Plug-in hybrid sporting estate is a unique proposition with few true rivals. How does it stack up?
This is genuinely unique offering in the premium compact car class, thanks to Mercedes-Benz's ceaseless niche-busting - something that could gradually come to an end as the brand seeks to trim costs. So let's celebrate (or be confused by) the properly extensive choice that Mercedes offers at the compact end of its range. Seven different bodystyles, all based on the same platform and some treading on each other's toes: for example, there's now the A-Class Saloon as well as the CLA saloon.What we're driving here, however, doesn't clash with anything. That's because, in essence, the CLA Shooting Brake faces only one other svelte, sporting, small estate: the Kia Proceed. But there's no plug-in hybrid version of that, so this booted CLA 250e is in a class of one. We're already pretty familiar with the second-generation CLA itself, and we've also sampled the 250e's petrol-electric powertrain in the A-Class hatchback. So we'll keep the summary short.Propelling the coupé-cum-estate with petrol is the now-familiar 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit co-developed with Renault and Nissan. The 156bhp from that is given a healthy boost by a 100bhp electric motor. But, unlike in some hybrids, where the EV motor drives the alternate axle to the engine for four-wheel drive, all the power here is sent through the front axle. With some rearranging, including a repositioned and smaller fuel tank (down to 35 litres), engineers have wedged in a 15.6kWh gross (10.6kWh useable) lithium ion battery under the CLA's rear seats. That's good for a strong claimed electric-only range approaching 43 miles. Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e Shooting Brake 2020 UK review
2 months ago
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Plug-in hybrid sporting estate is a unique proposition with few true rivals. How does it stack up?
This is genuinely unique offering in the premium compact car class, thanks to Mercedes-Benz's ceaseless niche-busting - something that could gradually come to an end as the brand seeks to trim costs. So let's celebrate (or be confused by) the properly extensive choice that Mercedes offers at the compact end of its range. Seven different bodystyles, all based on the same platform and some treading on each other's toes: for example, there's now the A-Class Saloon as well as the CLA saloon.What we're driving here, however, doesn't clash with anything. That's because, in essence, the CLA Shooting Brake faces only one other svelte, sporting, small estate: the Kia Proceed. But there's no plug-in hybrid version of that, so this booted CLA 250e is in a class of one. We're already pretty familiar with the second-generation CLA itself, and we've also sampled the 250e's petrol-electric powertrain in the A-Class hatchback. So we'll keep the summary short.Propelling the coupé-cum-estate with petrol is the now-familiar 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit co-developed with Renault and Nissan. The 156bhp from that is given a healthy boost by a 100bhp electric motor. But, unlike in some hybrids, where the EV motor drives the alternate axle to the engine for four-wheel drive, all the power here is sent through the front axle. With some rearranging, including a repositioned and smaller fuel tank (down to 35 litres), engineers have wedged in a 15.6kWh gross (10.6kWh useable) lithium ion battery under the CLA's rear seats. That's good for a strong claimed electric-only range approaching 43 miles. 
English (United States)