More Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake Details Emerge

More details have emerged, courtesy of our colleagues over at Autocar, on the Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake.

Taking aim directly at the upcoming Audi A7 and the BMW 5-Series GT, the CLS wagon features the same design as the CLS saloon/sedan model (previewed as the F800 Concept) up to the B-pillar, where, from then on, it will have its own unique styling. The CLS is based on the E-Class platform but comes with a longer wheelbase (by 20 mm) and a design blend part SLS (nose), part F800 Style Concept, and includes a high shoulder-line and frameless doors with short windows as in the current CLS model.

But before this CLS wagon arrives on the scene, there will be a new CLS. The upcoming next-generation of the model will come with a choice of four engines, with the two gasoline/petrols featuring substantial improvements in fuel economy. The 3.5 liter V6 (CLS 350) will be good for 306 bhp / 228 kW and the 4.6 liter V8 (CLS 500) for 435 bhp / 324 kW. The two diesels are the 2.2 liter with 204 bhp / 152 kW (CLS 250 CDI) and the 3.0 liter (CLS 350 CDI) with 231 bhp / 172 kW. The CLS will also be offered as an all-wheel drive variant with certain engines.

An AMG version may also be in the cards, featuring a 5.5 liter turbocharged V8 with 537 bhp / 400 kW, replacing the old naturally-aspirated 6.2 liter V8. A performance upgrade on that AMG CLS will also be available for a bump up to 563 bhp / 420 kW. The AMG CLS will come with a 7-speed MCT gearbox (multi-clutch) as seen in the E63 AMG as opposed to the standard 7-speed automatic box on offer in the regular CLS range.

The new CLS is set to debut the Paris motor show later this year. A launch date for the model will likely be announced then.