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Mercedes-Benz thanks its 9 million Facebook fans

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has nine million Facebook fans. That's like every single member of genus Homo in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas clicking the friend button. To throw its kisses to the crowd, the Stuttgart brand put together a video led by Finnish director, Anssi Määttä, that combines light painting and the CLS Shooting Brake.

Two isn't necessarily a trend but Ferrari also whipped up a video to thank its horde of virtual pals, of which it has an extra million on M-B. But this one from Mercedes it isn't just a "Danke," it's a "Danke schön." And then some. Feel the love in the video below.

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Mercedes-Benz thanks its 9 million Facebook fans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

While it might seem like the Mercedes-Bens CLS Shooting Brake was revealed a long time ago, truth is, this is our first time seeing the swoopy four-door coupe-gone-wagon on the auto show circuit. Ever since we first laid eyes on the shooting brake concept at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show, we've been waiting to see how the lines of the production car would all come together to form a cohesive, sleek package. And trust us, dear readers, pixels alone cannot convey just how attractive this beast is.

In Europe, customers will have a choice of five engines. On the diesel side, there's the CLS250 CDI with a 2.1-liter inline-four and the CLS350 CDI with a 3.0-liter V6, and as for petrol power, buyers can choose from the 3.5-liter V6-powered CLS350, 4.6-liter twin-turbo-V8-powered CLS500, and the range-topping (and supremely badass) CLS63 AMG with Merc's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Depending on configuration, both rear- and all-wheel drive are available.

Normally, this is the part where we'd talk about U.S. powertrain specs, but sadly, Mercedes-Benz currently has no plans to offer the svelte CLS on our shores. Drat. Instead, you'll have to make due with the high-res gallery of photos live from the Paris Motor Show floor.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

We've been anxiously waiting for the wraps to officially come off the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, and by golly, the wait is finally over. Our excitement, though, is tempered by Mercedes-Benz Manager of Product & Technology Public Relations Christian Bokich, who tells us, "Currently, there are no plans to bring the CLS Shooting Brake to the United States." To which we reply, "Boo!"

While we may take a bit of issue with Mercedes-Benz's assertion that "The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé... but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear," we're still pretty keen on the exterior look. "In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate," adds M-B, and that much we can mostly agree with.

In reality, this is a low-slung station wagon, similar in execution to the Cadillac CTS Wagon, and it looks great. Based on our observations about the CLS ~~four-door coupe~~ sedan that the Shooting Brake is based on, we expect it to be a great car to drive, as well. Europeans will get two gasoline engines - a 3.5-liter V6 making 306 horsepower in the CLS350 and a 408-hp twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 in the CLS500 - as well as two diesels - a 2.1-liter four cylinder in the CLS250 CDI and a 3.0-liter V6 in the CLS350 CDI.

All but the four-cylinder are available with either rear- or 4Matic all-wheel drive, the smallest engine making use of the rear wheels only. Acceleration comes in at 7.8 seconds to 62 miles per hour for the CLS250 CDI, 6.7 seconds for the CLS350 and 5.3 for the CLS500. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Emphasizing the increased utility over its four-door sibling, Mercedes has fitted the CLS Shooting Brake with optional aluminum loading rails and a wooden load compartment floor. Up to 1,550 liters (54.7 cubic feet) are available behind the standard power liftgate, and an automatically adjustable air suspension ensures proper ride and handling even with a load in place. There's even an optional towing kit.

We suggest you peruse the press release below for all the details, as well as a handy explanation of how the Shooting Brake got its name.

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Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake gets official originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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