Having long deliberated whether or not to build a shooting brake version of its svelte CLS, Mercedes-Benz has now released official pictures and information regarding the production-approved CLS Shooting Brake. It’ll be here next year and will be followed by an AMG version soon thereafter.
The production model differs very slightly from the Shooting Break Concept that the firm showed off at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show and includes a load bay area with a cherry wood load floor and optional aluminium loading rails.
On the global front, this model’s engine line-up includes the firm’s direct-injection 3,5-litre V6 (225 kW/370 N.m) in the CLS350 Shooting Brake while the CLS500 will get the twin-turbo 4,6-litre V8 (300 kW/600 N.m). The 2,1-litre twin-turbo diesel CLS250 CDI (150 kW/500 N.m) will form the entry point to the diesel line-up and will be joined by the 3,0-litre V6 CLS350 CDI (170 kW/540 N.m). All of the aforementioned engines will be coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Certain markets will also see the petrol-engined derivatives offered with the option of all-wheel drivetrains.
It also appears that this latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz stable will receive the AMG treatment, as videos of the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake have appeared on the ‘net. This model will pack the firm’s twin-turbo 5,5-litre V8 with 386 kW and 700 N.m of torque.
“The Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake with its ground breaking innovative design and dynamism, offers a unique balance between lifestyle and sportiness. We expect this model to reach our shores early 2013,” says Reandren Thulkanam, Product Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
