Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
You may have thought it impossible, but Mercedes-Benz will create a new premium and exclusive niche in the UK market when it launches the CLS shooting brake in November.
Developed from the acclaimed CLS four-door Coupe, it is a five-door version of the car and features an optional cherry wood luggage compartment floor behind its sumptuous cabin – you can see that in our gallery below.
We think it will have real appeal for small business owners wanting something practical, stylish and sporting – and with the three-pointed star on the bonnet.
The Shooting Brake is a big car at 4956 x 1881 x 1413, and has a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, with automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard and a load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.
According to Mercedes-Benz CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche, “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”.
In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition 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 CLS Shooting Brake is available with two different engines. Features common to both engines are the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function.
The entry-level model is the CLS250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 204 hp. Combined fuel consumption is 53.3 mpg, an excellent level for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Think about it – you could run this through your business and only pay company car tax at 21% when the car goes on sale.
Coming in above this is the six-cylinder model: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 265 hp.
More trim details and prices will be given closer to CLS Shooting Brake’s on-sale date in the UK in November.
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