Mercedes-Benz CLS Class Shooting Brake

Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was launched in 2004 and it is based on the W211 E-Class platform which was referred to as W219 internally. CLS is placed between E-CLASS and S-CLASS. It was designed by Michael Fink, American designer in 2001, who has also designed the CLK, Maybach 57 and 62. According to Mercedes-Benz, the CLS-class was produced to combine the "strong, emotive charisma" of a coupe with the "comfort and practicality" of a sedan. Mercedes also introduced a station wagon variant of its powerful CLS coupe named Shooting Brake aimed especially for individuals who are looking for more space without compromising on power. The CLS Class Shooting Brake is a second generation CLS designed by Huber Lee and was first unveiled in Auto china 2010.

Engine, mileage & variants

The CLS Class Shooting Brake is available in 9 variants in which 3 are diesel engines and 6 petrol engines also hybrid option is available for people who are more environment concerned in both petrol and diesel. The starting diesel variant (CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) comes with 2.1 L R4 engine with power output of 201 hp at 3800 rpm with peak torque of 500 Nm from 1600 to 1800 rpm. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 Kmph though there is no doubt that it can go beyond that mark .This shooting brake shoots from 0 to 100 marks in just 7.8 seconds. The diesel variant has fuel economy of around 15 kmpl. On the other hand, the petrol variants has always been more powerful and a fuel guzzler, it can be seen here too with the top end petrol variant (CLS 63 AMG S-model 4MATIC) with its 5.5 L V8 produces 430 hp running at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 800Nm between 1750 to 5000 rpm. The sporty looking CLS 63 AMG goes from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.7 second which by any standard is quite impressive looking at its size. Given the power and acceleration of the engine its fuel economy of 9.4 kmpl also looks good.

Exteriors

Its front end is inspired from SLS AMG. While from side view and rear view reveals its Estate looks. It has a long wheelbase of 2874 mm which provides it stability and longer cabin space. Its overall dimensions are 4956mm x 1881mm x 1216mm (L x W x H). The diesel variant comes in rim size of 17 inch while the petrol variant has larger 19 inch XL size wheels, larger wheel size give petrol variant more grip on the road as well as improves overall sporty look of the car. The tyre size for diesel and petrol variant is 245/45 R17 and 255/35 ZR 19 XL respectively.

Interiors

The interiors are not as modern as BMW's or Audi's but everything is built aesthetically and elegantly .The dashboard is given piano black finish and the overall ambiance inside is very lavish and luxurious. With that said CLS Shooting brake comes with loads of luxury features like sat-nav,optional Harmon Kardon surround system for better sound effect, very comfortable leather seats with very good thigh support, THERMATIC automatic climate control for individual temperature and pleasant climate. Boot space in CLS Shooting Brake is 590 litres and it can be increased to 1550 litres when the rear seats are folded which is quite practical with generous head room and leg room.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

The list of safety features is long along with 9 airbags it comes with intelligent adaptive LED lights ,brake assist (BAS) which improves safety in emergency conditions, a stability program which help you regain car control whenever it tries to skid, also a interesting feature which automatically apply brake when the collision with a vehicle is imminent to name a few. It also comes with option of AIRMATIC air suspension which further improves ride comfort and driving dynamics. It is rated five star by EURO NCAP, which itself speaks of its high safety standards.

Verdict

With its orthodox Estate silhouette and expensive price tag, the shooting brake might not appeal to many but what separates it from the regular estates its the Three Pointed Star logo at the front and a range of impressive engines under the hood.