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Mercedes-AMG is once again demonstrating its qualities as a visionary, this time with the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. The new AMG high-performance vehicle is the exciting enhancement of an innovative vehicle concept. As an attractive alternative for design-oriented car enthusiasts, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake combines performance with style and usability in a completely new way. Synonymous with the dynamism which is typical of AMG are features such as the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a power output range of from 386 kW (525 hp) to 410 kW (557 hp), the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. The generous interior and luggage compartment with a volume of up to 1550 litres reveal the practical sides of the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. In addition to attractive optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio to enhance the driving dynamics even further, another unique highlight is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor. And as a truly exceptional offering there is also the time-limited Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake "Edition 1" boasting an additional 24 kW (32 hp) of power and 100 Nm of torque as well as some particularly exclusive appointment features.

Mercedes-AMG is showing courage and with the new CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is presenting a performance trendsetter in a new market segment. The CLS55 AMG already had no direct competitors back in 2004. The first four-door performance Coupé inspired other automotive manufacturers and over the years has come to be copied many times. The successor model presented in 2006, the CLS63 AMG with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, and the current CLS63 AMG with the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine available since 2011, have consistently continued this strategy.

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "After the successes of the CLS55 AMG and CLS63 AMG, with the new CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake we are consistently pursuing the philosophy of offering our customers unrivalled, exciting high-performance cars. The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is establishing a completely new, small and select niche sector, and is expected to delight new customers just as much as it will existing AMG enthusiasts. The combination of performance, style and usability is unique."

AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine producing up to 410 kW (557 hp)
The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine impresses with a combination of direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion, piezo injectors, biturbocharging, air/water intercooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function.

The eight-cylinder engine is the embodiment of pure dynamism and high efficiency: offering power output and torque levels of 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm respectively, the effortless superiority of the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake can be enjoyed by the driver over every single kilometre. In conjunction with the Edition 1 these figures are pushed to 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm. Both variants offer driving performance of the highest calibre: accelerating from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds respectively, and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Effortlessly superior power delivery, low fuel consumption
Despite offering dynamism similar to that of a sports car, the consumption figures are maintained at a low level. Fuel consumption of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC) corresponds to a CO2 output of 235 g/km and is identical for both power units. The driving experience in the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is characterised by high levels of agility through all engine speed ranges. The absolutely effortlessly superior power delivery can also be heard by the driver too: the sports exhaust system with chrome twin tailpipes emits a sonorous eight-cylinder engine sound typical of AMG.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission - individual and flexible
The AMG eight-cylinder engine is not the only highlight - the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also boasts exciting levels of performance and efficiency. Equipped with four individual transmission modes as well as automatic double declutching and RACE START functions, its power delivery is characterised by responsiveness and maximum variability. In "Controlled Efficiency" (C) mode, the ECO start/stop function is always enabled and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill. In "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) transmission modes, the engine and transmission are significantly more responsive: short, precisely defined interruptions of ignition and injection result in faster gear changes under full load.

The suspension, steering and braking system of the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake complement the high-tech drive system perfectly. The 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, is enhanced further by an electronically controlled damping system; it automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on the driving conditions and reduces the roll angle of the body. The effect of this is lightning-fast adjustment between optimum driving comfort and the best possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus" at the press of a button. The 3-stage -ESP with SPORT Handling mode also enables three individual control strategies to be selected at the press of a button.

The AMG-specific front and rear axles with greater negative camber and optimised elastokinematics help to provide more stability at higher cornering speeds as well as better contact with the road. The front axle, with a track width which is 56 mm wider, is the optimum match for the electromechanical AMG sports parameter steering. It features a more direct ratio, variable power assistance which adapts according to the suspension mode, and also contributes towards reducing fuel consumption since the steering assistance system only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.

Optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is provided by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used on the front axle. The optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system with yet larger brake discs and specially painted brake callipers with "AMG Carbon Ceramic" lettering ensures an even higher level of braking performance as well as lower unsprung masses. Good contact with the road, meanwhile, comes courtesy of the titanium grey-painted, high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a triple-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres on the rear.

Distinctive, sporty and dominant: the sensational design
The excitingly elegant design idiom of a sensational vehicle design is combined in the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake with a distinctly sporty sense of dominance. Its high levels of performance are visibly expressed in such elements as the powerful AMG front apron with cross strut finished in high-gloss black, the AMG radiator grille with single slat and the AMG-specific design of the bonnet.

Further dynamic highlights also include the original, broader front wings with "V8 BITURBO" lettering, the AMG-specific rear apron with diffuser look and the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes. High-performance LED headlamps including Intelligent Light System and adaptive Highbeam Assist are fitted as standard.

Extensive appointments, exclusive atmosphere
From the quality of materials and workmanship through to the exclusive atmosphere, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake meets the very highest of standards. AMG sports seats in nappa leather with multicontour seat and memory functions, AMG black piano lacquer trim and the AMG-specific analogue clock featuring an IWC design all help to create a unique aura. The driver is also kept perfectly and fully informed too thanks to the AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu including RACETIMER and AMG start-up screen.

The transmission modes, suspension setup, ESP® functions and the AMG program can all be configured via the AMG DRIVE UNIT with E-SELECT selector lever - a special feature exclusive to AMG - which is integrated into the centre console and angled towards the driver. Visually striking, ergonomic and reassuringly tactile: the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather features a three-spoke design with flattened top and bottom sections, a special shape, perforated leather finish and silver coloured aluminium shift paddles. A newly introduced feature on all AMG vehicles is the chrome-look electronic key with AMG emblem.

designo wooden luggage compartment floor in American cherry
A highlight among the extensive range of optional extras is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor. This luggage compartment floor is made of open-pore American cherry wood, a decorative fine wood traditionally used in superior interior design work, high-quality furniture and exclusive ship outfitting applications. Selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces sanded to a smooth finish, waterproofed and oiled to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Inlaid work using darker smoked oak, precisely cut into three millimetre strips using laser technology, helps to enhance the design of the wooden floor. The aluminium rails, manufactured using an extrusion moulding process, have a brushed finish as well as rubber inserts, and not only help to protect the wooden floor but also feature anti-slip properties.

Additional optional extras from designo:

The AMG Performance Studio offers products for even greater driving dynamics and exclusivity
To increase driving dynamics and exclusivity even further, customers can also opt for optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio:

Also optionally available for the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with 16-channel DSP amplifier, ICEpower amplifier, total output of 1200 watts and 14 high-end loudspeakers.

"Edition 1" as an aesthetic and very individual model
At the start of its market launch the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake will also be available as an "Edition 1" variant offering even more power and torque: the exceptionally exclusive appointment features of the "Edition 1" highlight the vehicles exciting aesthetics and individuality to impressive effect. The special model includes a number of high-quality details:

Also optionally available at no extra cost is the single-tone Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery in black, including dashboard and beltlines finished in nappa leather. This also includes matching designo velour floor mats in black.

The market launches of the Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake and the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake "Edition 1" will commence in October 2012.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake once again sets an example when it comes to creativity of design, and as such highlighting its leading role in this area: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupé, but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear, it promises some remarkable new possibilities. The idea of the four-door coupé - successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS and long imitated in the meantime - has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect. The result is automotive independence at its most beautiful.

The proportions of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé, and create a basic stance which makes it look ready for the off: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break actually has five doors and offers "more" in terms of function.

In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition for people looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is a further highlight in the innovative luxury vehicle series from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coupé, has the potential to become the role model for a new market segment.

Exclusive innovation in the interior: wooden luggage compartment floor
The second generation of the CLS set high standards in terms of the design and quality of the interior: straightforward elegance combined with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The Shooting Brake also applies this same aspiration in the luggage compartment. It is lined with high-quality carpet, and the hand-stitched material is also incorporated into the sideliners in conjunction with leather appointments. Optional designer loading rails made of aluminium give an even more exclusive look.

An extravagant and unique feature for the automotive industry is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior. Cherry tree wood is a classic among fine wood species and contrasts perfectly with the inlaid smoked oak and aluminium rails. This affords the luggage compartment a touch of elegance normally found on yachts, combined with the exciting worlds of technology and precision craftsmanship. The wood is characterised by its flexibility and elasticity, as well as its density and fine texture. 

For the luggage compartment floor made of American cherry tree wood, selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces sanded to a smooth finish and waterproofed to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. Inlaid work using darker smoked oak, precisely cut into three millimetre strips using laser technology, helps to enhance the design of the wooden floor. The lavishly produced aluminium rails have a brushed finish and rubber inserts, and not only help to protect the wooden floor but also feature anti-slip properties.

The CLS coupé already set new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. The Shooting Brake also offers five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather to choose from. Customers have a choice of three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim elements. A completely new addition comes in the form of porcelain interior appointments which afford both CLS models a sense of luxury normally found in the S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces.

A new dimension in vehicle concepts: the four-door Shooting Brake
No-one likes to have to compromise: even when the focus is not on the practical elements of the design of the Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1413 mm), the new CLS model still has some trump cards up its sleeve. With a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, the luggage compartment offers a lot of room despite the flat, sporty lines of the roof, and is easy to use thanks to the automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard. A load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.

The standard air suspension at the rear helps to ensure optimum road holding at all times. For additional flexibility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down from the luggage compartment as standard. The rear seats themselves provide room for three people, with individual seats on the outsides and a third seat in the middle. The three saddle-type head restraints on the rear seats barely affect the view towards the rear, and can be lowered at the touch of a button by the driver. An optional trailer coupling is also available.

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency
Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict between the objectives of low weight and high strength in the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. The model features frameless, all-aluminium doors made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and in comparison with conventional steel doors, are some 24 kilograms lighter. The tailgate, bonnet, front wings, various support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engines are all made of aluminium too.

The aerodynamics also make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. With a frontal area of 2.30 m² and a Cd value of 0.29, the drag area is 0.67 m².

Drive system: powerful and efficient
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is available with four different engine variants - two diesel engines and two petrol engines. Features common to all engines include the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function. In addition, two models are available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

The entry-level model is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 150 kW (204 hp). Combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, an excellent level for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Coming in above this are the two six-cylinder models: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp). The top-of-the-range model is the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V8 biturbo engine producing 300 kW (408 hp).

Efficiency is also increased by the standard electro-mechanical power steering EPS (Electric Power Steering). EPS is a radical move in the relationship between the driver, car and road surface. This is because for the first time, it gives engineers the freedom to choose and programme many of the parameters that influence steering feedback. So they defined a Mercedes-Benz feeling behind the wheel. In addition to fuel economy, the result is a considerable improvement in handling and agility. The electromechanical power steering also enables another innovation to be implemented - Active Park Assist. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is not only able to detect parking spaces, but can also park automatically.

Another world exclusive: dynamic full LED headlamps
The CLS was the first passenger car in the world to offer optional dynamic full LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology - similar to those of daytime driving lights - with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of todays bi-xenon generation. Some 95 percent of all customers have opted for these lights in the CLS Coupé. Of course, as the worlds second car to feature this optional extra, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake also offers the new light system. For the first time ever, it provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, look exciting; and they serve to underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new quality of illumination when driving at night.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate to the colour of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns and that the driver experiences significantly more brightness on the road at night. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K).

More than a dozen driving assistance systems help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are available as part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE-SAFE Brake. Both assistance systems are not only able to detect an unintentional lane change or vehicles in the blind spot, but can also correct the direction of travel by gentle brake intervention if the driver ignores the visual or audible danger warnings.

Its all in a name: the origins of the name "Shooting Break"
Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to "break" in wild horses and also to restrict (or "brake") their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. Motorised Shooting Brakes were popular in England in the 60s and 70s - exclusive two-door sports cars, which combined the luxury and style of a coupé with a larger load compartment and large tailgate.

Featuring a similar body style to last years Porsche Panamera Sports Turismo concept, the Rapide Jet 2+2 gains a stretched roofline along with a redesigned C-pillar, muscular rear fenders and updated front and rear ends. 
 The interior of the car has a 2+2 seating layout and has been customized from top to bottom with new colors and materials. 
For its motivation, the Jet 2+2 uses the outgoing Rapides 470hp and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) V12 engine instead of the newer Rapide S 550hp (565PS) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) unit, with the latter also schedule for a world premiere in Switzerland.
The one-off Jet 2+2 also celebrates 60 decades of cooperation between Bertone and Aston Martin.