MOTORING
In real terms, the new CLS-Class Shooting Brake from Mercedes is a stylish combination of form and function. It’s a sportier version of an estate car, with the promise of a great drive and superb dynamics. If you think this car feels like a big estate with a
luxury feel, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Yes, it has all the trappings internally of a car with a healthy starting price, but as the coupe-inspired styling suggests, it has the driving dynamics with the extra carriage space now. The steering is wonderfully direct. Show it any corner
and it follows the line beautifully. It feels very agile for such a large vehicle, with impressive levels of grip to boot. Like most of the Mercedes range, the front is modelled on the SLS AMG supercar design, dominated by a huge badge and slatted grille, plus LED-inspired headlamps. At over five metres in length and wider, too, you could be forgiven for sizing it up against the capacity of your garage before purchase is complete. The side plane of the uninterrupted arc of the upper
window that gives it a real coupe-like look. With the length of the car one, this prolongs the height of the Shooting Brake’s roofline and provides a good deal for rear seat passengers. At the back, the light lenses are sculpted into the
rear section, and when you use this facility, you can expect nearly 600-litres of luggage space, the largest in its class. Engine-wise, it’s built on two existing diesel units
already used – a four-cylinder 220CDI that pumps out over 200 bhp, and a meatier V6 350CDI that churns out even more. Both are comfortable to drive thanks partly to them
being air-sprung, while Mercedes has added a self- levelling AirMATIC system that caters for the car being saddled with a heavy load.
Firing all the shots
Mercedes-Benz has thrust itself into the estate car bracket many times before, and to good effect. You need only think C-Class or E-Class and – hey presto – a saloon with an extended rear section comes to mind. But here, with its new CLS-Class Shooting Brake, Mercedes is aiming for an estate coupe. We sent motoring journalist Nick Jones to deliver his verdict.
My version, over a week’s testing, had a top speed of
just under 135 miles per hour, a 0-60 time of under nine seconds, and low emission ratings of just 132g/km. The 220CDI also gave me an overall miles per gallon figure of 56.5, not bad considering the car weighs in at just over two tonnes. Standard equipment across the board gives the usual
accoutrements, plus the likes of a powered tailgate, active parking assist, bi-xenon headlamps, satellite navigation, full leather interior, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and an impressive eight-speaker stereo system with DAB digital radio. Like the idea of a coupe with extra room? I was
sceptical at first, but let me tell you, this is a good- looking, great driving car and with a starting price of under £50K, you get a lot for your money. I can’t help thinking, though, that most will stump up
the extra cash to go for the 350CDI V6 diesel, which gives a bit more poke with similar – if not better – fuel returns.
FACTFILE
MODEL Mercedes CLS-Class Shooting Brake 220d
PRICE OTR £48,570
PERFORMANCE Top speed: 133 mph 0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
CO2 EMISSIONS 132g/km
COMBINED MPG 56.5
64 business network May 2020
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