As Mercedes teases the arrival of the brand new CLA
ahead of its CES debut, Carscoops spies caught a camouflaged Shooting Brake test car
resting at a gas station. The estate version of the CLA will retain the sleek design, adding a
longer roof and extra practicality points. Compared to its predecessor, the new
CLA Shooting Brake will also offer better comfort and more room for rear
passengers and a bigger boot for their stuff.
The new CLA appears to draw a lot of
inspiration from the larger CLS; the front end is more aggressive compared to
the A-Class while the curvy rear gets slim LED taillights. Overall the design
is expected to be cleaner and more purposeful.
The interior will probably remain the same with the
rest of the A-Class lineup and that’s not bad, as the compact Mercedes has
already been praised for its impressive atmosphere inside, mixing the latest
tech features with attractive design and materials. The dual-screen layout hosts the
company’s latest MBUX infotainment system, with highlights such as the advanced
voice control system and the live route guidance of the navigation system.
The engine range will mirror that of the new CLA,
which in turn will borrow the powertrains from the A-Class. Petrol engines will
include the latest turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder units while AMG will
most likely show up with its own 35 and 45 versions at some point during next
year.
With the four-door CLA set to debut at the CES this
January, some reports suggest that Mercedes will bring the CLA Shooting Brake
at the Geneva Motor Show for its world debut, so stay tuned. So far we haven’t
heard anything about a US launch, but chances are that this curvy compact wagon
sadly won’t cross the Atlantic (again).
