Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake |
When Mercedes introduced the Shooting Break Concept back in 2010, it was in my mind the best looking station wagon ever made. It unique style, coupe roof and 2 plus 2 seating arrangement brought back old memories of the Shooting Break saloons of the 1970s.
Mercedes Shooting Break Concept |
Although the concept was later released as what we now know as the CLS Saloon Mercedes has decided to launch the concept in its fullest form. Let me introduce you to the best looking Mercedes station wagon the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake.
Rear of the Shooting Break Concept |
At the front its visibly echoes its CLS coupe sister. It has similar dynamic full LED High Performance Headlamps and their 71 LED lamps that help emphasize its unique front design just like they did with the CLS coupe. The Shooting Brake headlamps now come fitted with Intelligent Light System.
Low coupe roof remains unchanged |
The system together with the Adaptive High beam Assist help to offer better illumination at night. Its huge front grill, large air intakes and fog lamps located at each side air intake are similar to the coupe as well. At the side similar lines flow from the front to the rear, while its amazing pillar-less door design remains unchanged.
Mercedes CLS Coupe |
The low coupe like roof now flows from the front right back to its new stylish raised rear tailgate. A spoiler is located on top of the raised tailgate while the similar rear window design in the coupe is reverberated in the Shooting Brake as well. The coupe uniquely styled rear LED lights adorn the back while a similar rear chrome strip runs the whole length of the boot lid just like it does on the CLS coupe.
Unique rear lights remain unchanged |
The new CLS Shooting Break will be available with four different engine variants. The first two petrol engines will be available on the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCYand the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. The CLS 350 engine produces 306hp while the CLS 500 V8 biturbo engine gives out 408hp. The other two remaining engines run on diesel and are available on the CLS 250 BlueEFFICIENCY (the entry level model) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The CLS 250 will need 5.3 litres of fuel to cover 100km and rewards the driver with 204 horsepower. The CLS 350 V6 engine offers amazing fuel efficiency and comes packed with 265hp.
V8 Biturbo heart |
All engines are married to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function. Power is sent to the rear wheels or to all the four wheels in the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.
Rear seats |
All models come fitted with Electric Power Steering (ESP) that offers sharper steering response and improved handling. It also comes fitted with Active Park Assists that lets the CLS Shooting Brake detect parking spaces and automatically park its self.
Front similar to its CLS Coupe sister |
Inside its still has high quality materials found in the coupe. There is room for five occupants who benefit from its roomy interior. Its increased rear space of 590 litres, with the rear seats up, or 1550litres with the rear allows for storage of more items in the boot. An optional designo wooden luggage rear boot floor is available.
Raised rear tailgate provides more storage space |
A cherry tree wood trim offers a luxury yacht feel to the rear of the car. The Shooting Brake is available in five interior colours, five trim designs and three leather qualities.
Designo cherry wood rear trim |
There is a choice of three exclusive wood trim types namely high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more stunning look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fiber/black piano lacquer trim elements.
Front cockpit |
The Mercedes CLS Shooting Break is quite an astonishing car. It has an amazing design with plenty of space for storage of goods. It will probably be on my garage in the near future.