Mercedes-Benz has redefined its presence in the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the new CLA Shooting Brake, a pioneering all-electric estate model. This vehicle represents a notable evolution from its predecessors, offering a more capacious interior, heightened functionality, and cutting-edge technological integrations. Positioned as the second electric offering within the brand's new series of entry-level vehicles, it seamlessly blends the elegant design of the CLA sedan with the added utility of an estate, signifying a strategic move towards diversifying its electric lineup.
Revealed on a recent Tuesday, the CLA Shooting Brake EV is the inaugural all-electric estate from the esteemed German automaker. It follows closely on the heels of the new CLA sedan's debut, inheriting its core attributes while expanding on its utility. This electric wagon not only surpasses the dimensions of its conventional fuel-powered counterpart but also provides a more generous cabin environment. Measuring 4,723 mm in length, an increase of 35 mm over the outgoing model, and featuring an extended wheelbase of 2,790 mm (a 61 mm gain), the electric variant enhances front headroom by 14 mm and front legroom by 11 mm, though rear legroom sees a slight reduction of 6 mm.
Regarding cargo capacity, the electric CLA Shooting Brake offers a 455-liter boot, which, while 50 liters more than the CLA sedan, is 30 liters less than the preceding Shooting Brake model. However, this is significantly augmented by an additional 101-liter front trunk (Frunk), providing versatile storage solutions. With all rear seats folded, the total storage expands to an impressive 1,290 liters. The vehicle also comes standard with roof rails, engineered to accommodate items like surfboards or bicycles with a load capacity of up to 75 kg (165 lbs), emphasizing its practical design for various lifestyles.
The interior of the new Shooting Brake mirrors the sophisticated design of the CLA Sedan, integrating the innovative Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with its fourth-generation infotainment platform. This includes a prominent 14-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch driver's screen. An optional 14-inch passenger screen is also available, which, if not chosen, is replaced by an elegantly designed trim piece featuring a star-pattern graphic. All three displays are powered by advanced chips and graphics from the Unity Game Engine, ensuring a fluid and immersive user experience.
Underpinning the new model is Mercedes-Benz's Modular Architecture, coupled with an 85 kWh battery, which delivers an impressive WLTP range of up to 473 miles (761 km). The vehicle will be available with both single and dual-motor configurations. The base CLA 250+ Shooting Brake boasts 268 hp (200 kW) and the aforementioned 473-mile range. Meanwhile, the dual-motor CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake provides a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW) and a slightly reduced range of 454 miles (730 km).
Utilizing an 800V architecture, the electric estate can rapidly replenish its range, adding up to 193 miles (310 km) of WLTP driving range in just 10 minutes. Mercedes-Benz highlights that this rapid charging capability is sufficient for journeys such as Geneva to Milan or Berlin to Hamburg. Future plans include the release of additional EV variants in early 2026, followed by a 1.5-liter hybrid model. While pricing details are yet to be announced, the new CLA Shooting Brake is anticipated to have a slightly higher starting price than the current model, which begins at approximately €40,000 ($46,500) in Europe.
This innovative electric estate underscores Mercedes-Benz's dedication to an electric future, offering a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and advanced technology. It is poised to appeal to those seeking a versatile and environmentally conscious vehicle without compromising on luxury or driving dynamics. The brand's expansion of its electric lineup, including forthcoming SUV models, signals a robust commitment to sustainable mobility.
Mercedes-Benz has officially launched its first fully electric wagon, the CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology, marking a significant step in the brand's electrification journey. This innovative vehicle is designed to combine the practicality of a wagon with the efficiency and performance of an advanced electric powertrain, promising an expansive driving range and cutting-edge features.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology is built upon the same robust architecture as the CLA sedan. This foundation allows it to inherit the sedan's refined driving dynamics while expanding on utility. A key highlight of this new electric wagon is its exceptional range, estimated at up to 473 miles (761 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle for the base rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+ Shooting Brake variant. Even the more powerful, dual-motor CLA 300 Shooting Brake delivers a commendable estimated range of 453 miles (730 km). These figures position the CLA Shooting Brake as a leader in its segment for long-distance travel on a single charge.
Beyond its impressive range, the vehicle features an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling rapid charging capabilities. Mercedes-Benz states that with a suitable DC fast charger, drivers can gain approximately 186 miles (300 km) of range in just a 10-minute charging session. Both the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are equipped with an 85 kilowatt-hour nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, and they support AC charging at up to 22 kW. Power output is substantial, with the RWD version producing 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, and the AWD CLA 300 4Matic boosting those numbers to 348 hp and 380 lb-ft, allowing for brisk acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in as little as five seconds for the AWD variant.
In terms of physical dimensions, the new CLA Shooting Brake has grown considerably compared to its predecessor. It measures 185.9 inches (4,723 millimeters) in length, 73 inches (1,855 mm) in width, and 57.8 inches (1,469 mm) in height, making it notably larger in all aspects. Despite its increased exterior dimensions, the primary trunk capacity is slightly reduced at 16 cubic feet (455 liters). However, the inclusion of a 3.5 cubic feet (101 liters) front trunk significantly increases the total cargo space, offering up to 19.6 cubic feet (556 liters) with the rear seats upright, and a cavernous 49.1 cubic feet (1,391 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This combined capacity surpasses that of the CLA EV sedan, offering enhanced versatility for families and cargo needs.
The interior of the electric wagon mirrors the sophisticated design and technology found in its sedan counterpart. It offers an optional three-screen MBUX infotainment system, which includes a 14-inch central display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an additional 14-inch screen for the front passenger. An optional 12.2-inch head-up display further augments the driving experience. A distinctive feature is the large panoramic roof, equipped with heat-insulating glass and switchable transparency levels, which can transition between opaque and transparent states with a simple button press. For the first time in an electric CLA Shooting Brake, this panoramic roof also incorporates an ambient lighting system with 158 illuminated stars, adding a touch of luxury and ambiance. Besides the all-electric versions, Mercedes-Benz also plans to offer hybrid powertrains featuring 48V technology, providing more options for consumers.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology is slated for release in European markets in March 2026. While its arrival in the United States remains uncertain due to the prior generation's limited availability, its introduction signifies Mercedes-Benz's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup with highly functional and aesthetically pleasing models that cater to diverse needs, particularly those seeking a blend of spaciousness, luxury, and sustainable performance.
Rivian, the innovative electric vehicle manufacturer, has officially announced a significant enhancement to its in-car navigation capabilities. This strategic move involves a new partnership with Google Maps, integrating its advanced mapping and routing technologies directly into Rivian's vehicle infotainment systems. The collaboration aims to dramatically improve the driving experience by offering highly accurate, real-time navigation that leverages Google's comprehensive data and intuitive design, setting a new benchmark for automotive navigation solutions.
The upgraded navigation system, accessible through Rivian's 15.6-inch central touchscreen, retains Rivian's bespoke interface while transitioning its foundational data from third-party providers to Google Maps' Automotive SDK. This shift is a direct response to customer input, indicating a strong desire for more precise and responsive navigation. Rivian's engineering team, in conjunction with Google Maps, has focused on delivering a best-in-class solution. This includes real-time traffic updates, more accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs), and dynamic rerouting capabilities that account for incidents like construction and accidents, all fueled by Google's crowd-sourced information.
A notable visual upgrade is the inclusion of Google Maps satellite imagery, which will provide drivers with a richer, more detailed view of their surroundings. Furthermore, the system will enhance point-of-interest interactions, allowing users to tap on locations directly on the map to access detailed information such as operating hours, user reviews, and contact details. This integration builds upon Rivian's existing use of Google Maps for place information and its broader adoption of Android Automotive OS, which already supports applications like YouTube and Google Cast, ensuring a cohesive digital ecosystem within the vehicle.
This advanced navigation system is designed to provide a consistently reliable and helpful experience, whether embarking on an extended journey or simply navigating daily commutes. Rivian will continue to offer its distinctive features, such as vehicle and condition-specific range estimates for electric vehicles and comprehensive information regarding charging stops, ensuring that the transition to Google Maps seamlessly integrates with the unique demands of EV ownership.
Accompanying this significant software update is a refreshed design language for the navigation interface. Rivian has meticulously crafted this new aesthetic to resonate with the natural world, incorporating topography and color palettes inspired by green landscapes, deep blue lakes, and oceans. This thoughtful design choice aims to enhance visual clarity and ease of information access, making the navigation experience more intuitive and enjoyable. Moreover, these cutting-edge navigation improvements will also be rolled out to the Rivian mobile application. This means users will benefit from real-time traffic updates, incident reporting, access to place photos and descriptions, and satellite view (with an active Connect+ subscription), all from their mobile devices. Features like destination and trip sharing will also remain fully functional, facilitating a connected experience between the vehicle and personal devices. The deployment of Rivian Navigation powered by Google Maps commenced recently, promising a superior navigation experience for all Rivian owners.
The integration of Google Maps marks a significant stride in Rivian's commitment to delivering a premium and user-centric driving experience. By leveraging Google's robust mapping infrastructure, Rivian ensures its vehicles are equipped with a navigation system that is not only highly functional and accurate but also visually engaging and seamlessly integrated into the broader digital ecosystem, reflecting the evolving landscape of in-car technology.