Our spies have just snared the new Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake – the estate version of Merc’s second-generation CLS coupaloon.
It was on test in Germany ahead of a planned debut in 2012. It’s remarkably undisguised, suggesting that a debut is imminent.
Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake: the lowdown
Based on the Shooting Break [sic] concept car of 2010, this is a new niche for Merc. Mirroring the CLS’s relationship to E-class, the CLS Shooting Brake will be a cooler, more stylised take on the traditional family wagon.
Mercedes showed off the concept car at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and insiders claim it drew acclaim from show goers.
When can I buy a CLS Shooting Brake?
From later in 2012. CAR understands the CLS estate will be shown in summer 2012, most probably not at a usual motor show.
That points to sales in Europe in autumn 2012.
Expect the engine options to mimic those available on the CLS coupaloon, stretching from a CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency – a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel – all the way up to a 5.5-litre V8 CLS 63 AMG.