The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC Sport Shooting Brake (X117, facelifted in 2016) represents a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality within the compact luxury segment. Produced from April 2016 to May 2018, this variant occupied a mid-to-upper position in the CLA Shooting Brake lineup, offering a significant step up in power and all-wheel-drive capability compared to the base models. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing the comfort and refinement expected from the Mercedes-Benz brand. The X117 generation CLA, including the Shooting Brake, was based on the MFA (Modular Front-wheel-drive Architecture) platform, shared with other compact Mercedes-Benz models like the A-Class and GLA.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLA |
| Generation | CLA Shooting Brake (X117, facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | CLA 250 (218 Hp) Sport 4MATIC DCT |
| Start of production | April, 2016 |
| End of production | May, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg, 11.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 160 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, 146.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 234.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 218 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 DE 20 AL |
| 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 | 1490 kg (3284.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 495 l (17.48 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 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) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The CLA 250 4MATIC Sport Shooting Brake is powered by the M270 DE 20 AL, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a key member of Mercedes-Benz’s modular engine family, known for its efficiency and performance. It utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 218 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1200 rpm all the way to 4000 rpm. The engine features a relatively high compression ratio of 9.8:1 and 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (G-DCT), offering quick and smooth gear changes. This transmission contributes significantly to the vehicle’s sporty driving feel and improved fuel efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The 218 hp and 350 Nm of torque, combined with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, provide the CLA 250 Sport Shooting Brake with brisk acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 6.4 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 149 mph. The G-DCT transmission is programmed for both efficiency and performance, offering both automatic and manual shifting modes. In automatic mode, the transmission intelligently selects gears based on driving conditions and throttle input. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Compared to the base CLA 250 with front-wheel drive, the 4MATIC version offers noticeably improved handling and grip. Compared to the more powerful CLA 45 AMG, the 250 offers a more balanced and accessible driving experience, prioritizing comfort and fuel economy without sacrificing a significant amount of performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The “Sport” trim level of the CLA 250 4MATIC Shooting Brake included a number of standard features designed to enhance both the aesthetic and driving experience. These typically included sport seats with enhanced bolstering, a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedal pads, and unique exterior styling elements. Standard interior features included automatic climate control, a multimedia system with a central display screen, and Bluetooth connectivity. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, navigation system, and a suite of driver-assistance features such as lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. Upholstery options typically included a combination of leatherette and fabric, with full leather available as an upgrade.
Chassis & Braking
The CLA 250 4MATIC Sport Shooting Brake utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This suspension setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The electronic stability program (ESP) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are standard features, enhancing safety and control. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles as needed, optimizing traction and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLA 250 4MATIC Sport Shooting Brake was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving dynamics. The combination of power, all-wheel drive, and the dual-clutch transmission was seen as a significant improvement over the base CLA models. Fuel economy was also considered to be competitive for its class, with combined fuel consumption figures around 34.1 US mpg. Compared to rivals like the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, the CLA 250 offered a unique blend of style and practicality. Some critics noted that the rear seat space was somewhat limited, but this was generally considered a minor drawback.
Legacy
The M270 engine, while generally reliable, can be susceptible to issues with the timing chain and oil leaks over time. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and inspections, is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability. The 7-speed G-DCT transmission is also generally robust, but it requires proper servicing to prevent issues with the mechatronic unit. On the used car market, the CLA 250 4MATIC Sport Shooting Brake remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a stylish and well-equipped compact luxury vehicle. Its combination of performance, practicality, and relatively affordable price point makes it a compelling option in its segment. Well-maintained examples continue to command reasonable prices, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the CLA’s distinctive design.
