MERCEDES BENZ CLS Shooting Brake Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake received a well-deserved facelift with some influences from its big brother, the S-Class. As any facelift that wants to play big, the refreshed model has a new frontal fascia, with improved bumper aerodynamics, LED headlights, new taillights, and a few other small external details. But the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake brought more technical innovations.

Since it had to comply with the new Euro 6 standards and had to bring more fuel-efficient engines, Mercedes-Benz installed a couple of four-cylinder turbodiesel engines in the CLS. The 2014 model was available with the 2.1-liter diesel unit in two power versions: a 170 hp with a single turbo for the 220 BlueTec version and 204 hp two-stage turbo for the 250 BlueTec, respectively. Also, a new gasoline engine was introduced: a 3.5-liter V6 biturbo with 333 hp, named the CLS 400. The latter two are also available with all-wheel-drive. The 9G-Tronic transmission is also new for CLS Shooting Brake, replacing the older 7 G-Tronic.

The COMMAND Online infotainment system is available as an option with an 8” display. As an option, the CLS Shooting Brake may be ordered with a Garmin MAP PILOT navigation system with the representation of streets and buildings and augmented reality for junctions and lane assistants. The new system also comes with a new Mercedes-Benz online support named “Mercedes connect me” with assistance for an emergency call, accidents, maintenance and breakdown management.

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS was offered as a shooting brake as well. It was the natural evolution from a four-door coupe.

The shooting-brake body shape was used for older station-wagon coupe vehicles in the past. Over time, they were forgotten and considered obsolete. But as the four-doors coupe vehicles returned on the market, the idea of a shooting-brake came back on the car-makers list.

The CLS was one of the most successful four-doors coupes on the market. It started a revolution followed by most of the other premium manufacturers. For the Shooting-brake version, the designers took the same front part of the car up to the B-pillars and extended its roof to the back, in a sloped way. Thus, the aerodynamic look was kept.

Inside, the CLS Shooting-brake featured the same luxurious interior with front bucket seats and two individual seats in the back. The difference was that the rear backseat was folding in a split 40/20/40 way. That allowed a consistent increase in the trunk volume of up to 1550 liters (54.7 cu-ft). It was smaller than most of the station-wagons from the mid-size segment, but it was bigger than a regular CLS.

For the engine compartment, the CLS Shooting-brake featured a choice of six engines: three diesel and three gasoline units, all within a power range between 204 hp and 408 hp. The AMG version was in a different league. The standard transmission was a 7G-Tronic (dual-clutch) automatic. It was offered with rear- or all-wheel-drive.

Creating a performance vehicle was already an easy task for Mercedes-Benz when it had the AMG department in its courtyard, but making it different was a different story.

The German three-pointed-star brand had a huge experience in motor racing in almost any category, from cars to off-road and trucks. It had performance versions for each car category, starting with the compact A45 AMG and ending up with the GLS63 AMG and everything in between. But the CLS Shooting Brake was a different kind of vehicle. While it wasn't an E-Class or an S-Class, it offered room for four-and-a-half, a big trunk, and supercar performance.

After building the CLS lineup as a luxury four-door coupe, Mercedes-Benz raised the stakes and introduced a station-wagon version, named shooting-brake. The 2012 CLS Shooting-brake kept the same front fascia as its sedan sibling, but the designers changed the vehicle's rear part. Its long, arched roof was extended all the way to the back and ended with a curved and sloped tailgate. On its sides, the designers included a third side window on the sides of the trunk. But the greenhouse height was the same as on the four-door version.

Inside, the carmaker installed two bucket-seats at the front and a bench for three in the back. Due to the tall transmission tunnel and the low roof, the middle seat in the back was good for those who deserved punishment. The rear bench was suitable for two not-so-tall adults. The bench's split-folding system allowed an increase in the trunk area, ideal for loading skis or snowboards.