Used Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake for sale: everything you need to know

Where some estate cars focus on utility, others go all-out on style. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake leans more towards the latter, though it still has the biggest boot in a small Mercedes, bigger even than that of the Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV, so it doesn’t abandon practicality entirely.

Still, we suspect you’re mainly interested for the CLA’s looks, enhanced further since the entire range gets AMG body styling. They’re slightly better equipped than A-Class equivalents too, befitting pricing that’s more expensive new - though there are savings to be made shopping for used CLA Shooting Brakes.

Neither Audi nor BMW has a direct equivalent for the CLA, meaning it’s cars like the unusual twin-rear-door MINI Clubman and the less prestigious Kia Proceed that get closest in concept. More conventionally-shaped premium estates like the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring may catch your eye though.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to smaller Mercedes. And given how similar they all are under the skin, you get more or less the same benefits and drawbacks whether you’re buying an A-Class, a GLA crossover, or a CLA Shooting Brake. They’re all pretty easy to recommend, making up in style, cabin design and image what they might lack in other areas.

It’s hard not to argue that the CLA Shooting Brake is the most stylish of the bunch, too, and while the roofline looks like it might cut into headroom, that’s only an issue in models with the panoramic sunroof. It’s still a relatively compact car by estate standards so front seat room is better than it is in the back, but it’s still the most practical variant of the A-Class and CLA range this side of the GLA.

The cabin itself is stylish, best appreciated in trim levels which have a pair of 10.25-inch screens, rather than a mix of big and small. All are well-equipped though and features like ambient lighting really make the most of the striking design.

Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options mean there’s a good balance of performance and economy out there depending on your needs, and the Shooting Brake also gets both high-performance AMG options, the 35 and 45-badged cars. The CLA 45 really is a super-estate in miniature.

To find an Audi or BMW rival you have to look to the larger A4 Avant and 3 Series Touring, and if you’re doing that, then you should probably consider the larger Mercedes C-Class Estate too. As far as smaller, style-focused models go though, the only real equivalents are the unusual MINI Clubman, and the more mainstream Kia Proceed - which actually doesn’t do a bad job of replicating the CLA’s style.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake model to buy?

There’s the usual trade-off here between the petrol and diesel versions in that petrol will feel more refined and better suit those with shorter commutes, while the diesel trades some of that smooth running for better fuel economy on a run, and since the more powerful CLA 250 petrol was dropped, the diesel is also quickest of the non-hybrid and non-AMG models. Choose according to your needs, and bear in mind the 250 e is an option if you have access to charging, for potentially low fuel costs.

Earlier CLA models didn’t offer both the larger 10.25-inch display screens across the range, so you’ll want to focus on AMG Line Premium trim in these models. It’s less an issue from around 2022-on as the entry-level AMG Line Executive became much better equipped.

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz CLA 180: The 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the CLA 180 produces 136PS, and with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gets from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds. Combined economy is 45.6mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz CLA 200: 200 models use a more powerful 1.3, making 163PS. The 0-62mph time drops to 8.4 seconds, and economy is identical to the CLA 180.
• Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 d: In 220 d form the CLA uses a 2-litre turbodiesel with 190PS, and an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. The combination results in a 7.2-second 0-62mph time and 55.4mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 e: The plug-in hybrid CLA uses a 1.3-litre petrol turbo and electric motor combination for 218PS, with the seven-speed dual-clutch auto handling the gears. 0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds and economy is from 40.9mpg in pure hybrid mode, to 256.8mpg if you make use of around 42 miles of EV range.
• Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: The first of two AMGs makes 306PS from a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with a seven-speed auto and all-wheel drive. 0-62mph is up in 4.9 seconds, with economy of 34mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: In 45 form you get a 421PS 2-litre turbo engine, an eight-speed auto, and all-wheel drive, for 0-62mph in four seconds flat. Mercedes quotes 31.4mpg combined consumption.

What used Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake trim levels are available?

There’s the usual wide range of trim levels offered on the CLA Shooting Brake. A regular AMG Line was offered at launch and was itself well-equipped, though unlike the AMG Line Premium, and the AMG Line Executive introduced later, it didn’t get the pair of larger 10.25-inch screens that really make a difference to how the interior looks.

• The Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Executive gets 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, LED headlights, electric folding mirrors, Dynamic Select driving modes, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, 10.25-inch driver and touchscreen displays, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, heated front sport seats, keyless start, ambient lighting, and two-zone climate control.
• The Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Premium adds keyless entry, a rear armrest with cupholders (try to contain your excitement), an upgraded Mercedes-Benz sound system, and extra remote and charging services for the 250 e.
• The Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition upgrades to 19-inch alloys, adaptive multibeam LED headlights, a panoramic opening sunroof, and traffic sign assist.
• The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 gets 18-inch alloys, Dynamic Select tailored towards sports driving with five modes, AMG body styling, AMG brake calipers, a valved exhaust system, LED headlights, a twin-blade radiator grille, rear diffuser bumper element, and an AMG steering wheel. It gets a smaller driver display but keeps the 10.25-inch touchscreen.
• The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Premium steps up to 19-inch alloys, gloss black exterior detailing, and adds the larger 10.25-inch driver display.
• The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Premium Plus gets adaptive dampers, an AMG aerodynamic package, memory seats, multibeam LED headlights, and a panoramic opening sunroof.
• The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Plus has 19-inch forged alloy wheels, extra Dynamic Select modes including a drift mode, a vertical radiator grille blade design, an AMG aero package, red painted brake calipers, a pair of twin-exit exhausts, wider wheel arches, and AMG Performance seats with heating and multiple lumbar adjustment functions.

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4695mm
• Width: 1830mm (without mirrors, 1834mm AMG 35, 1857mm AMG 45), 1999mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1433mm (1405mm AMG 35, 1409mm AMG 45)

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake’s boot size is:

• 505 litres (454 litres PHEV)
• 1370 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof, 1310 litres PHEV)

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake road tax

The normal £10 tax benefit of opting for a plug-in hybrid is undone with the CLA Shooting Brake since all variants cost more than £40,000 new - and this adds a hefty tax surcharge resulting in a £560 yearly bill, until the seventh year of registration. Other £40k-plus CLAs get a £570 annual bill, while most lower trim levels and smaller engines have a much more reasonable £180 tax rate.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?

The cheapest CLA Shooting Brake to insure should be the CLA 180 in the earlier AMG Line trim, which kicks off the range in group 26. This rises all the way to group 45 for the AMG 45. You can find equivalent A-Class models slightly cheaper - those start in group 19 - but broadly speaking, insurance costs should be about what you’d expect for a relatively expensive model from a premium maker.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake review