Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake to Hit the Market in 2012

German automaker Mercedes-Benz revealed today its sporty four-door coupe with sloping tail end based on the CLS will enter production at its Sindelfingen plant and hit the market in 2012. Currently, the plant is building the C-Klasse sedan, the E-Klasse sedan and estate, the S-Klasse and the CLS and CL coupes, as well as the Maybach models and Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles.

Recently, the plant started to produce the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a small series of the B-Klasse powered by fuel cells. As of 2014, the Mercedes-Benz SL will also be manufactured in Sindelfingen.

The decision to build the CLS Shooting Brake also reflects the flexibility of the plant. Specifically, the new model will be build on the same production line as the CLS and the E-Klasse Sedan.

“The decision to build the CLS Shooting Brake underscores the leading role of Mercedes-Benz in regards of innovative passenger car concepts and design – and that is exactly what the customers expect from us,” stated Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The CLS Shooting Brake had its premiere as a show car at Auto China in April 2010. The car features a long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. In addition to that, the Shooting Brake has four doors and a large rear lid.

“This new model with its high emotional appeal is another highlight for the Sindelfingen plant. The location decision is an evidence for the significance of the plant as competence centre for the luxury class. The CLS Shooting Brake will contribute to a sustainable capacity utilization in this core location of our production network,” said Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Production and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans.