The term shooting brake or shooting break is used for a car body style that has evolved through a handful of specific meanings over its vast history. It originated as an early 19th century British term for a vehicle used to carry shooting parties with their equipment and game.
The term, apparently, was later applied to custom-built wagons by high-end coachbuilders and subsequently became synonymous with station wagons or estates.
In contemporary usage, the term shooting brake has broadened to include a range of vehicles from five-door station wagons to three-door models combining features of a wagon and a coupe.
Mercedes-Benz's Concept Shooting Break was first unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show and took the form of a wagon featuring a frontal design inspired by the SLS AMG with a unique rear design of its own. Under the bonnet, it sports the same engine as the CLS350 BlueEfficiency.
Essentially, the car has a practical estate bodystyle, but Mercedes-Benz itself refers to the CLS Shooting Brake as a 'sports car coupe with five doors and a roof that extends all the way to the rear'.
Exterior
Style comes first in this instance. Up front is the distinctive CLS snout, dominated by the tri-star logo and sleek looking LED headlamps with daytime driving lights as standard.
The term, apparently, was later applied to custom-built wagons by high-end coachbuilders and subsequently became synonymous with station wagons or estates.
In contemporary usage, the term shooting brake has broadened to include a range of vehicles from five-door station wagons to three-door models combining features of a wagon and a coupe.
Mercedes-Benz's Concept Shooting Break was first unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show and took the form of a wagon featuring a frontal design inspired by the SLS AMG with a unique rear design of its own. Under the bonnet, it sports the same engine as the CLS350 BlueEfficiency.
Essentially, the car has a practical estate bodystyle, but Mercedes-Benz itself refers to the CLS Shooting Brake as a 'sports car coupe with five doors and a roof that extends all the way to the rear'.
Exterior
Style comes first in this instance. Up front is the distinctive CLS snout, dominated by the tri-star logo and sleek looking LED headlamps with daytime driving lights as standard.
It's been said that the best car designs start with a single line on a piece of paper. The CLS Shooting Brake's long bonnet as well as the plunging rear roofline along with strict creases on the sides allow you to see that original line and possibly the hand that drew it virtually.
The narrow and frameless windows, dynamic coupe-like roofline and muscular rear arches of the CLS Shooting Brake are all a world away from its boxy-looking cousin, the E-Class Estate. Not forgetting a set of 18-inch alloys that give the car a sportier appeal.
The CLS Shooting Brake's looks clearly take after its coupe sibling, and has a similar stance, which makes it look like it's ready to pounce. As a result, it takes more than a mere glance to realise that the car has a rounded and bigger butt that will offer more in terms of function.
Interior
The CLS Shooting Brake shares the same cabin with its coupe sibling. However, accessibility to the front seats is slightly limited due to the curved and tight door aperture.
Driving position is low slung but upright, which makes the driver
feel comfortable, together with ergonomically placed steering wheel and pedals. Nonetheless, we couldn't appreciate the parking brake release mechanism and felt that an electronic park brake button would have increased the premium feel of the car by a notch.
The Nappa leather wrapped multi function steering wheel feels good to the touch. It does a good job in striking a balance between sportiness and a premium feel.
Another feature that helps in enhancing the premium atmosphere is the optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound sound system, allowing you to enjoy the entire concert hall on wheels experience.
The CLS Shooting Brake shares the same cabin with its coupe sibling. However, accessibility to the front seats is slightly limited due to the curved and tight door aperture.
Driving position is low slung but upright, which makes the driver
feel comfortable, together with ergonomically placed steering wheel and pedals. Nonetheless, we couldn't appreciate the parking brake release mechanism and felt that an electronic park brake button would have increased the premium feel of the car by a notch.
The Nappa leather wrapped multi function steering wheel feels good to the touch. It does a good job in striking a balance between sportiness and a premium feel.
Another feature that helps in enhancing the premium atmosphere is the optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound sound system, allowing you to enjoy the entire concert hall on wheels experience.
While the curvy shape of the CLS Shooting Brake reduces the amount of space visually, the car isn't considered cramp. Rear benches will fit three with sufficient head and legroom.
More relevantly, the easily accessible boot via an electronic tailgate is long, leading up to the rear seatbacks with 590 litres of space, which is more than what you can find in similar segment rivals from Bavaria or Ingolstadt.
More relevantly, the easily accessible boot via an electronic tailgate is long, leading up to the rear seatbacks with 590 litres of space, which is more than what you can find in similar segment rivals from Bavaria or Ingolstadt.
The Drive
Under the hood of this stylish estate is a similar 3.5-litre V6 powerplant that can also be found in the CLS350 coupe. As a result, the engine provides for 306bhp and 370Nm of torque on demand, allowing the CLS Shooting Brake to hit the century mark from standstill in just 6.7 seconds.
The engine is smooth and strong, building momentum in a meaningful manner without being explosive, hence exuding an old school charm that's fitting for a towkay.
The handling of the CLS Shooting Brake is clearly clumsier than its coupe sibling, with a little bit of body roll and a fairly light steering set-up. But those can be tuned via the Sport mode. This mentioned mode sharpens the throttle and stiffens the steering and suspension a little, giving a more satisfying drive to the driver. It may not be the most exciting experience but the car is very easy to drive, and it's agile and grippy.
When in Eco mode, the ride is nimble for a car of its length and weight. The AIRMATIC air suspension allows the car to float over bumps and ruts and settle down comfortably on the highway.
Under the hood of this stylish estate is a similar 3.5-litre V6 powerplant that can also be found in the CLS350 coupe. As a result, the engine provides for 306bhp and 370Nm of torque on demand, allowing the CLS Shooting Brake to hit the century mark from standstill in just 6.7 seconds.
The engine is smooth and strong, building momentum in a meaningful manner without being explosive, hence exuding an old school charm that's fitting for a towkay.
The handling of the CLS Shooting Brake is clearly clumsier than its coupe sibling, with a little bit of body roll and a fairly light steering set-up. But those can be tuned via the Sport mode. This mentioned mode sharpens the throttle and stiffens the steering and suspension a little, giving a more satisfying drive to the driver. It may not be the most exciting experience but the car is very easy to drive, and it's agile and grippy.
When in Eco mode, the ride is nimble for a car of its length and weight. The AIRMATIC air suspension allows the car to float over bumps and ruts and settle down comfortably on the highway.
The CLS Shooting Brake may be based on the E-Class, but the overall driving experience is much more advanced. There is a more mature feel to the car, which enhances the level of elegance and refinement that the tri-star marque is known for. Simply put, the CLS Shooting Brake cruises well with a continental stride that soaks up miles effortlessly.
Conclusion
The CLS Shooting Brake is a stationwagon for people who don't like estates. It is a gorgeous big wagon with hatchback practicality - with none of the boxiness of an estate - bringing real style to the premium estate car class.
Of all the wagons we've come across, this is one that can truly turn heads.
Conclusion
The CLS Shooting Brake is a stationwagon for people who don't like estates. It is a gorgeous big wagon with hatchback practicality - with none of the boxiness of an estate - bringing real style to the premium estate car class.
Of all the wagons we've come across, this is one that can truly turn heads.
