If you are looking for a premium electric family car, you have some interesting options. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers a sleek estate body and a relatively accessible starting price for the premium segment. On the other hand, the Volkswagen ID.7 provides a large, comfortable executive experience with plenty of space.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake delivers a smooth ride and an impressive electric range, wrapped in a stylish package. The Volkswagen ID.7, meanwhile, focuses on long-distance comfort and limo-like legroom. Both are highly capable EVs, so which of these battery-powered cruisers is the better choice for you?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Volkswagen ID.7
Practicality
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake practicality score: 4/5
Volkswagen ID.7 practicality score: 4/5
Both of these cars offer solid practicality, but they go about it in different ways. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake provides a 455-litre boot and a handy 101-litre front boot under the bonnet. Fold the rear seats down, and you get 1,290 litres of space. Its lower loading height makes it convenient for loading heavy items or dogs, though rear passenger space is just okay, meaning taller adults might find it a bit tight.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a larger car, and it shows on the inside. It offers limo-like legroom in the back, making it a great choice if you regularly carry tall passengers. The boot is also larger at 532 litres, featuring a broad and deep floor thanks to its huge hatchback opening. While it lacks the front boot of the Mercedes, its overall passenger space gives it a strong edge for family duties.
Driving Impressions
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake driving score: 5/5
Volkswagen ID.7 driving score: 4/5
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is a smooth and relaxed car to drive. The ride is supple, doing a great job of soaking up bumps in the road while keeping the body level and controlled. It feels nimble and sure-footed, and the adjustable regenerative braking is a useful tool for boosting comfort and efficiency. It is not a sports car, but it delivers a highly refined experience.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is designed to be a long-distance cruiser, and it excels at being comfortable and quiet. It takes long undulations in its stride, though its heavy weight means it can feel a little floaty over big bumps. It is confident and neutral on a good road, but it doesn't offer much in the way of driving thrills. The Mercedes takes the win here for offering a slightly better balance of comfort and control.
Technology and Equipment
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake technology and equipment score: 4/5
Volkswagen ID.7 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Inside the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, you are greeted by a vast array of digital screens. The graphics are sharp and quick to respond, but the system relies heavily on touch-sensitive controls, which can be distracting to use on the move. Some of the steering wheel buttons also feel a bit plasticky, which detracts slightly from the premium feel.
The Volkswagen ID.7 features a large 15.0-inch infotainment screen with improved software compared to older VW models. It responds quickly and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it still uses touch-sensitive slider controls for audio and climate, which can be fiddly to operate. Both cars offer plenty of advanced tech, but both suffer from minor usability quirks.
Running Costs
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake running costs score: 4/5
Volkswagen ID.7 running costs score: 4/5
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake has a starting price of around £40,000, making it relatively affordable for a premium electric estate. Its range is a strong point, with the largest battery capable of up to 469 miles on a single charge. It also supports rapid charging speeds of up to 320kW, meaning top-ups on long journeys are quick and easy.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is more expensive, starting at around £51,000, but it is a larger car. It also offers a strong range, with the 86kWh battery capable of up to 433 miles. Both cars will be cheap to run if you can charge at home on an off-peak energy tariff, though both are expensive enough to attract the luxury car VED surcharge.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake |
Volkswagen ID.7 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.7 out of 5 |
0.0 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
40.2% |
38.1% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.5 out of 5 |
3.9 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5/5
Volkswagen ID.7 Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9/5
Choosing between these two EVs comes down to what you value most in a family car. The Volkswagen ID.7 is a highly capable, comfortable, and spacious executive cruiser. If maximum rear legroom and a quiet, relaxed driving experience are your top priorities, it is a solid choice.
However, based on our comprehensive CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake takes the victory. It secures a higher Overall CarGurus rating, backed by strong user reviews and a better driving score. It manages to offer a premium badge, a comfortable ride, and an excellent electric range at a more accessible starting price. While its interior controls take some getting used to, its blend of style, efficiency, and value make it the winner of this comparison.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Brilliant real-world range |
Plasticky interior buttons |
| Comfortable ride |
Dominating screens |
| Spacious boot |
Some divisive design details |
Volkswagen ID.7 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Lots of space for the money |
The BMW i4 is more exciting to drive |
| Extremely quiet and refined to drive |
Some touchscreen controls are still fiddly to use |
| Latest infotainment system is nicer to use |
Exterior and interior colour palettes are dull |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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