Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake review

The interior of the CLA Shooting Brake has a serious wow factor, especially if you specify it with dual 10.3in screens (as standard, the infotainment screen is that size, but instrumentation is displayed on a 7.0in monitor).

It helps that its graphics are razor-sharp, and usability is similarly impressive. The various menus are logically laid out and you can choose between pressing the on-screen icons, scrolling with the responsive touchpads or issuing voice commands; the latter interface recognises natural speech instead of requiring you to remember specific phrases.

Wireless phone charging is also provided via a handy tray located in front of the main infotainment touchpad. Similarly cutting-edge is Mercedes’ standardisation on USB ‘C’ sockets, the drawback being that you may need to buy an adaptor before you can plug in some of your devices.

It’s definitely good news, though, that, whether you’re tall or short, it won’t be too tricky to find a driving position that works for you. This is thanks to a wide range of adjustment for the steering wheel and seat, and good under-thigh support.

And while there are some hard plastics if you really go looking for them, you’ll probably be far too distracted by the relaxing ambient lighting, flashy air vents and classy wood or metal finishes for this to bother you. Indeed, on interior pizzazz points, the CLA Shooting Brake outguns the Audi A4 Avant demonstrably, and the Kia Proceed by a country mile.