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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (354 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (48,900 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake or Mercedes GLA?

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more electric range
  • marginally more trunk space

Mercedes GLA

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter

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

CLA Shooting Brake

Comparative Analysis: Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake vs. Mercedes GLA

When it comes to the compact luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz offers a broad portfolio of vehicles designed to cater to various tastes and needs. Two noteworthy contenders are the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake and the Mercedes GLA. While they share similarities in branding and engineering, they embody different philosophies, particularly in design and functionality. This article takes a comprehensive look at the technical aspects and innovations of each model to help you decide which one better fits your lifestyle.

GLA

Design and Body Type

The CLA Shooting Brake presents itself as a sleek wagon, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetic elegance alongside practicality. Its flowing silhouette and sporty stance make it a standout vehicle among traditional wagons. On the other hand, the GLA is a compact SUV that embodies a more rugged appeal, catering to those who desire higher ground clearance and a versatile driving experience. Its bold design suggests adventure and off-road capabilities, which align well with modern urban lifestyles.

CLA Shooting Brake

Performance Specifications

Under the hood, both vehicles offer a range of powerful engine options. The CLA Shooting Brake has engines ranging from 116 HP in its entry-level diesel to a potent 421 HP in the AMG variant. Acceleration is impressive, with the fastest version capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The notable torque variations, with up to 500 Nm available, ensure strong performance across the board.

In comparison, the GLA also offers a diverse engine lineup, including a similar 421 HP variant. Its acceleration capabilities are equally competitive, with the top model managing the 0-100 km/h run in a mere 4.3 seconds. This vehicle maintains a more balanced weight distribution, thanks to its SUV platform, which enhances ride and handling comfort.

GLA

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

As environmental considerations become increasingly important, both models deliver efficient options. The CLA Shooting Brake presents fuel consumption figures as low as 5.0 L/100 km, while its emissions start at 132 g/km, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious drivers. Its PHEV variant takes it a step further with impressive electric-only driving ranges of up to 85 km, thanks to a 12.9 kWh battery.

Meanwhile, the GLA slightly lags behind in fuel efficiency, with consumption starting at 5.4 L/100 km but still remaining competitive within the segment. It also offers a plug-in hybrid version, but its electric range maxes out at 74 km, slightly limiting its green credentials compared to the CLA Shooting Brake.

CLA Shooting Brake

Interior Comfort and Technology

Both Mercedes models emphasize luxury and advanced technology within their cabins. The CLA Shooting Brake features a sophisticated dashboard layout with digital displays, high-quality materials, and an exceptional sound system. The spacious trunk, measuring up to 505 liters, ensures ample storage for a weekend getaway while maintaining a comfortable five-seat configuration.

The GLA's interior design leans towards a more functional and robust style. It offers a slightly higher driving position and better outward visibility, making it perfect for urban environments. The trunk space, while smaller at 425 liters, remains practical for daily use. In terms of technology, both models are equipped with Mercedes’ latest infotainment systems, featuring MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) for seamless connectivity and user interface.

GLA

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake and the GLA ultimately hinges on personal preferences and lifestyle needs. If you appreciate a more aesthetic-driven design and a blend of sportiness with luxury, the CLA Shooting Brake is undoubtedly the choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor practicality, a more rugged aesthetic, and a versatile platform for both urban commuting and light off-roading, the GLA stands out as the better option.

Both vehicles showcase the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz: performance, luxury, and innovation. Test-driving them will undoubtedly offer additional insights that can help finalize your decision.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class is the practical, airy people‑carrier that prioritises space and comfort, while the Mercedes GLA takes the same mechanical smarts and adds SUV looks, higher ride height and a touch more road presence. Pick the B‑Class for family‑friendly sense and efficiency, choose the GLA if …
Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes A‑Class is the sharper, more driver-focused hatch that feels nimble and refined on twisty roads, while the Mercedes GLA trades a bit of agility for SUV practicality with a higher ride height, extra luggage space and a commanding view of the road. Pick the A‑Class for sporty handling, …

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

CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mercedes GLA is noticeably cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake costs 48,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,103 £.

As for electric range, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers clearly more range – reaching up to 768 km, about 694 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers somewhat more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 354 HP. That’s roughly 67 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake takes 5 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake delivers very slightly more torque with 515 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 15 Nm more.

CLA Shooting Brake

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, Mercedes GLA is noticeably lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 2,075 kg. The difference is around 505 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers marginally more boot space – 455 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 460 kg. That’s a difference of about 40 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 £48,900
CLA Shooting Brake

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 354 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 742 - 768 km
details
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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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Reviews Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
marco
12 Mar 2026, 18:49:56

A car with unique lines, one of the few sporty estate cars.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Francesco
18 Sept 2025, 07:57:05

Great car — a tad pricey, but it's always a pleasure to look at and, above all, drive!

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
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In the luxury touring segment, the Mercedes C-Class Wagon and Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake each deliver distinctive blends of style and practicality. The C-Class Wagon offers a more traditional approach with its spacious interior, providing ample comfort for long journeys, while the CLA Shooting …
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VW ID.7 Touring
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Unsure whether the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake or the VW ID.7 Touring is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
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Unsure whether the BMW i4 or the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
48,900 - 60,900 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
742 - 768 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
35 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Estate
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,075 - 2,155 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
455 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
4,412 mm
Width
1,855 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
1,616 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,385 L
Payload
430 - 460 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 - 354 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5 - 6.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
210 km/h
Torque
335 - 515 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
200 - 260 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake have?

Available configurations include Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

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.