Motoring.Today
Back to reviews
Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018) View gallery (15)
3.9/5· Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018)

2012 – 2018· 5 owner Q&As

Diesel5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.8/10

Very good

In the heart of the UK, where style meets practicality, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake has carved a niche for itself. This retro icon, reborn as an electric marvel, promises to turn heads while keeping your wallet happy. Let’s dive into what makes this beauty tick!

At a glance

174

hp · Power

726

miles · Range / tank

8.5s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £823/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Striking design that stands out on the road
  • Spacious and luxurious interior
  • Strong performance and handling capabilities
  • Electric variant offers eco-friendly driving options

Consider alternatives if

  • Higher initial purchase price compared to competitors
  • Limited rear visibility due to design
  • Some may find the infotainment system complex

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£823/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £4,900 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Premium

Above average monthly commitment.

Ratings breakdown

performance45/10
practicality38/10
running costs30/10
behind the wheel42/10
comfort43/10
equipment41/10
green credentials25/10
handling40/10
reliability40/10
safety42/10

Theo's AI summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018) is a remarkable blend of style, practicality, and performance. Its unique design sets it apart from traditional estates, while the introduction of the electric variant showcases the brand's commitment to sustainability. For buyers seeking a luxurious yet versatile vehicle, the CLS Shooting Brake is highly recommended, offering an exceptional driving experience and a wealth of features that cater to modern needs.

Best match for

  • Performance enthusiasts
  • Practical families
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£105/month

Insurance

£151/month

Road Tax

£16/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£332/month

Could this fit your budget?

Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds with no impact on your credit score.

  • Real monthly payments
  • Personalised to you
  • No obligation

Safe, secure and confidential

With precise steering and responsive handling, the CLS Shooting Brake excels in cornering and stability. The vehicle's low centre of gravity and well-tuned chassis contribute to an engaging driving experience, allowing drivers to navigate winding roads with confidence. As the ret

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is praised for its stunning design and luxurious interior, offering a blend of practicality and style. However, some critics note that rear visibility is limited and the boot space could be more generous. Overall, it’s a stylish choice for those seeking a premium estate car.

Read full review
Autocar

The CLS Shooting Brake is lauded for its elegant design and high-quality materials, making it a standout in the luxury estate segment. Critics mention that while it looks fantastic, the driving experience may not be as engaging as some rivals. Still, it remains a desirable option for its aesthetic appeal.

Read full review
WhatCar

WhatCar highlights the CLS Shooting Brake's reliability, noting that it generally performs well with few reported issues. However, some owners have experienced electrical problems, which can be costly to fix. Overall, it’s considered a reliable choice within the luxury estate market.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

Financing options for the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake are varied, with competitive rates available through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Leasing is also an attractive option for those who prefer to drive a new model every few years. The vehicle's strong resale value makes it a wise investment for buyers.

Day-to-day running costs

Running costs for the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake are competitive within the luxury segment. Regular maintenance and servicing are essential to keep the vehicle in optimal condition, and while parts may be pricier than average, the reliability of the brand often offsets these costs. Insurance premiums are reasonable for a car of this stature, especially considering its safety features and build quality.

Charging & fuel

For the electric variant, charging infrastructure is becoming increasingly accessible, with many public charging stations available. Home charging options are also convenient for daily use. For petrol models, fuel efficiency is commendable, allowing for longer journeys without frequent stops at the pump.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2012

    Launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

  2. 2014

    Introduction of updated engine options

  3. 2015

    Facelift model released with enhanced features

  4. 2018

    End of production for the CLS Shooting Brake

Read full launch story

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake was designed to combine the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of an estate, catering to a niche market that values both style and functionality. Since its launch, the CLS Shooting Brake has evolved through various updates, incorporating advanced technology and performance enhancements while maintaining its distinctive design ethos.

Compare with alternatives

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018) stands out in the luxury segment for its unique blend of style, practicality, and performance, competing closely with rivals like the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and Porsche Panamera.

Audi A5 Sportback

Reference only

Premium coupe with a focus on style and technology.

vs features
The Audi A5 Sportback offers a refined driving experience with a high-quality interior, advanced tech features, and a sporty feel, comparable to the CLS but with a slightly more understated design.
vs price
Typically, the A5 Sportback is priced similarly to the CLS, but it can be found at a lower entry point depending on the trim and options chosen.
No Motoring.Today review

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

Reference only

Luxury coupe that emphasizes performance and comfort.

vs features
The 6 Series Gran Coupe provides a sportier driving experience with powerful engine options and a luxurious interior, though it may not match the CLS in terms of cargo space and practicality.
vs price
The 6 Series is often priced similarly to the CLS, but higher trims can exceed the CLS's price, especially with added performance features.
No Motoring.Today review

Porsche Panamera

Reference only

High-performance luxury sedan with a focus on driving dynamics.

vs features
The Panamera excels in driving dynamics and offers a high-quality interior with cutting-edge technology, but it is more performance-oriented than the CLS, which may appeal to different buyers.
vs price
The Panamera is generally more expensive than the CLS, especially in higher trims, reflecting its performance pedigree and luxury features.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

CLS 220d AMG Line 5d 7G-TronicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2017
Power
174 bhp
0–60 mph
8.5 s
Top speed
133 mph
Torque
400 Nm
Economy
56 mpg
Range
726 mi
CO₂
132 g/km
Insurance group
37
Road tax
£190
New price
£49,285
CLS 220d AMG Line Premium 5d 7G-TronicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2017
Power
174 bhp
0–60 mph
8.5 s
Top speed
133 mph
Torque
400 Nm
Economy
56 mpg
Range
726 mi
CO₂
132 g/km
Insurance group
37
Road tax
£190
New price
£51,380
CLS 220d AMG Line Premium Plus 5d 7G-TronicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2017
Power
174 bhp
0–60 mph
8.5 s
Top speed
133 mph
Torque
400 Nm
Economy
56 mpg
Range
726 mi
CO₂
132 g/km
Insurance group
37
Road tax
£190
New price
£52,480
CLS 350d AMG Line 5d 9G-TronicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2017
Power
254 bhp
0–60 mph
6.4 s
Top speed
152 mph
Torque
620 Nm
Economy
49 mpg
Range
862 mi
CO₂
149 g/km
Insurance group
44
Road tax
£210
New price
£53,335
CLS 350d AMG Line Premium 5d 9G-TronicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2017
Power
254 bhp
0–60 mph
6.4 s
Top speed
152 mph
Torque
620 Nm
Economy
49 mpg
Range
862 mi
CO₂
149 g/km
Insurance group
44
Road tax
£210
New price
£55,430
CLS 350d AMG Line Premium Plus 5d 9G-TronicDiesel Automatic · 2015–2017
Power
254 bhp
0–60 mph
6.4 s
Top speed
152 mph
Torque
620 Nm
Economy
49 mpg
Range
862 mi
CO₂
149 g/km
Insurance group
44
Road tax
£210
New price
£56,530

FAQs

What makes the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake a luxury shooting brake?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake combines stunning design, a spacious interior, and high-quality materials, offering both performance and elegance. Its electric variant enhances eco-friendly driving without compromising luxury.
How does the electric variant of the CLS Shooting Brake perform?
The electric variant of the CLS Shooting Brake delivers instant torque, smooth acceleration, and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for modern drivers seeking performance and eco-friendliness.
What are the key features of the CLS Shooting Brake's interior?
The CLS Shooting Brake boasts a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, advanced driver assistance systems, and ample space, ensuring comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers.
Is the CLS Shooting Brake suitable for families?
While the CLS Shooting Brake offers a stylish and spacious interior, it may not be the most practical choice for large families due to limited boot space compared to traditional estates.
What is the starting price of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake?
The starting price for the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is around £50,000, with various finance options available to make it accessible for luxury car enthusiasts.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018) (2012–2018)

From £823/month