CompleteCar was present at the world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake but now we have official details of the 250km/h Shooting Brake version of the trend-setting CLS four-door coupé.
Exterior
The CLS Shooting Brake's sleek styling is embellished with trademark AMG elements such as a front apron with cross strut finished in high-gloss black and a single slat grille with AMG-specific design of the bonnet. Broad front wings wear "V8 BITURBO" tags while the AMG-specific rear apron with diffuser houses two chrome tailpipes. High-performance LED headlamps including 'Intelligent Light System' and adaptive Highbeam Assist are fitted as standard, as too is a liberal smattering of AMG badges.
Interior
AMG-specific interior appointments are led by the Nappa leather sports seats with multi-contour and memory functions, which are joined by Piano Black trim, an analogue clock and instrument panel with RaceTimer and AMG start-up screen.
The AMG Drive Unit with E-Select lever, integrated into the centre console, allows control over the transmission modes, suspension setup, ESP functions and AMG programs while a flat bottomed, three-spoke perforated leather steering wheel gives drivers something to hold on to when the BiTurbo V8 kicks in.
Mechanicals
Being an AMG model the big news is of course what is under the bonnet. Like the coupé the Shooting Brake will use a 5.5-litre BiTurbo V8 engine that offers 525hp and 700Nm. The power is fed to the rear wheels via an AMG-specific SpeedShift MCT seven-speed sports transmission, equipped with four individual transmission modes (Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport plus and Manual), as well as automatic double declutching and Race Start functions. All this equates to a 0 to 100km/h time of 4.4 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h.
An Edition 1 Performance Pack is also available that boosts output to 557hp and 800Nm with the result being a 4.3-second 0-100km/h time. Even with the extra power Mercedes-Benz says the fuel economy of 27.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 235g/km remain the same.
Anything else?
The CLS 63 Shooting Brake is expected to make its first public outing at the German Formula One Grand Prix at Hockenheim later this month with sales due to begin shortly after the regular Shooting Brake model in November. Final specifications and pricing will be announced closer to launch.