The Mercedes-AMG CLA isn’t the only model losing camouflage as spy photographers have caught a lightly disguised CLA Shooting Brake on the Nürburgring. It follows in the footsteps of the regular model, but adopts a far more practical wagon physique.

Starting up front, there’s a familiar fascia with starry headlights and a traditional grille. The latter indicates this prototype is ICE-powered and this likely means it has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

We can also expect two electric variants with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque, while the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. These powertrains give the sedan a WLTP range of up to 492 miles (792 km), but we wouldn’t be surprised if the wagon’s extra mass cuts into that number.

Getting back to styling, the CLA Shooting Brake features a long, sloping roof and a sleek, graceful beltline. These are complemented by an angular liftgate and the now-signature starry taillights that Mercedes seems to be slapping on every model these days, whether it’s warranted or not.

Baldauf

The few glimpses of the interior reveal a familiar cabin that should have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and an available 14-inch front passenger display. We can also expect AI, an MBUX Virtual Assistant, and a generous list of standard equipment.

Of course, the real star will be the added cargo space. While details on the wagon’s capacity are still under wraps, the sedan’s trunk only holds 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters), so the wagon should provide a more generous offering.

Baldauf

The new Mercedes CLA EV hasn’t even launched in many regions outside of Europe, including North America, yet development is already well underway for the upcoming AMG variant. As a debut nears, the camouflage is starting to come off and reveal more about the high-performance model.

Starting up front, we can see a unique front bumper with large intakes. They’re joined by a new central opening, which features a unique mesh pattern. Additional details are hard to make out, but the model has a fully enclosed grille as well as starry headlights.

More: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Could Be A 500+ HP EV With Fake V8 Sounds

The styling makeover continues with sportier sides skirts and lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The latter are backed up by a beefy braking system, which sports red calipers up front. We can also see what appears to be AMG-specific badging on the front fender.

The rear end doesn’t look too remarkable at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals an active spoiler. We can also expect a modified bumper and diffuser to help distinguish the AMG variant from the regular model.

SHProshots

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin should have a minimalist interior with a sport steering wheel and a handful of special touches. We can also expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

Mercedes has been tight-lipped about powertrain details, but previous reports have suggested the car will have axial flux motors developed by Mercedes’ Yasa subsidiary. There could be a total of three motors altogether, giving the car a combined output in excess of 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS).

Also: The New Mercedes CLA EV Can Only Use 800V DC Fast Chargers

That should put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which delivers 510 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, along with a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).

Rumors have also suggested the AMG variant will have a unique battery pack and a “V8 Mode.” The latter reportedly replicates the sound of a roaring V8, as even Mercedes appears to be acknowledging that’s what people actually want.

SHProshots

Update 3/11: Mercedes has just confirmed that the new CLA will make its world premiere this Thursday, March 13, at 7 PM CET (2 PM EST). Along with the announcement, the automaker dropped a few fresh teasers of the compact model, with a strong focus on the star-shaped lights. This theme seems to be a major design element for the CLA, as the stars appear not only in the head and tail lamps but also across the entire front grille, illuminated by dozens of small star-shaped lights.

The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past two years, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin. While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.

More: Mercedes Details New CLA’s Two EV And Three Hybrid Powertrains

The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.

At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gorden Wagener (@gorden.wagener)

The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).

Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.

SH Proshots

We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.

If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.

Alongside the sedan, Mercedes is also developing the CLA Shooting Brake, the swoopy station wagon variant of the series. It’s set to debut later this year, though, like the current model, it’s unlikely to make its way to the US.

Baldauf

Mercedes is getting ready to unveil the all-new CLA in electric and ICE flavors. While the company has decided to cut down the number of its compact models, the fastback sedan will soon be joined by a Shooting Brake version, with the first camouflaged prototype making its spy debut in Europe.

Back in September 2023, Mercedes announced that its compact lineup would include the successors of the CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA, and GLB, but not those of the A-Class and B-Class models. The CLA Shooting Brake is probably the most interesting in terms of styling, as it will keep combining the sleek design of the sedan with the practicality of a wagon body for a third generation.

More: 2027 Mercedes E-Class EV Mule Spied, Final Design Will Ditch Egg Shape

The pictured prototype has camouflage only on the front and rear ends. The front section will be shared with the regular CLA, including the low-mounted grille and the aggressive headlights with star-shaped LEDs. The same applies to the flush door handles on the profile, although the greenhouse and the roofline have been redesigned.

In this particular prototype, Mercedes has applied aluminum trim around the windows and on the slim roof rails, with the latter being another means of differentiation from the four-door version. Of course, the highlight of the Shooting Brake is the design of the rear end. The new generation adopts new LED taillights with oval-shaped graphics and an even smaller rear window.

Inside, the new CLA family will benefit from a digital cockpit running the latest MB.OS software with AI technology. The Shooting Brake is expected to offer a larger boot, together with a few more inches of headroom compared to the fastback sedan.

Hybrid And EV Options

Mercedes’ entire compact lineup will ride on the MMA architecture, which is compatible with both ICE and EV powertrains. Luckily, Mercedes has already detailed the powertrains of the CLA, giving us a good idea of what to expect from the CLA Shooting Brake

The zero-emission CLA will offer the option between a rear electric motor with 268 hp (200 kW), or an all-wheel-drive version adding a 107 hp (80 kW) motor at the front. Energy will be stored in battery packs with a capacity of 58 kWh or 85 kWh, allowing a claimed range of up to 750 km (466 miles). Given that the Shooting Brake has an aerodynamic body, it will likely achieve something close to this number.

More: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More, V8 And V12 Live On

The hybrid lineup will include a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine in 134 hp (136 PS), 161 hp (163 PS), and 188 hp (190 PS) versions, assisted by a 27 hp (20 kW) electric motor integrated within an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The hybrid CLA is also expected to be offered with optional all-wheel drive, or 4Matic in Mercedes Land.

According to our sources, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is expected to be unveiled by the end of the year. The market launch of the model is scheduled for early 2026. In total, Mercedes has pledged to unveil 36 new models by 2027.

Baldauf