CLS Shooting Brake

CLS Shooting Brake

Author
Discussion

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
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Hi guys,

Been looking at various car options, have a budget of around £30k (can be pushed) and have been predominantly looking at C6 RS6's however I'm somewhat wary of the running costs on these let alone the fuel. Got me browsing and have realised how much I like the CLS Shooting Brake. Just wondered if anyone has one, what they are like to live with, boot space etc? I'd be looking at the 350 CDI Sport I think.

Want something fairly practical (have a dog) and ideally something I could get my bikes on (or in!) when needed. Notice none of the Shooting Brakes have roof bars, are they available? Looking at the boot it looks a decent size although the opening and sloping roof may compromise it compared to a normal decent size estate?

Cheers
Graham

Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Tuesday 16th September 20:50

Charliesum

246 posts

142 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
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No roof bars but they do have the fitments either side for specific fixings to be attached in the gutter rails.
They are not quite the same as a rs6 tho!

Charliesum

246 posts

142 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
No roof bars but they do have the fitments either side for specific fixings to be attached in the gutter rails.
They are not quite the same as a rs6 tho!

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
quotequote all
Thanks, assume that means its a bit more fiddly to put on/take off the bars in that case.

Appreciate its very different to the RS6 and they are not like for like cars. May well go for an RS6 and say sod the running costs but would like to take a look at the CSL as well and tick the (more) sensible box. Wifey would certainly be happier!!

fistenburger

262 posts

189 months

Wednesday 17th September 2014
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There was a similar thread on here a couple of days ago smile
I traded up to my CLS 250 CDi Shooting Brake back in june, having had an E250 estate for almost 3 years previously. The CLS is much nicer to sit in (and look at), which is an obvious statement to make, but I do miss the utilitarian aspects of the E a bit. I find myself treating the CLS like a much more expensive car and i'm wary of where I park it etc.

I have dogs and kids, so need a bit of space. The boot is a bit smaller, but still fairly large. I invested in roof bars immediately as I was going camping. The roof box sits quite far forward, but seems to be fine. I also have a tow-bar fitted, which was about 450 from a local company for a removable Westfalia bar and dedicated electrics.

All in, it's a great car. More refined than the E and feels a lot more special. The 350 Cdi is a great engine, but my commute is from Bristol to Heathrow most weeks, so the 2 extra cylinders would be a waste for me. Tools for the job etc....

Here's a pic of my car with the roof rails/roof box fitted. The Thule attachments are really simple and secure.

Big Brin

529 posts

240 months

Wednesday 17th September 2014
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I picked up a shooting brake today with the 250 diesel engine. A 350 might feel more refined and quicker but this four pot is superb and 10k cheaper. It feels fast enough and the car itself is really luxurious. I have been driving a 320d touring for the past 6 years and whilst a great car it wasn't 'special enough'. I think however, the CLS Shooting Brake is special and that's why I chose it over an E class... It's my reward to myself for working.. Having a car like this for the drive to and from work is worth it. Oh, and it fits dogs, kids etc....

I'd recommend one....

Rods, Brin

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
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Thanks guys, good to hear all the positive feedback - love the picture with trailer and roof box! To be honest, had never considered one before as I didn't think they'd be in budget and you see so few on the road I'd forgotten they existed (thats a plus point!). I'll try and pop into the local Mercedes garage and take a look this weekend. Still keen on the 350 but there are only a few on autotrader/Merc used cars so may be a bit of a waiting game for the prices to drop slightly more into my budget.

They all look to be fairly well specced, any must have options?

Cheers
Graham

Wacky Racer

38,099 posts

246 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
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Be careful of depreciation. Had a brand new CLS 320cdi in 2007 (Not shooting brake obviously)...fabulous car, no complaints there but lost around £1000pm in our ownership, even though only covered less than 5000 miles.

In another two years your car could be worth less than £15k.

anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
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Wacky Racer said:
Be careful of depreciation. Had a brand new CLS 320cdi in 2007 (Not shooting brake obviously)...fabulous car, no complaints there but lost around £1000pm in our ownership, even though only covered less than 5000 miles.

In another two years your car could be worth less than £15k.
Fair point, but I doubt that a CLS going to be any worse in that respect than any other similar car bought from new.

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
Wacky Racer said:
Be careful of depreciation. Had a brand new CLS 320cdi in 2007 (Not shooting brake obviously)...fabulous car, no complaints there but lost around £1000pm in our ownership, even though only covered less than 5000 miles.

In another two years your car could be worth less than £15k.
I'd be buying a year or two old anyway so would have already dropped a fair chunk of its original list price.

Rob_T

1,916 posts

250 months

Friday 19th September 2014
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ParanoidAndroid said:
They all look to be fairly well specced, any must have options?
i bought a 350 CLS SB recently. it is a great great car as has been previously mentioned. smooth, refined, a lovely place to sit, great interior.

re options: i would suggest amg sports kit. most second hand ones seem to have this. the car otherwise comes quite well specced as standard. i have the self parking thingy on it which is a nice gimmick to go wrong in a few years time. sunroof is nice. ambient lighting is cool.

as others have said slopping roof does take some of the practicality away but it is still a big boot. anyway if you're that into practicality, get a van!

i would also suggest a lighter coloured interior - black does not do it justice. i have almond which lifts the interior very nicely indeed

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Friday 19th September 2014
quotequote all
Rob_T said:
i have the self parking thingy on it which is a nice gimmick to go wrong in a few years time.
Does this work? Watched a demo on youtube but the gap the guy was parking in was massive!

Rob_T

1,916 posts

250 months

Friday 19th September 2014
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ParanoidAndroid said:
Rob_T said:
i have the self parking thingy on it which is a nice gimmick to go wrong in a few years time.
Does this work? Watched a demo on youtube but the gap the guy was parking in was massive!
it does work, but i think you need to have a space that is about 2m longer than the car! it still is quite clever. my 8 year old boy thinks it's totally awesome. that's good enough for me.

fistenburger

262 posts

189 months

Friday 19th September 2014
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Self parking does work, but I rarely use it. The ambient lighting package is well worth the money though - the interior bathed in blue light at night is really nice.

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Sunday 21st September 2014
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Took a look at the local Mercedes dealership yesterday. First impressions were how big the car was, really long. Interior looks lovely and certainly gives air of quality and feels expensive. The car they had in was white which to my mind did nothing for it but I guess appeals to some, think I'd prefer one of the greys or black. I'd also possibly like to lose the chrome trim on the boot and round the window line, not sure it sits right with a sporty car.

I'm 6'3 and was very comfortable in it, plenty of head room and a decent amount of space behind me with the seat in my position. Only downer for me was the boot, I think it may not have enough height due to the slope of the roofline. I have a dog and wanted to get a dog bag in there to keep him in one place and stop all the mud and fur from trashing the car but I'm not sure if it will fit. I'm going to order the bag (will need one whatever car I end up with) and merc dealer has kindly offered to drive the car to my house so we can see if it will fit!

Cheers for comments so far, appreciate help.

Graham

Milemuncher

514 posts

114 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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We have a CLS SB in AMG Sport spec as our everyday car.
It's only the 250 CDI and I must confess the engine is not quite as smooth as our previous CLS 320 CDI. Performance in the real world doesn't feel much different and it's very good on fuel for such a big car. It's a fantastic car to cover large distances in and to our eyes looks great inside and out.
My only slight note of caution would be that it attracts the envy / ire of other drivers in a way that no other car we've had has ever done (and that includes numerous Mercs, M- BMWs, a couple of S' Audis and a Porsche).
I don't get it - it's a diesel estate - but it seems to bring out the worst possible behaviour in other drivers. Tailgating, cutting up, refusal to let in at junctions, you name it...often accompanied by hand gestures. I began to wonder recently if I was driving more aggressively than I used to, or conversely, if I was becoming old and doddery (I'm 43...) but my wife assures me neither is the case! It just seems to be the car that's the issue.
For this reason and this reason only we will likely opt for something else when the lease is up.

ParanoidAndroid

Original Poster:

1,359 posts

282 months

Sunday 28th September 2014
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Quite surprised by that. I would have thought given they are relatively rare they'd be appreciated. I can't say I've ever seen one on the road.

Rob_T

1,916 posts

250 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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never had that with mine. it is after all only a diesel estate!

are you sure someone hasn't left a sign on the back of your car? you know the automotive equivalent of 'Kick Me'


Milemuncher

514 posts

114 months

Tuesday 30th September 2014
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I must admit it often feels like that!!

Milemuncher

514 posts

114 months

Tuesday 30th September 2014
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I must admit it often feels like that!!