Contrary to initial reports, the CLA Shooting Brake will live on for the second generation as proved by a prototype of the car snapped up by our spy photographers.

Seen on the streets of Germany for the first time, the estate Shooting Brake looks quite sleek. The roofline appears to have been raised a bit, providing better headroom for passengers sitting on the rear bench, but it’s still sporty enough to allow the second version of the CLA to retain the Shooting Brake moniker.

Also Read: 2019 Mercedes A-Class Sedan Vs CLA: Just How Different Are They?

Regardless of the trim level, the all-new CLA Shooting Brake will benefit from the new MBUX infotainment system which combines the infotainment and digital instrument cluster into a wide display and gives the cockpit a techy look. Other features expected to adorn the cabin are the ambient lighting, new air vents, three-spoke steering wheel and several upholsteries to choose from.

Sharing the platform with the new A-Class will allow the second-gen CLA (both the four-door coupe and the Shooting Brake) to adopt a variety of engines. One of them will probably be the turbocharged 1.3-liter unit that was co-developed between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.

Mercedes-AMG will probably have their way with the CLA Shooting Brake, too. Expect a 35-labelled version, with 306 PS (302 hp / 225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, while a possible AMG 45 should have in excess of 400 PS (394 hp / 294 kW).

The all-new CLA is expected to debut sometime next year, followed by the Shooting Brake.