The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Shooting Brake (X117, facelift model produced from April 2016 to December 2018) represents a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality within the compact luxury segment. Positioned as a mid-range offering in the CLA Shooting Brake lineup, it bridged the gap between the entry-level CLA 200 and the higher-performance CLA 45 AMG. This variant, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 211 horsepower and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), aimed to deliver a refined driving experience with respectable fuel economy. The “facelift” designation refers to styling and technology updates applied to the X117 platform during its production run, enhancing its appeal in the competitive European and North American markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLA |
| Generation | CLA Shooting Brake (X117, facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | CLA 250 (211 Hp) DCT |
| Start of production | April, 2016 |
| End of production | December, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1-4.8 l/100 km (46.1 – 49 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3-6.1 l/100 km (37.3 – 38.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 145-141 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 240 km/h (149.13 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 211 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1200-4000 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1200-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 270.920 |
| Engine displacement | 1991 cm3 (121.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1425 kg (3141.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1995 kg (4398.22 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 495 l (17.48 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4640 mm (182.68 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2699 mm (106.26 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission G-DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the CLA 250 Shooting Brake is the M270.920 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a key member of Mercedes-Benz’s modular engine family, known for its compact design and efficiency. It features direct fuel injection, a single turbocharger with an intercooler, and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides. The direct injection system delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. The turbocharger provides a significant boost in power, allowing the engine to produce 211 horsepower and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The torque is readily available from as low as 1200 rpm, providing strong acceleration in everyday driving situations. The engine is paired with a 7G-DCT (7-speed dual-clutch transmission). This transmission offers quick and smooth gear changes, contributing to both performance and fuel efficiency. The DCT operates with two separate clutches, one for even-numbered gears and one for odd-numbered gears, allowing for pre-selection of the next gear and virtually seamless shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The CLA 250 Shooting Brake with the 7G-DCT delivers a balanced driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 6.4 seconds, making it reasonably quick for its class. The readily available torque from the turbocharged engine provides responsive acceleration in most driving situations. The DCT transmission contributes to a sporty feel, with quick and precise gear changes. However, compared to the more powerful CLA 45 AMG, the CLA 250 feels less aggressive and offers a more refined ride. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between performance and fuel economy, with taller gears for highway cruising and shorter gears for quicker acceleration. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides good traction in most conditions, but can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The CLA 250 Shooting Brake typically came standard with features such as automatic climate control, a multimedia system with a 7-inch display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features including ABS, ESP, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included a larger 8-inch display screen, navigation system, premium sound system, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and various driver assistance systems like lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. Interior upholstery options ranged from fabric to leatherette and genuine leather. Dashboard configurations were generally consistent across the CLA 250 range, with a focus on a modern and sporty aesthetic.
Chassis & Braking
The CLA 250 Shooting Brake utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. This suspension setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) are standard features, enhancing safety and stability. The steering is electric power-assisted, providing a light and precise feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLA 250 Shooting Brake was generally well-received by critics for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and respectable performance. It was often praised for its fuel efficiency and refined driving experience. Compared to the CLA 200, the CLA 250 offered a significant performance upgrade, while remaining more affordable than the CLA 45 AMG. Fuel economy figures were competitive within its segment, averaging around 37-39 mpg in combined driving. Reliability reports were generally positive, with few major issues reported. However, some owners noted the potential for occasional electronic glitches.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Shooting Brake (X117 facelift) remains a popular choice in the used car market. The M270 engine, while generally reliable, requires regular maintenance, including oil changes and spark plug replacements. The 7G-DCT transmission is also relatively robust, but may require servicing at higher mileages. Overall, the CLA 250 Shooting Brake offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and practicality, making it a desirable option for buyers seeking a premium compact wagon.
