Perhaps one of the untold reasons why automakers call sporty-styled saloons with slanted rooflines “4-door coupes” is to hint at the restricted coupe-like headroom for rear passengers and to some extent, the luggage area. Mercedes plans to, if not correct; at least improve these shortcomings on the CLA with the introduction of a Shooting Brake model, which is Benz-talk for a stylish estate.
We already knew about the regular editions of the upcoming CLA Shooting Brake, and now, we have photographic evidence that there will be a range topping CLA 45 AMG model as well.
The CLA Shooting Brake shares a similar styling theme to the larger CLS Shooting Brake, with the AMG model adding a more aggressive appearance through a dedicated body kit with more chiseled bumpers, a rear diffuser flanked by quad pipes, bigger wheels, side skirts, plus different mirrors and grille.
You’ll get the same running gear as the CLA 45 AMG saloon, which means a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four delivering 355hp (360PS) and 332lb ft (450Nm) of torque paired to a standard a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
An introduction date has not yet been set, but we should see the CLA Shooting Brake series pop out in the open, if not by the end of this year, by early 2015.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
PHOTO GALLERY
