Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency Shooting Brake

What is it?

Striking looks and an offbeat name go together with the Mercedes CLS 250 Shooting Brake.

This is the wagon version of Mercedes’ sexy CLS four-door coupe and in bringing it to market, last year Mercedes claims once again to have created a new sector. 

This is a car that’s noticeably lower, wider and sleeker than the E-Class (on which it’s based). While it’s perfectly practical with room for five plus luggage, boot space is ultimately inferior to the E-Class and, not surprisingly, the Shooting Brake will cost you more.  

That’s not really the point however. The CLS Shooting Brake is not so much about function as style and making a statement, and in both departments it absolutely hits the target. Put simply, it looks like nothing else on the road.

Just like the normal CLS, there’s a choice of four- and six-cylinder diesel engines plus a high-performance AMG V8 model. We’re looking here at the ‘base’ 250 CDI BlueEfficiency 2.1-litre diesel that’s good for 204 hp and a brisk 7.8 secs for 0-62 mph. CO2 is an impressive 139g/km, so company car tax is a modest 22 percent, admittedly of a hefty BIK sum.

The equipment list is long, with bi-xenon headlamps, Parktronic with Active Park Assist, automatic climate control, black leather seats, Bluetooth – and more as standard.

Self-levelling air suspension appears at the rear and Mercedes’ familiar 7G-TRONIC Plus 7-speed auto also comes with a slick steering wheel paddleshift.

So plenty of style, kit and image but is the Shooting Brake a blast on the road?  

What’s hot?

• If you want a car to create a buzz in the company car park, and around the dinner table, this CLS Shooting Brake will do it. The Mercedes’ low, long, almost outlandish wagon design sets it well apart from the pack
• The CLS Shooting Brake is long at 4596 mm yet it’s surprisingly agile for such a big car, quick to respond to steering inputs, with sharp turn-in.
  

  

• Impressive all-round performance from the ‘small’ four cylinder turbodiesel. The 2.1 engine revs keenly yet massive torque (500Nm peaking at just 1600-1800rpm) is the key, making it ultra-tractable.
• The CLS SW interior is beautifully appointed and designed and from the driver’s seat instantly feels a special place to be
• Clear instruments and high quality switchgear add to the CLS appeal
• Quick, responsive 7-speed paddleshift auto is as smooth as they come
• Good passenger space in the rear, with two individual seats to add to the CLS luxury touch
• Luggage bay is long and flat. It’s well shaped and capacity is 560 litres as standard, Mercedes says, or 1550 litres with rear seats down.
• High level of build quality throughout, as you’d expect from a Mercedes at this price point  

What’s not?

• Ultimately not as capacious as the standard E-Class with its 695-1950 litre luggage capacity, despite the longer, wider body.
• Shallow rear windows and low roof can make the CLS rear seat area feel a touch claustrophobic
• Some minor four cylinder diesel rumble at tickover and low speeds
• All that designer style inevitably comes at a price.

Business Car Manager Verdict

Some might say the case for the Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency Shooting Brake, as a business car purchase, is a bit marginal. A standard E-Class wagon with the same engine will cost less in company car tax, will offer more load space and still be well on the pace dynamically.

The car business is not always about rationality, however, and the CLS SW, packing that designer style and one of wildest names around, appeals on a different level. You’re getting that thorough Mercedes engineering and quality mixed in with catwalk looks and image and it’s a pretty tempting combination.

We wondered how the 4.9 metre, 1865 kg CLS SW would perform with the ‘small’ 2.1 turbodiesel on board and the answer is, very well. The refined, comfortable CLS feels light and agile on its feet and 53.3mpg combined economy and 139 g/km C02 emissions are pretty impressive numbers when it comes to your business car finance.

Granted, it’s a left field choice as a business car, but this CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency Shooting Brake is out there to tempt and tease. It’s that kind of car.

(Or for the ultimate in big, tax efficient Mercedes, read our car review of the E300 diesel hybrid.)

The Low Down…

…and what it costs