The new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake in showrooms now: It's showtime for the Shooting Brake

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Experience independence at its most beguiling – the refreshingly different CLS Shooting Brake will be making its first public appearance in dealer showrooms on 6th October. This coincides with the launch of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake.

"Every genuine car legend appeals equally to the heart and mind," observes CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche. "Functionality is obligatory for a vehicle – our customers take this for granted. What sets a car apart is a special fascinating quality. The CLS Shooting Brake combines functionality and fascination in a way that is unmatched by any other automobile."

Surprising yet unequivocally coupé, the CLS Shooting Brake's proportions create a crouched posture, as if the vehicle were poised to make a leap: long bonnet, narrow window profile with frameless side windows, roof sloping dynamically towards the rear and continuing to the tail end of the vehicle. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Brake actually has five doors and offers more in terms of function.

In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It has been specially devised for people looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is the latest highlight in the line of innovative luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coupé, has the potential to become the role model for a new market segment.

An extravagant touch is the optional designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which highlights the interior's hand-crafted character. The American cherry wood is a classic fine wood variety which contrasts effectively with the fumed oak inlaid work and the aluminium rails. This lends the luggage compartment the elegance of a yacht's wooden deck combined with the fascination of high-tech and precision workmanship.

Powerful: engines ranging from 150 kW to 410 kW

The entry-level model in the Shooting Brake range is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 150 kW (204 hp). Combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, an excellent figure for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Coming in above this are the two six-cylinder models, the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp). The CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY has a V8 biturbo engine producing 300 kW (408 hp). Two models are also available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

The CLS Shooting Brake "Edition 1" will be available for a limited period of one year following market launch. The distinguishing features of this special model include a designo magno allanite grey matt paint finish, designo platinum white pearl leather appointments, floor mats with "Edition 1" lettering, black designo roof liner, plus aluminium pedals. Three more paint finishes are also available as an alternative: obsidian black metallic, palladium silver metallic and cavansite blue metallic.

The dynamic top-of-the-range model in the Shooting Brake model series is the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, with an AMG V8 biturbo engine producing 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, as well as the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. In the Edition 1 variant these figures jump to 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm. The combination of AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system is the epitome of superlative driving dynamics. In terms of appearance, the CLS 63 AMG cuts an impressive figure with its athletic lines and its distinctive exterior and interior design. The model's standard specification also includes LED High Performance headlamps.

An overview of the models and prices:

Exclusive: technical highlights

The CLS Coupé was the world's first car to feature dynamic LED High Performance headlamps. The innovative lighting system is also available for the CLS Shooting Brake.

More than a dozen driving assistance systems in the CLS Shooting Brake help to prevent traffic accidents or reduce their severity. These include Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Both are included as part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Brake.

Uncompromising: the five-door Shooting Brake

No-one likes to have to compromise: even though the focus is not on the practical aspects of the design of the Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1416 mm), the vehicle concept with its unprecedented format still has some trump cards up its sleeve. With a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, the luggage compartment offers plenty of room despite
the flat, sporty lines of the roof, and is easy to use thanks to the automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard. A load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.

The standard air suspension at the rear helps to ensure optimum road holding at all times. For additional flexibility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down from the luggage compartment as standard. The rear seats themselves provide room for three people, with individual outer seats and a third seat in the middle. The three saddle-type head restraints on the rear seats barely affect the view towards the rear, and can be lowered at the touch of a button by the driver. An optional trailer coupling is also available.

The focus of the new accessory range lies on infotainment, including seamless integration of the iPhone® into the vehicle. The Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® provides access to the "Digital DriveStyle" app that has been specially developed in-house by Daimler. Highlights include the advanced navigation solution from Garmin®, with internet-based, real-time traffic information, online POI searches including Street View™ and 3D map display. Other functions include Facebook®, Twitter® and AUPEO!™ Personal Radio.

Credits: Daimler AG

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