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Mercedes-Benz takes on BMW with Shooting Break Concept

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Khatir Soltani
As reported by Mercedes-Benz

In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz established a new market segment with the four-door Coupé CLS. In September 2008, the brand revealed a fresh and exciting interpretation of the emotionally-appealing Coupé-based design in the form of the Concept FASCINATION. Now making its premiere at Auto China 2010 is the Concept Shooting Break - a further insight by Mercedes designers into the possible future development of the Coupé concept. The Concept Shooting Break also represents a clear indication of the further emotional appeal of the Mercedes design idiom.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Wide and flat, with a long bonnet and a roof which continues through to the rear: the Concept Shooting Break features some astonishing proportions which at the same time are clearly reminiscent of another design icon - the CLS. The design of the front is completely new, but makes use of elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car: the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats, is not integrated into the bonnet but has been designed separately. The grille is flanked on each side by full LED headlamps, which for the first time feature LED technology for all of the usual dynamic light functions. The side profile is given a touch of dynamism thanks to the high, exaggerated beltline sweeping towards the rear, and the dramatic character line which is supported by the powerful-looking rear wheel arches. The coupé-like side view is also emphasised with a low window design which also highlights the greenhouse with polished aluminium trim.

The exterior: stylish and sporty
The proportions are clearly those of a coupé: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear create a basic stance with which it looks ready for the off. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Concept Shooting Break actually has four doors and an estate rear. As such, this study in design reveals its philosophical links with the four-door CLS Coupé, a car which has established a new market segment since 2004 and today is already seen as a design icon which is likely to occupy a very special place in the history of the motor car. The Concept Shooting Break may well be looked back on at some point as having played a similar role, taking ideas from the Concept FASCINATION premiered in 2008 and projecting them into the future.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
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