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DS Automobiles DS 7 vs Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake comparison

Compare performance (130 HP vs 354 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 40,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 7 or Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake?

DS Automobiles DS 7 vs Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 7

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely lighter
  • slightly more trunk space
details

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • very slightly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

DS 7

Revving Up the Competition: DS 7 Crossback vs Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

The automotive industry has never been more exciting, with models constantly pushing the boundaries of technology, style, and performance. Two standout competitors in recent times are the DS 7 Crossback from DS Automobiles and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake. In this article, we delve into a head-to-head comparison of these vehicles, exploring their technical specs, innovations, and overall appeal.

CLA Shooting Brake

Design and Form Factor

The DS 7 Crossback proudly showcases its SUV heritage, blending elegant design with robust functionality. Measuring 4593 mm in length, 1891 mm in width, and reaching a height of 1625 mm, it offers a quintessential SUV stance, providing ample space and presence on the road. Meanwhile, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake merges the sleek aesthetics of a wagon with dynamic lines. With dimensions of 4693 mm in length, 1857 mm in width, and a sporty height of 1415 mm, it balances form and function flawlessly.

DS 7

Powertrain and Performance

The DS 7 Crossback boasts a wide range of engine options, including diesel and plug-in hybrid variants, with power outputs ranging from 130 HP to a whopping 360 HP. It features both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, and the plug-in hybrid models provide an electric range between 57 km and 65 km. With acceleration times from 11.9 seconds to a sporty 5.7 seconds for 0-100 km/h, the DS 7 Crossback adapts to a variety of driving styles.

In contrast, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers a diverse lineup, from petrol to diesel, MHEV, and plug-in hybrids. With power outputs peaking at 421 HP, it promises an exhilarating driving experience. The plug-in hybrid version in the CLA Shooting Brake offers an impressive electric range of 85 km. Acceleration figures are equally exciting, with the top variants propelling from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

CLA Shooting Brake

Efficiency and Economy

The DS 7 Crossback manages to impress with its fuel consumption figures, especially the plug-in hybrid models which claim to consume as low as 1.3 L/100km. CO2 emissions for these efficient variants can be as low as 30 g/km, making it a strong contender for the environmentally conscious driver.

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake also caters to eco-minded consumers, particularly with its plug-in hybrid that achieves a fuel consumption of just 0.8 L/100km and CO2 emissions of only 17 g/km, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz's commitment to combining performance with sustainability.

DS 7

Interior Space and Comfort

Both vehicles promise comfort and practicality, seating up to five passengers. The DS 7 Crossback offers a generous trunk capacity of 555 liters, making it ideal for family adventures and road trips. The interior is thoughtfully designed, exemplifying the luxury the DS brand is known for.

The CLA Shooting Brake provides practicality with elegance, featuring a trunk capacity ranging up to 505 liters. This makes it perfect for drivers who require versatility without compromising on style. The interior is crafted with attention to detail, embodying the sophistication Mercedes-Benz is famed for.

CLA Shooting Brake

Conclusion

Both the DS 7 Crossback and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake present compelling choices in their respective segments. The DS 7 Crossback appeals to those looking for a blend of SUV ruggedness and luxury comfort, while the CLA Shooting Brake caters to enthusiasts seeking a sporty yet practical driving experience. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the buyer, who must weigh their priorities of space, efficiency, performance, and brand allegiance.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, both models showcase the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability, promising to capture the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts worldwide.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 7

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is only slightly cheaper – starting at 40,800 £ , while the DS Automobiles DS 7 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,112 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake uses 5 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 7 with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

CLA Shooting Brake

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers clearly more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 224 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 7 takes 11.9 s. That’s about 6.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake delivers substantially more torque with 515 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm more.

DS 7

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 7 is barely lighter – 1,651 kg compared to 1,710 kg. The difference is around 59 kg.

Looking at boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 7 offers slightly more boot space – 555 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 100 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake carries a bit more – 460 kg compared to 399 kg. That’s a difference of about 61 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £40,800
CLA Shooting Brake

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

  • Engine Type : Electric, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 156 - 354 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 - 5.4 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 525 - 768 km
DS Automobiles DS 7
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

DS Automobiles DS 7

The DS 7 wraps Parisian elegance into SUV practicality, with sculpted surfaces, a jewel-like grille and an interior that feels more boutique lounge than family transporter. It appeals to buyers who want style and comfort without shouting, delivering a refined ride and clever tech that make daily driving feel a little more special — and yes, it’ll turn heads in the school run.

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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake turns estate practicality into runway-ready style with a swooping roofline and coupe-like silhouette that makes even mundane errands feel a little more glamorous. Inside it pairs clever packaging with premium flair, so you get useful load space and a grown-up cabin — ideal if you want a car that looks like a showroom trophy but still handles the weekly shop without sulking.

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DS Automobiles DS 7
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
40,800 - 60,900 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
525 - 768 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
145 g/km
co2
0 - 123 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,651 kg
Curb weight
1,710 - 2,155 kg
Trunk capacity
555 L
Trunk capacity
455 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,891 mm
Width
1,855 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
399 kg
Payload
430 - 460 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
130 HP
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
300 Nm
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
96 kW
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.