OREANDA-NEWS. July 02, 2012. With the CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz is setting an example when it comes to creativity of design: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupй, but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear, it promises some remarkable new possibilities.

The idea of the four-door coupй – successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS – has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect.
In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition for people who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space.

Even when the focus is not on the practical elements of the design of the Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1413 mm), the new CLS model still has some trump cards up its sleeve. With a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, the luggage compartment offers a lot of room despite the flat, sporty lines of the roof, and is easy to use thanks to the automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard. A load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.
 
 
Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict between the objectives of low weight and high strength in the CLS Shooting Brake. The model features frameless, all-aluminium doors made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and in comparison with conventional steel doors, are some 24 kilograms lighter. The tailgate, bonnet, front wings, various support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engines are all made of aluminium too.

The Shooting Brake also applies this same aspiration in the luggage compartment. An extravagant and unique feature for the automotive industry is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior. Cherry tree wood is a classic among fine wood species and contrasts perfectly with the inlaid smoked oak and aluminium rails. This affords the luggage compartment a touch of elegance normally found on yachts. The wood is characterised by its flexibility and elasticity, as well as its density and fine texture. The lavishly produced aluminium rails have a brushed finish and rubber inserts, and not only help to protect the wooden floor but also feature anti-slip properties.