2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake X118 Polar White
By Lorenzo Bianchi April 10, 2026
Dual-motor AWD with 260 kW and 0–100 km/h in 5.0 seconds.
Up to 743 km WLTP range with 800V fast charging.
Shooting Brake layout adds 455L boot and 101L frunk.
Familiar front, but stretched with purpose
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake X118 follows a shape that’s already recognizable, at least up to a point.
From the front to the B-pillar, it mirrors the CLA saloon. Low greenhouse, that forward-leaning nose, and a front panel filled with illuminated star elements. There are 142 of them, arranged across the surface, which gives the car a very specific identity at night.
From there, things change. The roof runs longer and drops more gradually toward the rear. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The extended glass area and the integrated spoiler give the car a more stretched, slightly more relaxed profile.
At the back, the lighting picks up the same theme. Star-shaped elements connected by a light strip, sitting above a more sculpted lower section.
Proportions shift toward usability
The extra length isn’t just visual. The CLA Shooting Brake is now 4,723 mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm. That’s an increase over the previous model, and it shows in the cabin.
Rear headroom improves, particularly in the second row, where the longer roofline makes a difference. Access is easier too, thanks to larger door openings. Up front, there’s a bit more legroom and headroom as well.
It still reads like a coupe at first glance. But once you look closer, the proportions lean more toward usability than before.
Interior leans into screens and space
Inside, the layout follows the same direction as the new CLA.
The centre console sits high and split across two levels, which frees up storage underneath. The screens appear to float across the dashboard, especially with the optional MBUX Superscreen stretching across the width.
That system runs on the new MB.OS platform, which allows over-the-air updates not just for infotainment, but for core vehicle systems as well. The interface itself pulls in AI support from Microsoft and Google, allowing more natural interactions, though how consistently that works in daily use remains [Unverified].
There’s also a panoramic roof with an illuminated star pattern. Subtle during the day, more noticeable at night.
Dual-motor setup defines performance
The CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake sits at the upper end of the range.
It uses a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive, producing 260 kW. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes around 5.0 seconds, which is quick for a car in this category.
Range is still a focus. It reaches up to 743 km on the WLTP cycle, supported by an 85 kWh battery. The 800-volt architecture allows for faster charging, with the system capable of adding up to around 305 km of range in about 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
The drivetrain uses a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle, balancing low-speed response with efficiency at higher speeds.
Practicality finally matches the design
This is where the Shooting Brake format starts to make sense.
Boot space sits at 455 litres, expanding to 1,290 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a 101-litre front trunk, which adds flexibility for smaller items.
Roof rails come as standard, supporting up to 75 kg. Towing capacity reaches up to 1,800 kg with all-wheel drive, which is notable for an electric vehicle in this segment.
It’s still a design-led car, but it doesn’t feel restrictive anymore.
Positioned as the performance option
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake X118 sits at the sharper end of the lineup.
It combines the added space of the Shooting Brake layout with a stronger performance focus, without moving into a completely different category. For buyers who want something more engaging than the standard versions but still usable every day, this one sits right in that space.