During my time with Mercedes-Benz’s new Shooting Brake, I was asked a few times what a shooting brake is. It takes a few minutes to convey this design concept to someone. But, even if you have a base level of knowledge of Mercedes-Benz’s new elongated four-door “coupé”, it is maybe worth a look at the origin of the shooting brake design. (Read the full road test here.)
History and design
One of the first and best-known shooting brake designs was the Aston Martin DB5. The boss of Aston at the time, David Brown, converted the standard car for his hunting and golfing expeditions. There was some serious interest from fellow hunters and a total of 12 units were built.
Fast forward to 2004, and Mercedes-Benz gave us its CLS Coupé, in effect a sleek four-door saloon.
The CLS Shooting Brake takes this design a step further. Although the front part of the car is similar to that of the standard CLS, the Shooting Brake offers a longer window aperture and clear-cut lines towards the back. The rear, almost leaf-like, headlights can be found at the bottom of the heavily drawn-in D-pillars. The result is smooth and well-rounded rear design.
Interior
The exterior design of the car, and the sloping effect towards the rear, might lead you to assume that the rear seats – especially in terms of headroom – will be cramped. Fortunately, that is not the case. Even our tallest team member (1,96 metres) was able to sit in the rear seats without his head touching the roof lining. The car is designed to wrap around its occupants in way an E-Class Estate can’t do. This is evident in the extensive slopped A-pillar once you are seated behind the steering wheel as well as the rear view mirror that is positioned closer compared to a standard saloon.
The main highlight though is the optional (R35 000) American cherry wood deck that covers the luggage compartment. This deck includes aluminium rails and a handy load compartment management system. Expensive and stylish, but maybe not the most practical if you really want to use the luggage area but also don’t want any scratches to be visible.
On the road
Tyres are usually an important player that determines ride comfort. But, even with the optional 19-inch wheels wrapped with 255/35 tyres up front and 285/30 tyres at the rear, the CLS350 SB’s ride quality was effortless while the Airmatic adaptive damping did a superb job in most conditions to cocoon the driver from road irregularities. However, if you are after the best possible ride quality, rather opt for the standard 18-inch wheels.
The CLS350 SB is not set up to offer a sporty or dynamic ride. That is best left for the AMG version, but if you feel like pressing on, the Airmatic system and 7G-tronic transmission can be set to a sport setting. The suspension firms up a little – although comfort is still the main focus – while the transmission will stay in a gear longer before it shifts. But, don’t think you can attack a mountain pass with enthusiasm using the steering wheel-mounted paddles as the transmission either takes its time after your input, or simply refuses to execute it. At times, this can be slightly annoying since you really need to see the rev needle approach 6 000 r/min if you want to use the full 225 kW from the 3,5-litre naturally aspirated V6.
Summary
The Shooting Brake, in terms of design and appeal, offers more than a standard estate. It is without a doubt a little less practical, but it also rides better than cars that cost much, much more. The engine offers the necessary shove this car needs, but you an argue that a turbodiesel would also make a lot of sense in this car, giving low down torque which is suited to a relax cruising attitude. These days, niche cars are usually associated with SUVs, but Mercedes-Benz managed to offer a unique and viable entry on the superior side of the market that combines flair with practicality.
Specifications*
Model: Mercedes-Benz CLS350 Shooting Brake
Engine: 3,5-litre, V6, petrol
Power: 225 kW at 6 500 r/min
Torque: 370 N.m at 3 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,7 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8,1 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres
CO2: 188 g/km
Top speed: 250 km/h
Price: R835 000
Maintenance plan: 6 years/120 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
*According to the manufacturer
