With the new CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting an example when it comes to creativity of design, and as such highlighting its leading role in this area: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupé, 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 coupé – successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS and long imitated in the meantime – has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect. The result is automotive independence at its most beautiful.

According to CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche: "Any memorable machine is equal parts art and science. A car has to first deliver in function – the ticket of entry – and then in fascination: the ticket to real excitement. The CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts – unlike any other car in the market".
The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé, and create a basic stance which makes it look ready for the off: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break actually has five doors and offers "more" in terms of function.

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 looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is a further highlight in the innovative luxury vehicle series from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coupé, has the potential to become the role model for a new market segment.
"The CLS Shooting Brake is based on the great tradition of stylish sportiness which has always characterised Mercedes, and takes these unique icons an exciting step further", explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes‑Benz. "It stands for the enhanced design idiom of Mercedes-Benz which is oriented towards aesthetic, avant-garde principles". This is seen in the impressive series of market-defining new vehicle concepts, such as the SLK for example, which in 1996 established a genre as the first Roadster with a retractable steel roof, the M-Class as the first premium SUV in 1998, or the first four-door CLS Coupé in 2004.

Exclusive innovation in the interior: wooden luggage compartment floor

The second generation of the CLS set high standards in terms of the design and quality of the interior: straightforward elegance combined with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The Shooting Brake also applies this same aspiration in the luggage compartment. It is lined with high-quality carpet, and the hand-stitched material is also incorporated into the sideliners in conjunction with leather appointments. Optional designer loading rails made of aluminium give an even more exclusive look.

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, combined with the exciting worlds of technology and precision craftsmanship. The wood is characterised by its flexibility and elasticity, as well as its density and fine texture. For the luggage compartment floor made of American cherry tree wood, selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces sanded to a smooth finish and waterproofed to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. Inlaid work using darker smoked oak, precisely cut into three millimetre strips using laser technology, helps to enhance the design of the wooden floor. 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.

The CLS coupé already set new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. The Shooting Brake also offers five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather to choose from. Customers have a choice of three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim elements. A completely new addition comes in the form of porcelain interior appointments which afford both CLS models a sense of luxury normally found in the S-Class. The CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces.

A new dimension in vehicle concepts: the four-door Shooting Brake

No-one likes to have to compromise: 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.

The standard air suspension at the rear helps to ensure optimum road holding at all times. For additional flexibility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down from the luggage compartment as standard. The rear seats themselves provide room for three people, with individual seats on the outsides and a third seat in the middle. The three saddle-type head restraints on the rear seats barely affect the view towards the rear, and can be lowered at the touch of a button by the driver. An optional trailer coupling is also available.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales & Marketing, sums it all up: "The new CLS Shooting Brake represents a new dimension in vehicle concepts and offers discerning customers independence at its most beautiful."

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency

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 aerodynamics also make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. With a frontal area of 2.30 m² and a Cd value of 0.29, the drag area is 0.67 m².

Drive system: powerful and efficient

The CLS Shooting Brake is available with four different engine variants – two diesel engines and two petrol engines. Features common to all engines include the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function. In addition, two models are available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

The entry-level model is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 150 kW (204 hp). Combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, an excellent level for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Coming in above this are the two six-cylinder models: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp). The top-of-the-range model is the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V8 biturbo engine producing 300 kW (408 hp).

Efficiency is also increased by the standard electro-mechanical power steering EPS (Electric Power Steering). EPS is a radical move in the relationship between the driver, car and road surface. This is because for the first time, it gives engineers the freedom to choose and programme many of the parameters that influence steering feedback. So they defined a Mercedes-Benz feeling behind the wheel. In addition to fuel economy, the result is a considerable improvement in handling and agility. The electromechanical power steering also enables another innovation to be implemented – Active Park Assist. The CLS Shooting Brake is not only able to detect parking spaces, but can also park automatically.

Another world exclusive: dynamic full LED headlamps

The CLS was the first passenger car in the world to offer optional dynamic full LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology – similar to those of daytime driving lights – with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon generation. Some 95 percent of all customers have opted for these lights in the CLS Coupé. Of course, as the world's second car to feature this optional extra, the CLS Shooting Brake also offers the new light system. For the first time ever, it provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, look exciting; and they serve to underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new quality of illumination when driving at night.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate to the colour of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns and that the driver experiences significantly more brightness on the road at night. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K).

More than a dozen driving assistance systems help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are available as part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE‑SAFE® Brake. Both assistance systems are not only able to detect an unintentional lane change or vehicles in the blind spot, but can also correct the direction of travel by gentle brake intervention if the driver ignores the visual or audible danger warnings.

It's all in a name: the origins of the name "Shooting Break"

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to "break" in wild horses and also to restrict (or "brake") their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. Motorised Shooting Brakes were popular in England in the 60s and 70s – exclusive two-door sports cars, which combined the luxury and style of a coupé with a larger load compartment and large tailgate.

Performance update for the CLS 63 AMG: along with the new E 63 AMG, the latest model upgrade also benefits the CLS 63 AMG in its Coupé and Shooting Brake variants. The S-Model variant of the CLS 63 AMG not only boasts the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all‑wheel drive but also comes with the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine generating a maximum output of 430 kW (585 hp) and up to 800 Nm of torque. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine continues to be the absolute pinnacle of efficiency: the combination of high performance and low fuel consumption remains unrivalled by any other competitor in the segment worldwide. The rear-wheel-drive variant rated at 410 kW (557 hp) and generating 720 Nm of torque is optionally available with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-AMG is also premiering high-performance passenger car models with an all-wheel-drive system geared to driving dynamics. This offers customers even greater scope for individuality and an even broader choice of models. Alongside the successful SUVs – ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG – two passenger car model ranges comprising up to eight unique models with all-wheel drive are now available from Mercedes-AMG in the guise of the E 63 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG. Additional models featuring performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, such as the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG, will follow this year.

"The S-Models in particular represent the most attractive proposition in the segment," notes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "With its superlative power and torque ratings and the new performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the CLS 63 AMG is without parallel in its Coupé and Shooting Brake variants. Our AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine in the world. The new, customised model variants provide greater scope than ever for individual solutions."

The world premiere of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake took place at the "Night of the Stars" at the Formula 1 German Grand Prix in July 2012. This unique high-performance vehicle from AMG is a fascinating new embodiment of an innovative vehicle concept. The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake combines performance with style and utility value as a highly appealing alternative for design-oriented automobile enthusiasts. In essence it represents an unprecedented embodiment of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate.

Acceleration from a standing start to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds clearly places the CLS 63 AMG S-Model in pole position in the competitive line-up. In addition to the increase in output, this special edge for the S-Model is also attributable in no small part to the performance-oriented all-wheel drive with a power distribution ratio of 33 to 67 percent (front/rear axle). Perfect traction during acceleration effectively avoids slip-induced losses. The top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited).
On the new S-Model the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine generates a maximum output of 430 kW (585 hp) and maximum torque of 800 Nm – representing an increase of 20 kW (28 hp) over the AMG Performance package which was previously available as an option for the Coupé. This enhanced performance and power results from adaptation of the engine application, an increase in peak pressure and a rise in the charge pressure from 0.9 to 1.0 bar. At 410 kW (557 hp) and 720 Nm, the basic model also boasts an increase of 24 kW (32 hp) and 20 Nm over its predecessor.

Despite added power and enhanced performance, all models offer high efficiency, low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine around – with substantially more cubic capacity than its direct competitors. The CLS 63 AMG rated at 410 kW (557 hp) with rear-wheel drive runs on 9.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in accordance with NEDC (231 grams of CO2). The variant with an output of 410 kW and performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the S-Model rated at 430 kW (585 hp) with all-wheel drive display only marginally higher fuel consumption, at 10.4 to 10.6 litres per 100 km (243 grams to 248 grams of CO2). As an additional boon, following the implementation of internal engine measures all CLS 63 AMGs meet the requirements of the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard which will not enter into force until 2015.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission for personal set-up

Maximum individuality and customised dynamics – these are the special strengths of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The four modes – "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) – offer the driver a personal set-up. In "C" mode, the ECO start/stop function is active and switches off the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition, the transmission characteristics are tangibly soft, with smooth and early gear changes. Second gear is generally used as the starting gear in this mode.

The engine and transmission are far more agile in "S", "S+" and "M" mode; in addition, the ECO start/stop function is deactivated. Partial suppression of the cylinders proves perfect for an emphatic driving style: briefly and precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts with a more emotional sound than before. An automatic double-declutching function for downshifting and the RACE START function are also included as standard with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Performance-oriented all-wheel drive for the ultimate in dynamism

The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive distributes the engine torque at a ratio of 33 to 67 percent (front/rear axle). The rear-biased power distribution provides for signature AMG high driving dynamics and superlative driving enjoyment. The 3-stage ESP® has been tailored specifically to the permanent all-wheel drive system. In "SPORT Handling" mode, the Torque Vectoring Brake performs selective braking intervention on individual wheels in the interests of high agility, thereby avoiding understeering when turning and cornering. In bends, specific brief braking of the inner rear wheel results in defined cornering of the vehicle.

The AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive enhances driving safety and grip on wet or wintry road surfaces. Optimum traction is guaranteed by a multi-disk clutch with a locking effect of 50 Nm which exploits the frictional connection potential of all four wheels to the full on snow and ice in particular.
The technical basis for the all-wheel drive system is provided by a transfer case for the additional power take-off to the driven rear axle. This transfer case is integrated compactly into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and requires virtually no additional installation space. The torque is transmitted from the power take-off via a propeller shaft to the front axle. Power transmission to the front-left drive shaft is effected via an intermediate shaft which passes through an encapsulated shaft duct in the engine oil pan. The compact and weight-optimised design results in a comparatively low level of additional weight for the all-wheel-drive system of only 70 kilograms.
CLS 63 AMG S-Model with rear-axle differential lock

The CLS 63 AMG S-Model sees Mercedes-AMG going one step further. True to the "Driving Performance" philosophy, a differential lock is fitted on the rear axle. This high-tech package results in a further increase in traction, ultimately leading to even greater driving dynamics and enhanced driving enjoyment, especially on the race track.

All CLS 63 AMG models feature the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping system. The front axle employs a steel-spring suspension system, while the rear axle is fitted with a fully load-bearing air suspension system. Pressing the button marked with a shock absorber in the AMG DRIVE UNIT is sufficient to switch the electronics from "Comfort" to "Sport" or "Sport plus". The three-link front suspension has undergone further optimisation for the S-Model and the CLS 63 AMG with all-wheel drive. In conjunction with the newly developed axle components produced in aluminium, these optimisation measures result in markedly enhanced grip and agility combined with a high level of neutrality during fast cornering. The markedly more performance-oriented elastokinematics are exclusive to the S-Model, and offer the driver maximum neutrality and even better feedback and grip at the critical limits. With rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the CLS 63 AMG's 24 millimetre wider track at the front offers substantially greater stability at high cornering speeds and improved road feel. Increased negative camber on both axles additionally boosts lateral dynamics.

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive steering complements the vehicle's set-up to perfection, the direct steering ratio of 14 : 1 providing for extremely agile handling in bends in conjunction with the variable servo assistance geared to the given suspension mode. The CLS 63 AMG is fitted as standard with triple-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey and featuring a high-sheen finish. Tyres in size 255/35 R 19 are fitted to 9.0 x 19 wheels at the front, while the 10 x 19 rear wheels have 285/30 R 19 tyres. Only the high-performance S-Model features exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt titanium grey with a high-sheen rim flange.

Optional AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system

The CLS 63 AMG is equipped with an AMG high-performance braking system befitting its status as an AMG automobile. The front and rear axles sport ventilated and perforated brake disks in ample 360 millimetre format. The disks which are subject to particularly high levels of stress and strain on the front axle feature the composite braking technology which has been tried and tested in the field of motor sport. Callipers in a silver painted finish with white AMG lettering and incorporating six pistons (front) and four pistons (rear) provide for spontaneous, fading-resistant deceleration and the shortest stopping distances.

An AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system is exclusively available for the S-Model as an optional feature – recognisable by the even larger 402 millimetre brake disks and the "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logo on callipers sporting a special paint finish. This ceramic system is around 40 percent lighter, providing for reduced unsprung masses and enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. The superior hardness of the ceramic brake disks leads to a longer service life and greater resistance to extreme stress and heat.

S-Model with subtly different design features

In terms of exterior design, the CLS 63 AMG S-Model is differentiated from the other models by brake callipers in a red painted finish and the AMG logo on the trunk lid sporting an "S" in contrasting black. When the customer so desires, the interior of the S-Model features grey contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the door centre panels, the door armrests and the centre console. Silver seat belts are also on board in conjunction with a black interior. The rim of the AMG Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather is flattened at the top and bottom and boasts grip areas in Alcantara® and grey contrasting stitching. The front head restraints of the AMG sports seats incorporate exclusive embossed AMG emblems. The AMG instrument cluster in a new design features an "S AMG" logo on the 320 km/h speedometer and red applications. AMG door sill panels illuminated in white round off the exclusive range of equipment and appointments.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

A very special highlight among the optional equipment and appointments for all CLS variants is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes‑ AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The sound system also offers playback in Dolby Digital 5.1 quality and enables an exclusive audio experience of the very highest standard. This performance is made possible by a 1200 W amplifier and 14 high-end loudspeakers with neodymium driver in conjunction with precision distribution of the audio signals by the sound processor. This integrated digital sound processor (DSP) enables the driver to select a special B&O sound menu via COMAND. Front, central or rear sound setups can be selected in True Image™ mode, resulting in an authentic audio experience in the selected listening position. Various sound modes are additionally stored in the "Sound Mode" menu, enabling selection between a "Reference" high-end studio sound and a surround option. While "Reference" focuses on an authentic, unadulterated rendering of the artist's performance, the special surround sound mode is particularly ideal for live or concert music, creating a unique panoramic sound in the vehicle without compromising the natural character of the recording.

The illuminated 50 W tweeters featuring Acoustic Lens Technology in the mirror triangles add special highlights. High-quality loudspeaker covers in "silver chrome" bearing the Bang & Olufsen logo additionally allude to the exclusive character of the high-end surround sound system.
designo wooden luggage compartment floor in American cherry

A further highlight for all models of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor. This luggage compartment floor is made of open-pore American cherry wood, a decorative fine wood traditionally used in superior interior design work, high-quality furniture and exclusive ship outfitting applications. Selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces are sanded to a smooth finish, waterproofed and oiled to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Dark fumed oak inlays, precision-cut in narrow three-millimetre strips using laser technology, lend a definitive finishing touch to the design of the luggage compartment floor. In combination with rubber strips, the extruded aluminium rails with brushed surfaces not only protect the wood surface but also have an anti-slip effect.

The market launch of the CLS 63 AMG with rear-wheel drive will begin in April 2013, with the all-wheel-drive CLS 63 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG S-Model following in June.

Merc's niche-busting saloon/coupe lands in November. Here's what we know

The CLS has been a genre-busting success

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is now nearly 15 years old, the genre-busting saloon/coupe thingy now in its third generation. Very much a toe-dipping exercise from the niche-creating experts, the fact there’s a new one underlines how successful it’s been. Indeed, up until June this year the CLS has accounted for 350,000 sales, which might not sound like much, but with the model mix skewed appreciably to the hottest, most expensive AMG versions it’s obviously very good business for the firm. We’re in the passenger seat of this fairly heavily disguised example today, driving on UK roads, the production version to be revealed at the LA Auto Show this November.

The stereo system should be a cracker

Michael Kelz, chief engineer for the CLS, loves his music, classical preferably. He admits spending far too long getting the stereo right on this car. That’s true of the E-Class too, which he’s also responsible for, but here he’s really gone to town. His boss asked whether so much time was required tweaking the stereo, and Kelz insisted. So if you like your music, then the standard audio equipment should be very good indeed, while the range-topping, optional Burmester system is so good Kelz wants to put it on stage with an orchestra to demonstrate it.

It wants to be as refined as a Merc S-Class

The CLS might occupy a position that’s both luxurious and sporting, but Kelz targeted the Mercedes S-Class as the benchmark for refinement - which might relate to his desire to enjoy his music, too. Those usually conflicting goals have been achieved by a number of means, one of which includes - from 19in wheels upwards - tyres with a layer of acoustic foam inside that dampens out road noise. They seem to work, too, Kelz admitting that Mercedes-Benz’s obsession with refinement means removing the sound of water spray from the tyres is a goal. In the UK, in October, that’s no bad thing.

We hear different sounds to other countries

When developing the CLS, and the E-Class before it, Kelz made an interesting discovery regarding how different nationalities hear and process sounds. We’re accustomed to a bit of road or engine noise from a car, indeed, we subconsciously welcome it as demonstrating that the car is doing what it should and ignore many frequencies. That’s different in China, where customers expect silence, with as much noise damped out as possible. Kelz puts this down to differing routes to car ownership. It’s likely that a European or American customer will have climbed a lengthy automotive ladder to get to a Mercedes-Benz and be used to mechanical noises, while many Chinese customers will often have a Mercedes-Benz as their first ever car.

It'll be the same CLS suspension across all countries

With the E-Class, Merc has set up slightly different suspension settings for China, more orientated to comfort than any other marketplace. That won’t be the case with the CLS, which Kelz says will have standard suspension settings across all marketplaces. It’s wrong to assume that the CLS just runs a tweaked set-up from the E-Class too, instead every part number in the suspension is different, the CLS more overtly sporting than its conventional saloon relation. That said, sitting in the passenger seat it feels very comfortable indeed.

The UK roads throw up some of the most difficult challenges for chassis engineers

It’s not just remembering to drive on the left - in left-hand-drive prototypes - that causes headaches for Mercedes-Benz’s testing engineers when in the UK, but the roads themselves. Our ancient roads aren’t quite as perfectly engineered (read - straight) as you might find in the CLS’s homeland, their propensity to meander along contour lines of our far from flat countryside creating some very difficult problems for the engineers. Dips and compressions in particular, which mixed with the ever-changing, and what Kelz diplomatically describes as ‘rough’ texture of British tarmac, makes for particularly challenging conditions. Kelz says UK buyers should have the air suspension with the 19in wheel with its acoustic foam tyres for the best balance of ride comfort and handling.

The CLS borrows autonomous driving tech from the S-Class

The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s most sophisticated model, but the CLS borrows all its kit for its autonomous offering. It’s still stage 2, which means we’re some way off being able to crawl in the back and have it drive us home after a night in the pub, but it’ll help you through traffic and ease motorway driving. Even so, Kelz admits he loves driving, adding that when he started at Mercedes-Benz over 30 years ago, with new models back then they were lucky if they got a new axle. Today, the new technology on offer from Merc’s toy-box is mind-blowing.

There’ll be a choice of controls inside, but no touchscreen - yet

Another nod to market, and age, differences here. If you’ve ever sat in a current Mercedes-Benz you should be familiar with its Command input device for all the ‘infotainment’. It’s basically a big button that turns and has a pad on top for additional controls. Increasingly, people want touch entry, so there’ll be the option of a touchpad, undoing years of development in one swoop. Kelz admits he’s a fan of the former, as you might expect, though Asia prefers touchpads, and increasingly so do buyers who’ve grown up with touch inputting on devices. Indeed, in time we can expect the huge screens that dominate the dashboard to be touch-operated. Though not even Merc has worked out how to avoid all those messy fingerprints. You can be assured there’s someone, somewhere in Stuttgart looking into it, though.

These prototypes have covered in excess of 8,500,000km

That’s 5.27 million miles give or take a few here and there for our terrible maths. A lot then, and necessary. The earliest prototypes started running around four years ago, with the testing process demanding that the complete cars must run at least two winters and two summers. Not ordinary seasons, either, Mercedes-Benz taking them about as far North as roads go - and driving on ice lakes when they run out of snow-covered tarmac - and to the hottest places on the planet. There’s some virtual testing, as much as 35 per cent, but nothing, says the well-travelled engineers, beats proper real-world testing.

The first cars are so-called B0 cars, of which around 40 were built using prototype parts. They’re followed into testing by 140 B-vehicles, which are classified as pre-production models, like the disguised cars you see, hidden, here.

The CLS runs Merc’s latest engine family

Yeah, we’re all going to be electrified in time, but there’s life in the internal combustion engine yet. The CLS runs Merc’s recently introduced engine family, a modular (think Lego) set of engines in anything from four-to eight cylinders. There’s integrated starter generators on a lot of them, too, helped by 48V electrics which allow extended coasting and stop start functions. All that’s bundled under ‘EQ Boost’, EQ being Mercedes-Benz’s future electric and hybrid brand. All come with nine-speed automatic transmissions, and there’s the option of either rear- or four-wheel drive. There’ll be a plug-in too, though we’ll not see that in showrooms for a year or more.

Online renderer shows Merc how its new CLS estate should look. Like it?

Last week, Mercedes showed off its new CLS four-door coupe. While it sticks to its design brief – ‘swoopier, more interesting take on a saloon’ – it looks notably different to the car it replaces. Cleaner, perhaps.

What Merc didn’t show last week is a new CLS Shooting Brake, and it appears the five-door estate version of the four-door coupe (we hope you’re keeping up) won’t happen this time around. Which is a bit of a shame. The old CLS Shooting Brake, especially in nutty V8 AMG form, was delightfully oddball and surprisingly practical.

Doesn’t stop us – or the internet’s many graphic designers – from dreaming. And Top Gear favourite X-Tomi Design has had a bash at what the new CLS Shooting Brake would look like. Nice, no? Often an estate car’s proportions are better than the saloon it’s based upon, and we’d argue that’s the case here.

Alas, it looks like it’s not meant to be. As some sort of compensation, X-Tomi has also shown us how the next CLS AMG could look, even borrowing the AMG GT R’s delightfully green paint for their unofficial render. Excited?

Back in 2004, Mercedes defined the modern four-door coupe with the very first Mercedes-Benz CLS, which was basically an E-Class intentionally bent out of shape in a tragic styling exercise incident. Now there’s a third generation with an exciting new straight six engine, and it’s a hoot to drive and much easier on the eyes.

This new-for-2019 CLS is actually exciting, because it has a new 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Straight-sixes are known and loved for smoothness, and so it’s cool to see this architecture back in a Benz after 20 years of absence. It’s also happily married to one of those 48-volt electrical boost systems, all of which I’m pleased to report is delightful to drive.

It’s also the first CLS to have a fifth seat, so you can torture one more person’s hairdo with the lack of headroom in the back from that drooping roofline that supplies the lie that this vehicle deserves its “coupe” branding. Other style elements that carry over from the previous CLS generations are the four frameless door windows and the befuddling mozzarella bulb of a rear end.

The 2019 CLS is one of the first cars to reflect the new Mercedes design approach, in a general way, apparent by the eschewing of pointless folds and creases in the metal work for a look that’s smoother, simpler and populated with LED head and taillights shaped to a point at their corners, like paint strokes, for a slightly more aggressive presence. All CLS cars get AMG style touches, like on the standard 19-inch wheels.

For whatever reason, the CLS is nearly visually identical to the new A-Class, despite its E-Class level status, the critical difference up front being the grille flourishes. It looks good, to my eyes, but makes it already styled to seem like a lower-tier car than it is. It also doesn’t help to have the four-door AMG GT overshadowing it (now with incredible monoblock wheels).

The 2019 CLS 450’s fancy new 3.0-liter inline turbocharged six cylinder comes with EQ Boost, which is an integrated starter-generator motor juiced up with a 48-volt electrical system. You have heard these systems called “mild hybrids.” The engine deals out 362 horsepower, which is boosted up to 383 hp with help from the temporary bursts of EQ Boost, and 369 lb-ft of torque with EQ Boost throwing up to 181 lb-ft on top of that.

Every single one of these gets a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claims acceleration from zero to 60 mph is 5.1 seconds for the rear-wheel drive model, or 4.8 seconds for the rear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive car. You are electronically limited to a top speed of 130 mph for your own good.

The CLS 450 4MATIC that I drove was spec’d in Lunar Blue Metallic paired with an Grey Ash Wood, Magma Grey and Espresso Brown interior trimmings combo. It was also equipped with high performance tires, a bright and clear heads-up display, adjustable air suspension, soft-close doors, illuminated door sills, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a motorized rear-window sun shade.

The standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless start, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient mood lighting touches that stretch the width of the dashboard and fill the turbine air vents. There was also a sunroof, power folding mirrors and windshield wipers that could magically detect the rain.

Safety features included a rear-view camera, 24-hour roadside assistance, ABS, active brake assist, stability control, a predictive occupant protection system that pulls the occupants toward the center of the car if it detects a side impact collision, driver attention assist that is extremely alarming if you upset it, and crosswind stabilization, which I don’t even think commercial planes have yet.

Driving the CLS 450 4MATIC in its Sport+ drive setting is what I imagine a cool early morning jog is like for a hardened marathon runner—a comfortable glide with more than enough power, that occasionally taps into a surge just for the hell of it.

On the freshly dampened roads of New Jersey, any potential for playful or unplanned loss of traction is ironed out by the all-wheel drive system, making for a confident, casual driving experience that should perfectly match any expectations someone would have for an E-Class seeking even more attention.

The look, the engine, the EQ Boost and the 4MATIC system come together like a well balanced meal of tasty flavors and satisfying textures. Power is suggestive but not alarming, and there’s not quite an engaging driving experience, but it does what you want, feels good and leaves you feeling embarrassingly smug.

When putting it down, the power comes on directly and excitedly, and you’re pushed satisfyingly deep into your pored-leather seatback. It’s perfect for those conflicted between giving in to their impatience and treating themselves to a relaxing drive. To think Mercedes got 429 hp out of this engine for the AMG CLS 53 is a lovely thought.

The nine-speed auto mostly stays out of your way, though we did suffer through a couple of jolting downshifts together in bridge traffic. The heads-up display is bright, showing current speed, posted speed limit, and navigational directions, which renders the super wide dashboard screen almost irrelevant to the driver while in motion (which is a good thing).

The cabin is much quieter than you might initially recognize, which becomes evident the moment you roll down a window. One of the only sounds that gets through is the hard working sighs of the turbocharged engine. With windows down in a tunnel, it’s even clearer that the straight six makes a satisfying chirp under stress. Otherwise, not much of the engine note nor exhaust noise penetrates the cabin ever.

The styling of the CLS has always been questionable, or “polarizing” to be more polite, but I’d say this generation is the one I don’t feel uncomfortable looking at. Still, my driving partner described the protruding license plate bumper in the back, as well as the rear-view camera that spins out of the Mercedes logo, as “hemorrhoidal,” and the taillights seem like the obviously fake light stickers you’d find on racing car, which are deceptively flat against the shape of the body.

After living with the CLS for a day, I’ve ultimately come to like the overall look. It’s strange enough to catch your eye without going too far away from being comfortably familiar. I’m also relieved to have witnessed quite a few decent paint options, and even more impressive interior trim combinations.

The interior touches of the CLS seem slightly confusing. On the 4MATIC I drove, the muted greys and browns were constantly highlighted by pink, aqua and red hues from under the infotainment trim band and air vents, producing a conflicted look. You have 64 color options if you’re willing to take the time to get it right.

Mercedes claims the CLS experience should be like a spa, with multiple moods or something in the settings to pick from. Running down the list in the menu, the only noticeable differences were color changes and a sudden audible airflow breeze from behind the front seats that was more confusing than relaxing.

I also opted to turn off the Mercedes scent that is included in the spa feature and many of its other cars in the lineup. The brief period it was on left me feeling nauseous, but I am admittedly sensitive to colognes and perfumes, though my co-driver—who took a big whiff of the essence juice—did leave the drive early with similar symptoms. It may have been an unrelated coincidence, as he had mentioned enjoying a very fatty duck dinner the night before.

Gear selection, like on other Mercedes cars, is on a stalk behind the right of the steering wheel with Park as a button awkwardly on the end of it, which is probably the least-premium aspect of the CLS, and almost feels like an afterthought. I can’t think of any clear reason for it to not be a series of buttons, or better-yet a dial, somewhere on the center layout of other inputs. If you’re going to make it a stalk behind the wheel, just do a straight-forward column shifter please. Additionally, the current-gear readout is small and difficult to locate on the screen in front of the driver, and could be clearer.

Another issue in the same geographic area is how the thick steering wheel cuts off the edges of the driver display screen. With the steering wheel in my ideal position, the top edges of the speedometer dials were obstructed. Another reviewer corroborated this issue at dinner later that night. If I move the wheel up, it cuts into my view of the road just enough to bother me.

Speaking of the steering, moving up the driving settings through Sport and Sport+ stiffens up the wheel resistance, but there’s virtually no real feedback. The car, either with the steel suspension or air suspension, is permanently wafty, but is tuned enough to prevent the car from throwing you around inside. Honestly, I think it fits the CLS and is nicely balanced. I’m sure it’s better this way.

The new A-Class which debuted last week has a full trackpad input for the infotainment system, which for me is a big improvement over the multifunction dial found on the CLS, which I do admit you could figure it out eventually. I just predict the new family input system will be a welcome change, though I’m not sure if it will make it to the CLS anytime soon.

The 2019 CLS 450 is smooth. The design is elegantly smooth, the interior is comfortably smooth, and the straight six engine is powerfully smooth. If you like those hipster shaved-sides, gelled comb-back hairstyles because they make you feel young, you’ll love the design. If you like the idea of a baroque rave, you’ll love the interior. And if you like your engine to whistle while plummeting your slicked-back baroque rave down the road, you’ll love the CLS 450.

Mercedes-Benz may add a new entry-level trim to the CLS-Class model line, as the luxury automaker’s parent company, Daimler AG, recently registered the trademark CLS 300 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Given the CLS’s mechanical relations with the less shapely E-Class, we believe the model will soon welcome the E 300’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood.

In the E, this engine develops 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission delivers that grunt to either the rear or all four wheels. Expect the E 300’s powertrain features to carry over unchanged to the CLS 300.

Although the CLS 300 is sure to be slower than the 362-hp CLS 450, the four-cylinder four-door coupe will almost certainly offer a noticeably cheaper base price relative to its six-cylinder counterpart, which currently starts at $69,200. In fact, we anticipate the CLS 300 could wear a sticker price of a little more than $60,000 when (or if) it eventually goes on sale.

We also expect the model to match the E 300’s trot to 60 miles per hour, which it manages in a reasonable, manufacturer-estimated 6.2 seconds. That said, the CLS 450 does the deed in an even quicker, manufacturer-estimated 5.1 seconds.

Of course, all of this is merely speculation at this point. We’ve reached out to Mercedes for more information regarding this trademark and the potential of a forthcoming four-cylinder CLS model. We will update this space when we hear back from a brand spokesperson.