Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the car that practically invented its own niche. However, it's facing an identity crisis in the face of ever stiffening competition from German rivals. After the mid-life facelift that came in 2014, the current model will be replaced by an all-new one in 2018.
Sadly, the car everybody seemed to like is not doing so well. Hardly anybody bought the beautiful yet quirky CLS Shooting Brake so that the model will be phased out in 2018, CAR Magazine has learned.
It's not surprising that the next CLS will debut in 2018, considering it's always come a little after the E-Class it's based on. The new Modular Rear Architecture should help keep the kilos away and increase the model's dynamism.
Why is the Shooting Brake being discontinued? After all, it's the only model of its kind in the segment. Well, according to insider sources, there's a "distinct lack of interest" from North America (we could have told you that) and China.
Just like us, the British magazine has noticed there are no more emerging markets, so the German companies that once tried to occupy every niche possible are now targeting their investments to the segments that matter… like SUVs.
To be honest, the CLS Shooting Brake was never particularly practical. Sure, it looked better than the E-Class Touring, but its boot opening was small. Mercedes didn't half-ass the project either, since the fact that they also introduced the smaller CLA Shooting Brake shows their commitment.
Still, it's not all bad news. The regular version of the CLS will continue to be one of the sexiest four-door models you can buy. It should have a larger trunk, since both the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 will focus on practicality in coming years.
It's not surprising that the next CLS will debut in 2018, considering it's always come a little after the E-Class it's based on. The new Modular Rear Architecture should help keep the kilos away and increase the model's dynamism.
Why is the Shooting Brake being discontinued? After all, it's the only model of its kind in the segment. Well, according to insider sources, there's a "distinct lack of interest" from North America (we could have told you that) and China.
Just like us, the British magazine has noticed there are no more emerging markets, so the German companies that once tried to occupy every niche possible are now targeting their investments to the segments that matter… like SUVs.
To be honest, the CLS Shooting Brake was never particularly practical. Sure, it looked better than the E-Class Touring, but its boot opening was small. Mercedes didn't half-ass the project either, since the fact that they also introduced the smaller CLA Shooting Brake shows their commitment.
What is Mercedes focusing on?
We see almost a doubling of the interest for compact cars, which people used to consider fake luxury goods. The company is now investing to make the A-Class and its sister cars the fastest and most dynamic in the industry.Still, it's not all bad news. The regular version of the CLS will continue to be one of the sexiest four-door models you can buy. It should have a larger trunk, since both the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 will focus on practicality in coming years.
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