Mercedes-Benz CL Shooting Brake Zagato

Vehicle Overview

The Mercedes-Benz CL Shooting Brake, based on the W140 coupé, was a unique creation by the renowned Italian design house Zagato. This exceptional vehicle was showcased at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts and industry experts alike. Despite its striking design and innovative concept, the CL Shooting Brake remained a one-off, never entering mass production. The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Zagato brought together German engineering precision and Italian design flair. The W140 coupé platform provided a solid foundation known for its robustness and advanced technology, which Zagato transformed into an elegant and practical shooting brake. This bespoke vehicle combined the luxurious and sporty attributes of the CL coupé with the added functionality and space of a shooting brake, making it a unique blend of style and utility. Zagato’s craftsmanship was evident in every detail of the CL Shooting Brake. The elongated roofline and rear hatch added a new dimension to the coupé’s silhouette, enhancing its practicality without compromising its aesthetic appeal. The vehicle featured bespoke design elements, including custom bodywork and distinctive Zagato touches that set it apart from the standard Mercedes-Benz offerings. Inside, the CL Shooting Brake offered the same level of luxury and comfort expected from a Mercedes-Benz, with high-quality materials and advanced features that catered to the discerning tastes of its intended clientele. The interior space was optimized to provide more cargo capacity while maintaining a comfortable and opulent environment for passengers. Although the CL Shooting Brake never went beyond the prototype stage, it left a lasting impression on the automotive world. It demonstrated the potential for blending traditional coupé elegance with shooting brake practicality, a concept that has seen various interpretations by other manufacturers in subsequent years.