mercedes has crammed as much technology as possible into the cabin of the new CLA Shooting Brake. Fully specified, it comes with a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14-inch center touchscreen, and another 14-inch screen for the front-seat passenger. This becomes the second model from the brand to use the new MB.OS system with features like artificial intelligence from Google and Microsoft.
A wide range of materials and colors are available, with customers able to choose from Artico man-made leather/fabric in shades like Ivory Beige or Beech Brown. For the new steering wheel, more user-friendly roller and rocker switches have made a comeback, which Mercedes says is based on customer feedback.
A highlight of the interior is the larger, switchable panoramic roof. A new transparency function is available for a clear or opaque view, while also offering sunlight protection. The roof can also be illuminated by a starry sky, with 158 stars integrated into the glass surface. Don’t worry, Rolls-Royce fans: The Mercedes starry roof doesn’t look nearly as intricate and magical as the Starlight Headliner found in cars like the Ghost sedan.
Interior space is a mixed bag. Front legroom is better than its predecessor, but rear-seat space is down, and the trunk has reduced in size by over 1 cubic foot. To compensate somewhat, the new electric underpinnings allow for a frunk, which measures 3.6 cubic feet in this case.
Performance: Up To 349 HP And 473 Miles Of Range
Mercedes
The CLA Shooting Brake lineup starts with the 250+ variant, which produces 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint time of 6.8 seconds. Above this is the 350 4Matic model with dual motors, which makes 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, reducing the sprint time to five seconds.
Based on the WLTP cycle, the range on a full charge works out to 473 miles for the CLA 250 and 453 miles for the CLA 350. The comparable EPA ratings won’t be as high as those figures.
While only two electric models are available initially, a hybrid version will arrive early next year. This has an electric motor integrated into the transmission, and it’s possible for it to drive at city speeds on electric power alone.
There’s no word on whether the new CLA Shooting Brake will make it to North America, but the previous model was not sold here, so it looks unlikely that this will change, especially given this market’s preference for crossovers.
Pricing will only be shared at a later stage.