Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 Shooting Brake (2019-2023) Review & Prices

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake is a small but practical estate car with massive power under the bonnet. It has been updated for 2024, but changes are fairly minimal. It’s a bit like the awkward moment when a loved one changes their hair or has new glasses and you don’t notice.

What hasn’t changed is its position as a practical everyday performance car, which you might consider alongside the more affordable Cupra Leon Estate or pricier Audi RS4 Avant.

Unless you park the old CLA 45 S Shooting Brake alongside the new model, you would need to be a bit of an AMG geek to notice any changes – just some tweaks to the headlights and taillights as well as new alloy wheel designs. That’s no bad thing though, because this is a sleek and sophisticated performance car.

If you find it’s a bit too subtle for its own good, you can now choose the AMG Street Style Edition, which offsets the grey paintwork with fluorescent orange highlights and a chequered flag design on the sides of the car.

Inside, there’s new upholstery options and a new double-spoke steering wheel design, as well as an upgrade to the latest generation of the Merc’s MBUX infotainment system.

Whichever version you choose, there are more changes under the bonnet, with power up to 421hp for a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds. The 45 S sends drive to all four wheels so you can make the most of all that muscle in all weathers.

From behind the wheel, expect more of the same – and that’s a good thing. The CLA 45 is like a hot hatch for grown-ups, with bonkers acceleration, and lots of clever tech that makes the car more fun rather than getting in the way.

The five-door estate body means it’s pretty practical, despite not being a particularly big car. The boot opening is quite small but there’s enough luggage space for a few days away. Room for rear-seat passengers is tight, though.

You can buy alternatives that offer more space if you don’t mind a bit less performance, or a less prestigious badge, such as the Cupra Leon Estate. But that really misses the point. The CLA 45 S Shooting Brake is a lot more practical than a typical performance car but delivers a driving experience that’s true to the AMG badge.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, find out how much you could save with Carwow’s Mercedes deals. You can also browse the latest used Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake models or check out other used Mercedes models. You can also sell your car with Carwow.