Based on the CLS-Class Coupé, Mercedes has made a car that proves that it's possible to combine two major aspects of the car market: practicality and luxury. At just over £1,500 more than the CLS Coupé, the Shooting Brake brings that all important practicality to the already existing luxury in the form of a one-of-a-kind estate. I prefer to describe it as a coupé-estate.
The CLS Coupé has a choice of 4 engines, the Shooting Brake makes do with just 3.
The bottom of the line is what I see to be the most popular. The adequately-powered 2.1-litre 4-cylinder '220 d' produces 177 bhp and a whopping 400 Nm. It's mated to the 7-speed automatic 7G-TRONIC 'box which helps it achieve an impressive 46 mpg in the real world (Mercedes claims 56.5 mpg), emitting just 132 g/km.
The second diesel is the surprisingly economical '350 d'. A 3.0-litre V6 churning out 258 bhp and 620 Nm. Thanks to its 9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC transmission, it manages some 40 mpg (claimed 49.6 mpg) and 149 g/km of CO2.
The only petrol engine available is the mad Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 S. This 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 585 bhp and no less than 800 Nm of torque. The specific 7-speed AMG automatic transmission delivers the power in such a way that in 4.2 seconds you've reached 62 mph, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. It spits out 235 g/km of CO2 and the driving enthusiasts among you will struggle to get 20 mpg (claimed 28 mpg).
There's only one trim, and that's the AMG Line. With that come 19-inch alloys, AMG bodystyling, sports suspension, an automatic powered boot, LED headlights and daytime running lights, ambient lighting inside, DAB radio, heated front seats and plenty of safety kit.
Obviously with the CLS 63 S the kit is boosted. You get upgraded 19-inch AMG alloys, an AMG radiator grille and sports exhausts, electric sunroof, keyless-go, red brake callipers, a reversing camera, fully electric front seats and a Harman/Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system.
But what if you want the sensible diesel models but can't live without those added luxuries? The Premium Package (£2,095) adds the electric sunroof, fully electric front seats and reversing camera whereas the Premium Plus Package (£3,195) adds those plus keyless-go and the surround sound system found on the CLS 63 S.
Other optional equipment includes an American Cherry Wood boot liner for £4,285 and AirMATIC air suspension for £1,150.
Obviously being a coupé-estate, you wouldn't expect it to be very practical. But you'll be shocked, it fares well against its competitors (none of which are coupé-estates). You may notice that its boot is slightly smaller than some rivals, but because it's not very tall, it's been made longer with lots of floor space which makes it excellent for carrying flat-pack furniture!
One thing the CLS Shooting Brake has that the Coupé doesn't is the ability to carry 3 rear passengers. The middle seat is quite a perch, but at least you have the option here.
Here's how I would spec my CLS Shooting Brake:
So for a car that screams luxury, the CLS is a practical and sensible choice that should definitely not be overlooked. It's guaranteed to turn heads and is the best choice for those who prefer the finer things in life but still have a life to be getting on with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xuo9l2WFz0
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