There’s something magical about the Shooting Brake. It’s not just a fancy name—it’s a whole vibe. Picture a sleek station wagon that carries the spirit of a coupe, blending the best of both worlds:
style and utility. And if you’ve ever admired the Mercedes-Benz CLS, then the CLS Shooting Brake reborn holds a special place in your heart.
Let’s take a friendly ride through the evolution of this iconic model, explore the whispers about its future, and dive deep into how Mercedes-Benz continues to marry luxury with performance in a way only they can.
The Evolution Of Mercedes-Benz Design Philosophy
Mercedes design has always been a story of balance. The genius of people like Gorden Wagener shines through as he blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
The Mercedes CLS Class pushed boundaries by introducing the four-door coupe—a car that looked like a coupe but had the practicality of a sedan. From the CLS Sedan to the Shooting Brake variant, Mercedes has been evolving with one goal: make beauty functional.
Classic Elegance Meets Sporty Utility
The CLS Shooting Brake is where elegance meets practicality. Unlike the usual wagon, this model brings sportiness to the rear with its sloping roofline and dynamic stance. It’s got that coupe-like flair but with the extra space for your gear, your friends, or even your dog.
It’s no surprise the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake has a cult following. You get the best of both worlds—a stylish silhouette paired with the utility only a station wagon can provide.
A Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed
Let’s be honest—when the CLS Shooting Brake quietly disappeared from Mercedes’ lineup, many of us didn’t realize how much we’d miss it. But now, with whispers turning into confirmed reports, the iconic blend of wagon practicality and coupe elegance is making a comeback. And not just a nostalgic one—this time, it’s smarter, sharper, and aimed straight at a new era of luxury drivers.
What Made The Original Special
Back in the early 2010s, the CLS Shooting Brake broke molds. It looked like a sports car had a secret affair with a station wagon, and their child was born in Affalterbach. The long bonnet, sloping roofline, and wide rear end made it feel fast even when parked. Yet it had space—a true place for luggage, dogs, road trips, and everyday elegance.
What’s more, it wasn’t just about looks. Under the skin, you got Mercedes-Benz engineering: taut suspension, quick-shifting transmissions, and AMG firepower for those who wanted it. The CLS Shooting Brake was proof that form and function could indeed share the same passport.
Design Evolution For The Reborn Shooting Brake
Fast forward to now. Spy photographers have already caught the reborn Shooting Brake in heavy camouflage. From what we can tell, the grille is more aggressive, the lights are thinner, and the tailgate seems better integrated. It borrows elements from the latest CLS, but adds character all its own.
Expect sculpted flanks, more muscle over the arches, and a wide stance that communicates purpose. The design will likely channel innovation from the EQ range, yet stay grounded in petrol-powered drama—at least for now.
Interior: Practical Meets Premium
Inside, you can bet Mercedes-Benz is bringing its A-game. Think full MBUX interface, Nappa leather, ambient lighting, and more space than you’d expect. The rear cargo area will likely be flat and spacious, ideal for weekend escapes or design-conscious families who refuse to drive an SUV.
Also expected are top-shelf driver aids like Active Lane Keeping Assist, Bluetooth setup, driver monitoring, and the full suite of collision and safety systems that modern buyers demand.
Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Excitement
The old CLS SB came with a range of engines, but today’s reborn version will almost certainly include EQ Boost hybrid assistance. Whether it’s a six-cylinder AMG-lite version or a fully blown AMG Shooting Brake, the blend of torque, refinement, and efficiency will be key.
Also in the pipeline? Rumors hint at a potential plug-in hybrid variant—if not from launch, then soon after. That means lower emissions, quicker acceleration, and potential electric-only operation around the city.
Iconic Models In The Evolution
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has played with the Shooting Brake model in various forms. From the early CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY to the powerhouse CLS 63 AMG, each version brought something unique.
The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake? A beast on wheels. With raw horsepower and peak torque that thrills, it married performance and utility like no other. It even had that aggressive rear diffuser and sporty alloy wheels that made you want to drive it hard on winding roads.
The CLS Shooting Brake: A Glimpse Into The Future
So, what’s next for the New CLS Shooting Brake? The latest concept renderings and future visions give us a sneak peek. Think sharper lines, more aggressive front fascia, and smarter tech.
The interplay between design and functionality is key. Mercedes isn’t just about looks—they want a car that moves with you, responds to the road, and fits seamlessly into your life.
Conceptual Renderings And Future Visions
Designers have been busy. Concepts like the Vortex VRT by Uğur Göküş show how ideas from different Mercedes models cross-pollinate. Imagine blending the SLS AMG’s muscular stance with the elegant flow of a Shooting Brake.
These imaginative renderings aren’t just eye candy—they’re the blueprint for the next wave of Mercedes-Benz cars that combine power and grace.
Interplay Between Design And Functionality
Luxury isn’t just about how a car looks. It’s how it feels behind the steering wheel and how it handles the demands of your day. The Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake balances this beautifully.
From adaptive tech like Adaptive Highbeam Assist to chassis tuned for both comfort and sporty handling, every element is designed to elevate your experience. The rear seat space is generous—more room than a regular coupe but wrapped in a more exciting shape than a typical wagon.
Key Models Highlighted
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SL Shooting Brake: A rare, head-turning model that combined open-top freedom with Shooting Brake practicality.
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The CLS Utility Coupe: This model redefined what a four-door coupe could be, blending versatility with style.
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The C63 AMG and Next-Gen C-Class: These performance models pushed the envelope on power and torque, setting the stage for the future.
Innovative Concepts Shaping The Vision
The CLS Shooting Brake concept cars unveiled at shows like Auto China have been all about pushing boundaries. From innovative motorised shooting brakes to hybrid powertrains, these ideas reflect where Mercedes is headed.
The fusion of luxury, performance, and practicality is no longer a dream—it’s a design strategy.
The Role Of Imaginative Renderings
Rendering artists are visionaries. Their significant visualizations show what could be, often influencing actual production. The way the rear wheels tuck under bold arches or how the rear axle is positioned for perfect weight balance—all this comes alive first on digital canvases.
Influence Of Related Initiatives
Mercedes also draws inspiration from its entire lineup. Whether it’s the AMG family or models like the Mercedes CLS63 AMG, these Mercedes models share DNA. The new Shooting Brake is a mosaic built from these influences.
The Vortex VRT Concept By Uğur Göküş
A shining example of cross-pollination, the Vortex VRT brings aggressive angles, aerodynamic brake cooling ducts, and muscular lines into a concept that feels ready to hit the road.
Combining Luxury, Performance, And Practicality
The reborn CLS Shooting Brake will stand out by balancing sharp horsepower delivery and high-end features with space and comfort. Whether it’s rear-wheel drive or an AMG-tuned beast with peak torque to burn, it promises to deliver a unique driving experience.
Design Elements Balancing Form And Function
From the sculpted body to the practical rear diffuser, every detail has a purpose. The choice of alloy wheels, the curve of the rear hatch, and even the placement of torque-enhancing components speak to Mercedes’ meticulous approach.
Buyers want more than just a car—they want a lifestyle statement. The Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake appeals to those who crave a blend of sophistication and sportiness, a car that turns heads but fits daily life.
Why Mercedes Is Bringing It Back
Wagons have always had a loyal (if niche) fanbase in Europe, and lately, the tides are turning. Enthusiasts are starting to seek alternatives to SUVs—something with handling flair, visual drama, and daily usability. Enter the CLS Shooting Brake reborn.
Mercedes likely sees this not just as a product, but as a statement—one that says practicality doesn’t need to be boring. And in an era of sameness, that’s a bold move.
Who It’s For
Design lovers. Driving enthusiasts. Urban families who value taste. And yes, maybe even someone like you and me—someone who appreciates a beautiful machine that doesn’t shout, but makes you smile every time you walk away from it in a parking lot.
The CLS Shooting Brake reborn is a promise—a nod to Mercedes’ past and a leap toward the future. With continuity and innovation at its core, it’s ready to redefine what a Shooting Brake can be.
Get ready for a vehicle that merges elegance with agility, luxury with utility, and heritage with modernity. The next chapter of the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake story is about to unfold.
Conclusion
The CLS Shooting Brake reborn is more than just a nostalgic reboot. It’s a timely return of one of the most underrated body styles ever made. With style, substance, and soul, it looks ready to once again be the important part of a modern driver’s dream garage.
Stay tuned—because if the prototype’s silhouette is any hint, Mercedes is about to deliver one of its most emotionally appealing cars in years.
FAQs
1. What Is The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake?
The CLS Shooting Brake is a stylish blend of a four-door coupé and a station wagon, offering sleek design with added practicality and rear seat space.
2. Is Mercedes Bringing Back The CLS Shooting Brake?
While not officially confirmed, concept renderings and design insights suggest a new CLS Shooting Brake may be in the works, blending luxury with utility.
3. What’s Special About A Shooting Brake Model?
A Shooting Brake combines the looks of a coupe with the space of a wagon. It’s sporty, elegant, and more versatile than a regular sedan or coupe.
4. What Engines Might Power The New CLS Shooting Brake?
Expect a mix of turbocharged petrol, diesel, and possibly hybrid options with rear wheel drive or AMG variants offering high torque and horsepower.
5. How Does It Differ From A Regular CLS?
The regular CLS is a four-door coupe. The Shooting Brake variant adds more cargo room and a practical rear hatch, making it a more functional daily driver.
6. What Past Models Inspired The New Concept?
Inspirations include the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, and bold concept work like the Vortex VRT by Uğur Göküş.
7. What Competitors Will The CLS Shooting Brake Face?
Main rivals include the Audi A6 Avant, Audi A7, and performance wagons from BMW. Each offers utility, but none match Mercedes’ design flair.
8. Will The New CLS Shooting Brake Be Shown At Auto China?
Possibly. Auto China and other major shows often host concept reveals. Keep an eye on car magazines and Mercedes-Benz car news for updates.
9.What Features Are Expected In The Future Model?
Look for adaptive highbeam assist, dynamic brake systems, advanced infotainment, and premium interior materials—plus AMG-level performance for select trims.
10. Why Is Mercedes Revisiting The Shooting Brake Design?
Because it bridges the gap between style and function. Mercedes sees value in creating a car that offers both everyday practicality and standout luxury appeal.