Mercedes-Benz has taken a big leap of faith by turning its 2010 Shooting Break Concept into a production reality; the CLS Shooting Brake. No, we’re not sure why Break has become Brake either. This four-door CLS isn’t going to hit the mainstream right between the eyes, so we applaud Mercedes for making this estate version of the four-door CLS.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Mercedes-Benz CEO, reckons the Shooting Brake is something special: “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.â€
The CLS Shooting Brake will be offered with a choice of four engines. Two diesel options start the range, the CLS 250 CDI is powered by a 150kW/500Nm four cylinder, while the CLS 350 CDI gets 195kW/620Nm from its 3.0 litre V6. Petrol power is supplied to the CLS 350 by a 3.5 litre V6 producing 225kW/370Nm and a 300kW/600Nm 4.6 litre V8 tops the range in the CLS 500.
There’s more detail from Mercedes after the break, along with a gallery of 40 images. We’d love to hear what you think of the Shooting Brake.