Too Formal for an S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz "CLS Shooting Brake" is a Mercedes with a rather unusual appearance. However, car manufacturers seem to be competing in "unusualness" these days, so the question for the user is whether they can appreciate this aspect.

Launched in Japan in October 2012, the CLS Shooting Brake is a sister model to the second-generation CLS Coupe, which debuted earlier in 2011. Its wagon-like rear styling is characteristic of the Shooting Brake. However, the cargo space isn't particularly large for a wagon. Mercedes calls it a "Sports Coupe Tourer," a name I've never heard before. It's probably quicker to understand its origins from the term "shooting brake," which has become a common noun in the automotive world.



The term "shooting brake," derived from the French word for station wagon ("break"), is a genre primarily known in the UK. It refers to models where luxury coupes were modified to include a wagon-like cargo area for hunting trips. Until the 1970s, automotive magazines in the UK featured advertisements from specialist companies offering to convert your car into a shooting brake.

So why a shooting brake from Mercedes? One reason is the ability to propose a new style, distinct from the fastback cars that maintain steady popularity in Germany and the UK. Another is the provision of functionality for users who don't require the full cargo capacity of a station wagon. These are plausible reasons.

As for the driving impression, it doesn't rely on novelty. It is remarkably well-executed. Just like the CLS Coupe, I was deeply impressed by its level of refinement. While the target audience might be those who find the S-Class too formal for a personal car, there will be no disappointment in terms of handling, comfort, or brand image.

Mercedes' Sense of Balance

The CLS Shooting Brake lineup is a clever combination of existing components. The base model is the rear-wheel-drive "CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Shooting Brake" (9.3 million yen). Above that is the "CLS 550 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY Shooting Brake" (12.4 million yen) with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. And at the pinnacle sits the "CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake" (16.8 million yen), tuned by the sports division, AMG.



Here, I will focus on the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, powered by a potent new-generation twin-turbocharged V8 engine. However, a fellow automotive journalist remarked, "There's little to write about this car." While a surprising statement, one can understand it once behind the wheel of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. After all, there are hardly any drawbacks to point out for a potential buyer.

Its sheer capability is evident in the engine's performance, with a maximum output of 524 horsepower (386kW). While it might be easy to exaggerate this power into a muscle car, the CLS Shooting Brake prioritizes balance.

It's enjoyable to drive, yet the raw thrill of a sports car is restrained. Sportiness is added to comfort without betraying the character Mercedes drivers are accustomed to. The two are intertwined like a finely spun thread.

A Taste Unique to This Car

Even the CLS 350, with its 3.5-liter V6 producing 306 horsepower (225kW), offers more than sufficient power, but the CLS 63 AMG's power is overwhelming. The engine is a "new generation" 5.5-liter V8. Equipped with twin turbochargers, it produces a maximum output of 386kW (524hp) and a peak torque of 700Nm (71.3kgm) from a low 1,400 rpm.

This power is palpable not just on paper but from the moment you press the engine start button. The演出, which uses bypass valves to create a high-pitched engine note, immediately signals that this is no ordinary car. You barely need to touch the accelerator pedal for the car to surge forward with immense force.

The handling, particularly on AMG models, features a quicker steering ratio, and while retaining a Mercedes-like heft and steering feel, the intention to emphasize driving pleasure is vividly conveyed.



Furthermore, AMG has extensively modified the base model, with both front and rear axles set to a negative camber (a slight inward tilt at the top) to enhance cornering performance at high speeds. This is understandable, as cornering is indeed enjoyable.

The suspension features newly designed coil springs at the front and self-leveling air suspension at the rear. Additionally, the dampers are electronically controlled "AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension," which instantly adjusts damping characteristics based on driving conditions.



However, upon further reflection, even a 3.5-liter engine is excessive in today's era of downsizing. Therefore, perhaps it's worthwhile to treat it as a kind of toy, manipulate the "AMG DRIVE UNIT SYSTEM," and enjoy the unique "taste" that only a sporty sedan can offer, a taste distinct from that of a Porsche or Ferrari. This thought begins to emerge.

The AMG Character

The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is so well-executed that, rationally speaking, the "AMG DRIVE UNIT SYSTEM" is unnecessary. Even in "C mode," it offers ample charm. The engine's smooth power delivery, requiring minimal throttle input for acceleration, provides a superb sense of ascent. There are no shortcomings, and if told, "This is what the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is all about," one would readily accept it.

Many German cars today offer multiple settings for damper stiffness and engine output, allowing the driver to choose. As an automotive enthusiast, however, this sometimes feels like the manufacturer's indecision, leaving me somewhat unsatisfied. Yet, the dramatic transformation of the AMG's character is so profound that it makes you want to say, "I'll forgive it."

Experiencing the CLS Shooting Brake truly highlights Mercedes' mastery in building large vehicles. The superb balance, which I've mentioned repeatedly, is remarkable. Its unique taste is also well-utilized. Looking elsewhere, for instance, rival Audi, thanks to its sister company Volkswagen, is adept at building smaller cars as well.

While Mercedes has recently (one might say finally) entered the high-performance compact segment with models like theNew "A-Class"where AMG has been involved in development from the outset, suggesting a serious commitment to Volkswagen and Audi-like performance compacts... in the realm of large vehicles, Mercedes remains unparalleled.



The interior, with a wheelbase of 2,875mm supporting a body length of 4,960mm, offers front-seat space comparable to the S-Class. Of course, considering the car's character, the design is intentionally somewhat snug.

The dashboard is well-crafted, creating a comfortable ambiance. The rear seats, in terms of legroom and headroom, can accommodate adults of 175cm without feeling cramped. The relatively small side windows might give a sense of confinement, but conversely, those who prefer a snug environment might find it surprisingly comfortable.

As mentioned earlier, the shooting brake was primarily conceived for hunting. While perhaps less common in Japan than in Europe or America, many here might find it appealing as a "golfing brake." In such cases, with two occupants, utilizing the ample cargo space created by folding down the rear seats would be ideal.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
Body Dimensions | Length 5,000 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,415mm
Wheelbase | 2,875 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,625 / 1,605 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.2 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 590-1,550 Liters
Weight | 1,980 kg
Engine | 5,461cc V8 Direct Injection DOHC Twin-Turbo
Max. Output | 386kW (524ps) / 5,250-5,750 rpm
Max. Torque | 700Nm (71.3kgm) / 1,750-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT AMG)
Drivetrain | FR
Tires Front/Rear | 255/35R19 / 285/30R19
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 8.8 km/ℓ
Price | 16.8 million yen