Without doubt one of the best styling jobs of recent times, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake has been unveiled in Germany ahead of Australian release later this year.
While the local lineup has not been finalized, in Germany Mercedes-Benz has launched the CLS Shooting Brake in six variants – four-cylinder 250 CDI, V6 350 CDI, 350 CDI 4MATIC and 350 and V8 500 and 500 4MATIC. The entry-level 250 CDI diesel delivers 150kW of power while at the other end of the scale the CLS 500 petrol V8 is good for 300kW/600Nm.
Mercedes-Benz launched the ‘four-door coupe’ style in 2004 with the first CLS and the new five-door CLS Shooting Brake breaks new boundaries with its magnificent elongated roof design and frameless narrow side windows. The magnificently styled Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake is 4956mm in length 1881mm wide and stands 1413mm in height.
As Dr Dieter Zetsche, Mercedes-Benz CEO put it: “Any memorable machine is equal parts art and science. A car has to first deliver in function – the ticket of entry – and then in fascination: the ticket to real excitement. The CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts – unlike any other car in the market.”
With the latest Mercedes-Benz CLS as a starting point, the Shooting Brake was off to a flying start in the style department and typically Mercedes-Benz, the large luggage compartment (590-litres with the rear seats in place or 1550-litres when folded) brings new style with standard hand-stitched carpet on the floor and sideliners trimmed in leather. Or with the ‘designo’ option you can have your luggage floor trimmed in American Cherry tree timber (five cross-bonded layers inlaid with darker smoked oak) with brushed aluminium luggage rails for a look more familiar on luxury superyachts.
Alternatively you can select from other timber types- such as burr walnut, black ash or light-brown poplar. Other choices for the interior include porcelain appointments and AMG carbon fibre/black piano laquer.
The rear layout comprises three individual seats.
‘Benz has kept the weight down in the CLS Shooting Brake with aluminium used for the doors, tailgate, bonnet, front fenders, some support panels and suspension components.
The CLS Shooting Brake follows the lead of the regular CLS with dynamic full LED headlights – 71 LED lamps in total with Adaptive High Beam assist for super nighttime illumination.
And of course the CLS Shooting Brake runs the full kit of Mercedes-Benz safety/performance technology including Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Look for this magnificent new addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup is local dealerships from November.
