The CLS Shooting Brake’s proportions are surprising yet unequivocally coupé and create a basic stance which makes it look ready for the off: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Brake actually has five doors and offers “more” in terms of function.
The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1416 mm) are unequivocally coupé – but in a new and unique guise featuring a long roof line and a seemingly endless roof contour line above the windows. The long sweep of the rear wings further enhances the dynamic appearance.
The sleek rear end places the emphasis on width, with the air flow break-away edge integrated in the roof spoiler extending far down. The tautly drawn-in D-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch present an athletic impression, particularly when the vehicle is viewed from the rear. The light-catching contour of the rear muscle runs over the wide rear lamp up to the luggage compartment joint, thus establishing a link between the sides and rear.
Underneath the star, a long chrome handle strip emphasizes the width of the rear end. The all-round chrome trim strip in the bumper lends the rear end a wide look and provides a counter-weight to the handle strip.
The Shooting Brake comes as standard with LED High Performance tail lights which extend far into the sidewall. With their exclusive detailing, they dominate the rear-end design. The rear fog lamp is positioned in the middle under the bumper. This enables the rear lights and indicators to be arranged circularly around the reversing lights. With the white glass area of the reversing lights in the middle, the red tail light conforms to the typical layout of current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The brake light maintains the layout of the rear light, boosting the LED output. Intermediate layers with graphic trim lines underscore the contours when the lights are off. In keeping with the external form, both the reflectors and the reversing lights are integrated on the intermediate layer.
The CLS 350 BlueEFFICENCY Shooting Brake, features concealed tailpipes, whilst the V8 variant, the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY is differentiated with an emphatically sporty bumper with a diffuser-look insert and twin stainless steel exhaust tailpipes.
The CLS Shooting Brake is also defined to a pronounced extent by its side view. A striking feature is the long, chrome-highlighted roof contour line, which merges into a downward-tapering D-pillar. The expressive features of the Shooting Brake’s profile include:
- High shoulderline, low side windows
- Flat front- and rear-end design
- Dynamic feature line (dropping line and striking hip muscle)
- Expressive, gently sloping roof contour and roof contour line
Extending well forward, the upright radiator grille highlights the long bonnet. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car’s kinship with the other coupés of the brand. The large, dark, wide air intakes with black grilles also indicate athleticism.
Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the LED High Performance headlamps, which offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. Inside, this headlamp is divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a separate night-time design as a distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions.
Interior: elegance and innovative details
The interior of the CLS Shooting Brake is defined by timeless design combining elegance with innovative details and hand-crafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display is integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.
The CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design trend-setter thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights here also include matt galvanised air vents, for example, which form the ideal framework for a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.
Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers, the shoulder-line extending into the luggage compartment or the so-called sewn covering for the dashboard.
For the latter, the individual parts of the leather cover are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with foam. Prior to this process, the leather is heated up to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.
The PASSION leather, a particularly fine, 1.6 millimetre thick semi-aniline leather, has a class feel and appearance. Protected only by gentle pigmentation, the natural pore structure is retained, lending the leather a particularly warm and soft feel.
The copious array of fine trim features also lends a touch of refined sportiness to the interior of the CLS. The trim elements are located on the centre console’s instrument panel support and on parts of the door panelling.
Striking, sporty and bold: the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake combines the dynamically elegant lines of a striking vehicle design with a bold, sporty character. Its power is manifested in elements such as the imposing AMG front apron with cross strut in high-gloss black, the single-fin AMG radiator grille and the AMG-specific bonnet design.
The distinctive wider front wings with “V8 BITURBO” lettering, the AMG-specific rear apron in diffuser look and the AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of twin chrome tailpipes add dynamic highlights. The Intelligent Light System with LED High-Performance headlamps including Adaptive Highbeam Assist features as standard.
From fine materials through quality workmanship to an exclusive atmosphere – the interior of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake meets the highest standards on all fronts. AMG sports seats in nappa leather with multicontour seat and memory functions, AMG black piano lacquer trim and the AMG-specific analogue clock featuring an IWC design all help to create a unique aura. The driver is also kept informed thanks to the AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu including RACETIMER and AMG start-up screen.
The transmission modes, suspension setup, ESP® functions and the AMG program can all be configured via the AMG DRIVE UNIT with E-SELECT selector lever – a special feature exclusive to AMG – which is integrated into the centre console and angled towards the driver. Visually striking, ergonomic and pleasant to the touch is the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, featuring a three-spoke design with flattened top and bottom sections, a special shape, perforated leather finish and silver coloured aluminium shift paddles. A newly introduced feature on all AMG vehicles is the chrome-look electronic key with AMG emblem.