Mercedes-Benz is stepping up its electric vehicle strategy, focusing on enhancing autonomy and reducing charging times to better align with customer expectations. The company's latest offering, the CLA Shooting Brake, is an electric sedan that has made waves with its impressive 790 km range. It joins a "hunting break" version, which suggests a more rugged or versatile design. The CLA Shooting Brake aims to blend practicality with style, offering ample interior space and positioning itself as a viable competitor to SUVs. After a test drive covering nearly 2,000 km, the car was described as a pleasure to drive, highlighting its comfort and performance. The CLA Shooting Brake has a length of 4.72 meters, a width of 1.86 meters, and a height of 1.47 meters. It is powered by a 272 horsepower engine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The car features a 14-inch main screen and a Type 2 Combo (CCS) side socket for charging. Previously, the design of the CLA had not impressed critics, but the new version has won them over, particularly with its redesigned front and the option of Red Patagonia paint with 19-inch wheels. The rear hatch adds a bulkier look, effectively masking the car’s dimensions. The car also includes ambient sounds, such as a welcome chime and subtle noises when unlocking or starting to charge. Inside, the CLA Shooting Brake shares the same cabin design as the standard sedan, with elegant touches like the steering wheel, door panels, and aluminum console. The seats are covered in suede, though the dashboard is criticized for its flat and almost vertical layout. The passenger screen was found to be of limited use, with few test drivers interacting with it. The car features three screens, collectively called the Superscreen, including a 10.25-inch screen for the driver and two 14-inch screens for the center and passenger. These screens run on MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz’s operating system, with the driver’s screen praised for its ease of use and the central screen noted for its smartphone-like interface. The CLA Shooting Brake has a 272 horsepower engine and a rear motor producing 200 kW and 338 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h. The driving experience is smooth in urban settings, with well-calibrated steering on country roads and good handling on mountain curves. It includes "one-pedal" and "free wheel" modes for eco-driving, along with sound insulation and efficient lighting. The car is equipped with an 85 kWh battery, achieving a WLTP-certified energy consumption of 13.5 kWh per 100 km. During testing, it used 12.9 kWh/100 km in the city and 12.4 kWh/100 km on country roads, with higher consumption on highways. The CLA Shooting Brake can charge at up to 320 kW, allowing it to go from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes. During testing, it reached 8 to 80% in 21 minutes on a 350 kW station and 23 minutes on a 400 kW station. It can also charge on a 400-volt station with an optional upgrade. The base model starts at 49,450 euros, with the higher-end 250+ version priced at 55,700 euros. The tested model, which included several upgrades, cost 71,650 euros. Additional features, such as a 400-volt/800-volt converter, smartphone integration, and automatic bi-zone air conditioning, are available as options. The car is eco-certified, making it eligible for tax benefits for company use. The CLA Shooting Brake faces competition from the Tesla Model 3 and the Zeekr 7GT, which offers a more attractive price-to-equipment ratio and faster charging. Within Mercedes-Benz’s own lineup, it competes with the GLA and GLB, which offer more conventional designs and greater interior space, respectively. Despite these challenges, the CLA Shooting Brake aims to carve a niche with its blend of practicality, performance, and style.