It took Mercedes-Benz a little over a week after the official, online debut of the new CLS Shooting Brake and the sneak exposure of the AMG variant through a teaser video to finally announce details on the flagship model.
Like its saloon counterpart, the new CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that makes 518hp (525PS) at 5,250 rpm and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) from 1,750 to 5,250 rpm in regular guise, for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz also offers the Performance Package that comes standard on the time-limited ‘Edition 1’ model and which boost output to 550hp (557PS) and 590 lb-ft (800Nm) respectively reducing the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint by 0.1 seconds to 4.3 seconds.
Both the regular and the ‘Edition 1’ variants have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). A combined fuel consumption of 10.1 lt/100km (23.3mpg US or 28.0mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 235 g/km is also identical for both power units.
An AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four driving modes named Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual, drives the rear wheels.
The German firm’s engineers fitted the most powerful version of the CLS Shooting Brake series with an AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, as well as automatic level control, and an electronically controlled damping system with three modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus).
The AMG model’s electromechanical steering system features a more direct ratio and a variable power assistance.
Stopping power comes via a high-performance braking system with 360 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round with Mercedes also offering an optional ceramic high-performance composite braking system with even larger brake discs.
On the outside, the AMG version of the Shooting Brake model sports a bespoke but somewhat understated styling package with new front and rear bumpers, wide LED daytime running lights on the fascia, broader front wings to compensate for the 56mm wider front track, plus quad tailpipes and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The estate model’s interior is upgraded with a flat-bottom steering wheel, nappa leather, black piano lacquer trim, and AMG-specific analogue clock and instrument panel gauges.
The limited production ‘Edition 1’ model adds a variety of bespoke details and features such as the ‘designo magno allanite’ grey paint finish, white pearl leather seats, carbon fiber trim in the cabin, roof lining in black DINAMICA microfiber and velour floor mats.
Mercedes said the market launches of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake and the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake “Edition 1” will commence in October 2012 with prices to be announced.
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