Baby got back!
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake expanded the German automaker’s lineup and created an entirely new niche out of an already new and popular niche. In other words, it’s the coolest of the cool. But now Brabus is allowing customers of the five-door coupe to be the coolest of the coolest of the cool with their new CLS Shooting Brake upgrade program that encompasses all aspects of the car.
All of the models from the efficient diesels to the gasoline, to the AMG variants were upgraded with the new program by Brabus. Each CLS Shooting Brake was outfitted with a range of aerodynamic exterior components that were testing in a wind tunnel to optimize downforce and aerodynamic properties. The non-AMG variants were given a new front spoiler, front fascia attachments with integrated LED lighting, sport fenders, and side skirts with integrated entrance lights. For AMG models and those equipped with the AMG Sport package, a more aggressive front spoiler can e installed to the intimidating bumper along with new fender components with an illuminated Brabus logo in clear-coated carbon fiber.
But to finish things off in the exterior styling department is a range of six different wheel designs along with a lowered, more dynamic suspension setup. Brabus has featured their Monoblock F, Q, and R designs in 20-inch diameters. On two of the five double-spoke designs, the inner spokes are finishing in Liquid Titanium while the outer spokes wear a contrasting diamond polish and smoke-coated clear lacquer. Any set of wheels can be equipped with Yokohama, Pirelli, or Continental low-profile performance tires. Each of the suspension options were calibrated to accommodate for the lower-profile tires on the Brabus CLS Shooting Brake. Brabus Sport Springs and complete suspension overhauls were developed alongside Bilstein, while models equipped with the factory air suspension can be modified with the semi-active AIRMATIC system that lowers ride height by approximately 35 mm.
Each of the diesel, gasoline, and AMG engines receive a generous boost in performance thanks to Brabus. The CLS 250 CDI Shooting Brake can be outfitted with the Brabus PowerXtra D4 kit to 232 horsepower and 446 lb-ft. of torque. The CLS 350 CDI V-6 turbodiesel benefits from the Brabus ECO PowerXtra DS6 plug-and-play auxiliary unit that can be installed in 45 minutes and features a number of operating modes via the seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. In Eco mode, only peak torque is increased and rises to 509 lb-ft. of torque from 1,600 to 2,400 RPM. In Sport or Manual mode, both power and torque rises to 308 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 509 lb-ft. from 1,600 to 2,400 RPM, allowing the five-door coupe to accelerate to 62 mph 5.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.
As for the biturbo 4.6-liter gasoline engine in the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, Brabus offers a B50-500 performance upgrade. After the installation, the V-8 spits out 493 bhp and 531 lb-ft. of torque and top speed of 186 mph with the Brabus VMax unit.
But the pinnacle of performance for the Brabus CLS Shooting Brake is the B63-620 package for the AMG models. The 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine was given a new water-to-air intercooler powered by an auxiliary electric pump to help extend engine life under the improved performance. This, along with the new ECU tune helps pump up output to 610 bhp at 5,500 RPM and 737 lb-ft. of torque from 2,250 to 3,750 RPM. This helps the hard-nosed AMG model to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a 200 mph top speed with the Brabus VMax unit.
Besides the electronic optimization all of the variants can be outfitted with a new stainless steel exhaust system with the AMG versions getting a steering-wheel-controlled butterfly valve system and dual ceramic-coated tailpipes. All models will also be available with a new clutch-type limited slip differential with a 40-percent locking rate for improved grip.
Inside of the five-door, functional coupe is a wealth of custom-tailored options and high-tech electronics. Special Brabus Mastik leather and alcantara can be stitched to almost any part of the cockpit and matched with carbon fiber or wood inlays in a variety of designs and colors. New illuminated door entry sills, aluminum foot pedals, door lock pins, and shift paddles can be installed along with new 211- or 250-mph speedometers. For the rear seats, new tables can be installed to the backs of the front seatbacks with iPad integration and multimedia system.
The new Brabus Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake models are currently available as a complete upgrade program or with individual accessories for the entire lineup. Pricing for the entire lineup and upgrades have not been released.
Brabus Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Gallery
[Source: Brabus]
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