CLS shooting brake

Skidder · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:19

Can't find any info on them on here. Anyone have experience of them? Thoughts?

I would really like a Panamera next but not very good for dogs (in fact **** for dogs, but please persuade me otherwise).

Tom_ed1987 · 23 Oct 2014 at 18:04

They look seriously ungainly, especially at night with those huge bugeye silhouette LED's on the rear.

ote1 · 23 Oct 2014 at 19:35

My dad's got one. Love it. Any particular questions?

Boot space is great. Great fun to drive. Tried the AMG Sport version and found the ride hard and noisy with the 19s and harder suspension. Opted for SE with 18s and it's completely different. Optional air suspension is meant to make it even better.

Consider that there's a facelift incoming if you're considering buying new.

Further info: Have the 350 CDI. Nice, smooth engine. Options taken were: LED headlights (stock SE ones look awful imo), Harmon Kardon speakers (didn't blow £4k on the B&Os!), reversing camera (a must), ambient lighting and heated seats. I'd say only the ambient lighting was excessive but it's a nice touch that is enjoyed.

Diddums · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:16

So you want something as nice as the Porsche but with the practicality of a shooting brake?

Is a Cayenne not an option?

DAIR · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:34

Check out the Mercedes forum on pistonheads. A lot of useful info on them there.

Skidder · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:46

Diddums said:
So you want something as nice as the Porsche but with the practicality of a shooting brake?

Is a Cayenne not an option?

yes Cayenne is certainly a front runner, this is to replace an X5 (RR sport could also be an option or new model X5) but just trying to think of other options

My wife doesn't have much time for Mercedes but trying to consider what else works with two dogs, two kids, lots of gear laden hobbies

It will probably be SUV again and I've already done the 5 series touring type car so just thinking options

Dr House · 23 Oct 2014 at 22:38

How big is your dog. Our one is fine in our Panamera however he is quite small.

Skidder · 24 Oct 2014 at 08:20

Dr House said:
How big is your dog. Our one is fine in our Panamera Small - 2 parson russells

I need them to be able to go in the boot with at least weekend bags with kids in the back. what do you reckon? I need to go and have a proper look around one. i had a look at the boot of a hybrid and felt it was too small, but don't know if that loses space to batteries or something

Dr House · 24 Oct 2014 at 08:31

Yes the hybrid has a smaller boot. 2 dog cages and bags for 4 people may be a bit much. my one will be up for sale very soon.

They are such awsom cars with so much road presence.

Bear · 24 Oct 2014 at 09:08

Skidder said:
yes Cayenne is certainly a front runner, this is to replace an X5 (RR sport could also be an option or new model X5) but just trying to think of other options

Why not the full sized RR instead of the sport?

Skilid · 24 Oct 2014 at 09:36

I would rather the full size RR over the sport if I had the dough.

Also been in a shooting brake and it was absolutely lovely, if a little dark inside dude to small glass area.

Skidder · 24 Oct 2014 at 10:15

Dr House said:
Yes the hybrid has a smaller boot. 2 dog cages and bags for 4 people may be a bit much. my one will be up for sale very soon.

They are such awsom cars with so much road presence.

No cages, they just lay down, they're good as gold in the car to be honest. Kids are also small enough that bags can go in footwells. (Persuading myself much?)

I'm not buying yet, I'm in prep mode. My contract on the X5 is up some time in the spring.

Skidder · 24 Oct 2014 at 10:16

EliotG said:
I would rather the full size RR over the sport if I had the dough.

Also been in a shooting brake and it was absolutely lovely, if a little dark inside dude to small glass area.

I like full size RR too. My wife hates the brand and thinks they are a bit footballery but I'm only drawn to cars people generally think of that way anyway!

Skidder · 24 Oct 2014 at 10:26

ote1 said:
My dad's got one. Love it. Any particular questions?

Boot space is great. Great fun to drive. Tried the AMG Sport version and found the ride hard and noisy with the 19s and harder suspension. Opted for SE with 18s and it's completely different. Optional air suspension is meant to make it even better.

Consider that there's a facelift incoming if you're considering buying new.

Further info: Have the 350 CDI. Nice, smooth engine. Options taken were: LED headlights (stock SE ones look awful imo), Harmon Kardon speakers (didn't blow £4k on the B&Os!), reversing camera (a must), ambient lighting and heated seats. I'd say only the ambient lighting was excessive but it's a nice touch that is enjoyed.

Thanks for that, all sounds good. Whatever I buy will most likely be 2-3 years old

kevpuk · 24 Oct 2014 at 10:36

No experience with the Shooting Brake, but have just put deposit down on a brand new (facelift) CLS coupe

Kit levels have gone up, and there are some seriously good deals out there - I got around £11k off list on my 350 AMG Line, with Premium Plus, 360 camera and speed/traffic sign assist....just have to wait until January

Skidder · 24 Oct 2014 at 12:58

I've just had a look at some youtube vids of the Panamera boot and it doesn't look too bad really.

Dr House, Is it a parcel shelf or a roll out jobbie? & How much of a gap is there for dogs to see a bit of space above them when the boot is closed but parcel shelf out? If you see what I mean

It would mean having a massive roof box for driving ski trips. At mo I have a roof box for boards and skis but all the bags in the back and that would have to change, but I only drive to snowboard once or twice a year.

craaaaaig · 24 Oct 2014 at 13:16

I have no proper input to this thread, but I must admit this is a car I google and go through images drooling. I have a strange thing for estate cars..

Dr House · 24 Oct 2014 at 16:59

It's a roll out thing so the dogs can see the world or stand up and look over the rear seats. If you are close to j29 of the m1 you can bring your dogs and try out my one.

Yas786 · 24 Oct 2014 at 17:03

Merc shooting brake??, first of all what kind of stupid ****ed up name is that to give to a car and secondly everytime i see one...i throw up a little in my mouth.

Fugly cars that i wouldnt even take if given free to me.

Robbo · 24 Oct 2014 at 17:19

It's an excellent and rather unique car but I suspect the Panamera would be a better 'drivers car'. The Shooting Brake boot isn't the best shape to have a dog in and it's also quite dark, a regular shape estate would likely be better.

Yas786 said:
Merc shooting brake??, first of all what kind of stupid ****ed up name is that to give to a car and secondly everytime i see one...i throw up a little in my mouth.

Fugly cars that i wouldnt even take if given free to me.

Oh dear. Here:

I don't think anyone will be offering you one for free, so you enjoy your Golf.