[Mercedes-Benz News] A senior designer from Mercedes-Benz has stated that the company is planning a Shooting Brake spinoff of its CLA compact saloon, but cabriolets and sporty coupé are not being considered.
Asked by What Car? if the CLA could provide the foundations for a baby CLS Shooting brake, Mercedes-Benz design boss, Gordon Wagener said “the CLA is a four-door coupe as well, so why not do it?”
Such a model would make a great deal of sense. The CLS Shooting Brake has managed to dispel much of the negativity traditionally surrounding estate cars by serving up a practical, dynamically engaging product in an eye-catching package. Slightly micronized and more competitively priced, a CLA Shooting brake could well prove a winner.
The idea of a CLA convertible or a two-door sports coupé was not being entertained, however. “We don’t need a sports car, the market is declining,” said Wagener. This is understandable, but surprising given the potential that the gracefully styled CLA could show in either application.