The chief of design for Mercedes Benz passenger cars, Gordon Wagener confirmed in an interview with Whatcar? that they are working on a shooting brake version of the new and hugely popular CLA Class. The success of of the CLS Shooting Brake convinced Mercedes top brass that a smaller version should work just as well.

The idea is to offer a more practical version of the sexy four-door coupe for those who may need a bit more space. The Mercedes CLA is targeted at young families. And while the car has the perfect size for a family of two, if they have a kid, it may prove to be a little impractical, what with the small boot and cramped rear compartment.

A shooting brake version would get around this problem without compromising the styling of the car, which to be honest is the main reason to consider the CLA. Designer Theophilus Chin has envisioned this car a few month ago, and showed us that an estate version of the the baby Merc would still look good.

The CLA Shooting Brake will join the expanding A-Class family, which includes a hatchback, a four-door coupe, and soon a compact crossover (GLA).

via Whatcar?