With station wagons losing ground to the ever-growing crossover segment, shooting brakes aren’t doing very well either. Things are worse in the U.S., where very few automakers still offer wagon or shooting brake body styles. Mercedes-Benz 
is the only brand that can brag about offering two shooting brakes (based on the CLA and CLS) , but neither of them are available in North America.
With the CLA sedan selling like hot cakes in the U.S., Mercedes’ decision to not offer the CLA Shooting Brake on these shores is difficult to explain. And while we’re trying to figure that out, Europe is getting ready to welcome an update version of the sleek wagon.
According to a new batch of spy shots we just received from our paparazzi, Stuttgart is already working on a facelift for the CLA Shooting Brake. A bit surprising since the wagon was unveiled only two years ago, but Mercedes seems determined to update its entire lineup of compact vehicles through 2016.
So what does the mid-cycle update have in store for the CLA Shooting Brake? Nothing too dramatic really, but you’ll have to keep reading to find out more.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake.
Spy Shots
October 13, 2015 – First testing session
Exterior
Much like the CLA test car we saw earlier in October 2015, this Shooting Brake prototype wears very little camouflage. That’s because the facelift won’t bring many changes on the outside, where the wagon will only receive mild updates such as revised bumpers, front grille, and upgraded light units.
As seen on the 2016 A-Class, the CLA Shooting Brake will likely sport a slightly more aggressive front bumper, a more upright, diamond-pattern grille, and revised headlamp clusters with new LED strips. Previously an option on non-AMG models, the full-LED headlamps should become standard on the CLA Shooting Brake.
Around back, expect to see a redesigned bumper with integrated exhaust tips and revised taillights. Everything else should remain quasi-identical to the current model, though some changes could be visible upon closer inspection.
Interior
Note: Current Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake pictured here.
Interior upgrades should also be mild. Expect highlights to include a revised instrument cluster, a new steering wheel, new dashboard trim, and updated front seats. The eight-inch touchscreen, now available as an option, should be offered as standard equipment.
Much like most recent Mercedes-Benz facelifts, the 2017 CLA Shooting Brake should also get new colors and materials and updated packages. Otherwise, the revised wagon will come with the same nice standard features as the current model, including the power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and soft-touch surfaces all over the place.
Customers looking for a more premium cabin to spend their time will be able to order options such as leather-wrapped upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, and an array of AMG features.
Cargo room should remain unchanged at 495 liters with the rear seats up and 1,354 liters with the seats folded flat.
Drivetrain
To get a better idea of what will change under the CLA Shooting Brake’s hood, we can take a look at the recently revised A-Class. Since these models share the same MFA architecture, engine upgrades are likely to be the same. Expect the gasoline range to include at least five models, starting with the CLA 180 and ending with the CLA 250 4MATIC. The current lineup includes 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-bangers generating between 120 and 208 horsepower. While the A-Class received a new entry-level trim with 102 horses, the CLA isn’t likely to gain such a model.
Of course, the range-topping gasoline model will be the CLA 45 AMG, which should have its output updated to 381 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of twist.
Moving over to diesels, the CLA should get at least two options, both in the form of a 2.1-liter four-cylinder. In the pre-facelift wagon, the base model has 134 horsepower and 221 pound-feet, while the CLA 220 comes with 175 horsepower and 258 pound-feet on tap.
Given that neither of the facelifted A-Class’ received power boosts (except for the AMG version), I expect the updated CLA Shooting Brake to arrive with the same specs.
As for transmission, it should feature the same six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Prices
Pricing for the CLA Shooting Brake starts from £25,230 (about $39,010) in the U.K. and goes up to £35,960 (around $55,620) for the most expensive non-AMG trim. Expect prices to see a minor hike with the facelift.
Unlike the CLA sedan, the Shooting Brake isn’t available in the U.S. and that’s not likely to change with the updated wagon.
Competition
Audi A4 Avant
Since no other carmakers offer compact shooting brakes, the CLA is pretty much in a niche of its own. But if you really want an alternative, you might as well have a look at the Audi A4 Avant. Though it’s not as unique as far as styling goes, the A4 Avant comes with plenty of storage room and an engine lineup that includes both small-displacement four-cylinder units and 3.0-liter V-6 powerplants. Output ranges between 190 and 252 horses for gasoline models and 150 and 272 horsepower for oil burners. Pricing starts from £27,300, making it a bit more expensive than the CLA Shooting Brake.
Find out more about the Audi A4 Avant here.
BMW 3 Series Touring
Now that we’re looking at competitors for the slightly bigger C-Class Wagon, we might as well talk about the BMW 3 Series Touring. Widely regarded as the sportiest offering in the compact wagon segment, the 3 Series Touring can too be had with an array of gasoline and diesel powerplants in Europe. In the U.K., the entry-level gas model comes with 136 horses on tap, while the range-topping M Sport models benefits from 326 horses. Diesels crank out between 116 and 313 horsepower. Pricing starts from £26,405 and goes up to £41,665.
Find out more about the BMW 3 Series wagon here.
Conclusion
The CLA Shooting Brake is stylish and well-equipped alternative to a traditional wagon, as well as a more affordable option to the larger CLS Shooting Brake. However, its appeal is limited to a small niche as it fails to provide the space and practicality of a conventional wagon. The Shooting Brake is somewhat of a compromise. If you’re looking for a sleek wagon that stands out and you don’t care much about practicality, then the CLA Shooting Brake is definitely the way to go. If cargo space and practicality are more important, then you’re better off with an Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series Touring, which have a more accessible trunk and roomier rear passenger sections.
Granted, the facelift won’t bring many improvements to the CLA, but drivers concerned about looks will most definitely appreciate the standard diamond-pattern grille and the sportier bumpers that will find their way on entry-level models.