2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Not Coming to North America

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the new CLS Shooting Brake will not be heading to North America, as released by a company spokesperson. European customers will be able to get their hands on the new model in October when the first units arrive at dealerships.

The wagon body style creates additional luggage space in the trunk that measures 590 liters or 1550 liters when the rear seats are folded away.

The petrol range offers the choice of either a 306 PS V6 or a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with 408 PS, while the diesel range is made up of a base model with 204 PS and a more powerful V6 with 265 PS. These will be followed early next year by the AMG version with a 5.5-liter twin-tubo V8.

The Shooting Brake name goes back to the horse-and-cart era when it referred to practical hunting vehicles. It continued in the UK where during the 1960s and 1970s it was applied to bespoke station wagon versions of luxury sports cars.

In a statement, Mercedes CEO Dr Deiter Zetsche described the car as functional and exciting. “The CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts – unlike any other car in the market,” he said.