SPIED: Mercedes-Benz Seen Prepping A CLA Shooting Brake — AWESOME or AWFUL?

As automakers are finding themselves in a battle for market share, it's clear that many of the top manufacturers are simply using the "spaghetti method" to bring vehicles to the market. If you're not familiar with this concept, let me paint you a picture.

You're throwing a plate of spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks.

Though I am sure they would point to research or cite internal studies conducted to prove why they're producing such niche vehicles, I think the sales numbers speak for themselves.

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo wasn't exactly a rip-roaring success nor was the Cadillac CTS Wagon. So, why would Mercedes-Benz go out on a limb and start testing a CLA-Class estate?

We reckon this will stay on European shores and follow the lead of its more sophisticated sibling, the CLS-Class.

**To see the FULL collection of spy shots, click "Read Article."

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MattDarringer - 12/1/2013 9:47:22 AM

+2 Boost

I'm tired of the Germans inventing niches. This not not a shooting brake it's just a station wagon and like the ugly CLA it will be even uglier. What's next? A CLAshootingbrakeCROSSVERpickupMINIVANconvertible?

cidflekken - 12/1/2013 5:05:29 PM

+2 Boost

LOL. Mercedes is ANYTHING but desperate at the moment.

I think Europeans and Asians will eat this up (and taxi companies..haha). The US doesn't really care much for wagons and the GLA is already coming which fits perfectly into those tastes.

cidflekken - 12/1/2013 5:07:25 PM

+2 Boost

Let me just add that I'd like to see Mercedes bring this to the US, to test the waters. Wagons aren't popular in the US because they're just not "cool". This this car appears to have nice style, even better than the sedan. Young, new families may be drawn to it.

JDMUSMuscle - 12/1/2013 5:12:51 PM

0 Boost

Lexus' design language is getting a lot more radical, and I really love the new Lexus RC. And the new designs for GX and IS.

But Mercedes? Apparently the new C class is gonna look like a smaller version of S class. Now tell me why anyone should get an S class, when the cheapass econobox like a C class is going to look like an S class anyway?

European cars = Bad reliability, bad exterior design, period.

cidflekken - 12/1/2013 6:05:51 PM

+2 Boost

OMG. Do you really think that a buyer would bypass an S-Class for a C-Class just because the C looks like the S? Get a clue.

CarCrazedinCali - 12/1/2013 6:52:52 PM

0 Boost

not. period

CarCrazedinCali - 12/1/2013 6:53:40 PM

0 Boost

The CLA is a train wreck to me. Pointless back seat. Styling tries too hard. Total badge whore product imo.

2nynbak - 12/5/2013 12:08:32 PM

+1 Boost

Great, just don't try selling it in the US. Funeral directors put your orders in now.