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A lack of load space and a ponderous gearbox aren't enough to take the shine off this madcap AMG estateThe range-topping version of Mercedes' new Shooting Brake lineup — the estate version of the slinky CLS. Like its four-door compatriot, it gets AMGs formidable 5. 5-litre biturbo V8, which develops 550bhp in UK spec (the Continentals have to make do with a paltry 518bhp as standard). The engine is hooked up to the familiar Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission, and is capable of returning 28mpg on a combined cycle. More interestingly, itll also manage to whisk all 1955kg to 62mph in just 4. 3 seconds before finding the limiter at 155mph. As before, AMGs adaptive Ride Control offers three damping modes for the standard sports suspension. The front axle is 56mm wider than the conventional car and gets steel springs, while the rear benefits from a self-leveling air-sprung setup. Outside, the Shooting Brakes new silhouette gets the usual AMG embellishments – including radiator grille and bonnet design – while the inside adds sports seats, black piano lacquer trim and a rather wonderful three-spoke steering wheel clad in Nappa leather.
