2010 Mercedes CLS

Get a load of this! Mercedes is pulling the wraps off this stunning new Shooting Break at the Beijing Motor Show this week. The dramatic-looking machine follows in the footsteps of the two-door Concept Fascination and bold F800 – signalling a new dawn for the firm’s design.

From the B-pillar forwards, the Shooting Break reveals Mercedes’ next CLS – due to make its debut at this October’s Paris Motor Show. The ornate LED headlights, which contain 71 individual diodes, will be toned down for production. But the elegantly sculpted bumper and striking creases, which run down each flank, are all likely to be included on the final car. Also making the cut is the stylish ‘soft nose’, which not only looks great, but also conforms to the latest pedestrian impact crash test regulations.

From the B-pillar back, the show car reveals an altogether different insight into Mercedes’ plan for the CLS – with the model line-up’s first estate. The concept is the work of the brand’s president of design, Gorden Wagener. Since moving from his post as head of Mercedes Advanced Design in America in 2008, the German has made his presence felt. The new SLS AMG and E-Class set the tone for his work, which is focused on creating streamlined and aerodynamic cars.

The Shooting Break follows this format, particularly with the tailgate, which has an integrated spoiler to cut drag. However, while the side glass features a smooth coupé-style curve, the roofline is more similar to that of an estate than a car like rival BMW’s 5-Series GT – so rear luggage room is less compromised.

Wagener says that his favourite period in design is Art Deco, and that is evident from the newcomer’s retro interior. In particular, the front and rear air vent grilles, which are overlaid with aluminium, and the ornate Mercedes script on the door sills, make functional parts of the cabin decorative.

Luxury is paramount – the concept is a strict four-seater, with a large panoramic roof helping to bathe the interior with light. Everywhere you look is lavish chocolate brown and cream leather. There are some clever details, too, especiallyin the load space, which incorporates secure storage for items ranging in size from laptops to golf balls.

Mercedes hasn’t shied away from the striking design themes which were so well received in the original CLS. The pronounced curve that runs around the dash top and blends into the front doors is retained. But the car is being taken upmarket, as the quality of the switchgear on the centre console is very similar to that in the latest S-Class – even the analogue clock is carried over.

Under the bonnet, the concept previews Mercedes’ new family of direct-injection V6 engines, which will debut in the facelifted CL in the summer. Called V-generation, the 3.5-litre unit produces 302bhp and 370Nm, and features Mercedes’ fuel-saving BlueEfficiency technology.

The rear end may be more concept than reality, but company bosses are eager to build it. As BMW has done with the 5-Series GT, Mercedes is keen to increase the number of niche models it spins off each platform.

Confusingly, the E-Class Coupé and Cabrio are based on the underpinnings from the latest C-Class. The new CLS saloon will use mechanicals from the E-Class, and the Shooting Break version would extend the reach of the platform – and aim to offer the same experience as the 5 GT.