2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake spy shots

The CLS Shooting Brake was first unveiled as a concept vehicle at the Auto China show in 2010. After receiving plenty of positive feedback, Mercedes-Benz decided to put it into production.

The Shooting Brake design will be a new step for Mercedes-Benz. Looking almost identical at the front to the latest CLS, it will offer slightly less cabin and cargo space compared with the E-Class Estate.

These latest spy shots show the vehicle in its most revealing guise yet, with the front end lacking any real disguise, and only some sheeting over the C-pillar at the rear to conceal its design.

It is expected to feature a swooping, elegant rear hatch, carrying the low-profile lines on from the front end, and sticking to the CLS design philosophy.

Although an official announcement is yet to be made, Mercedes-Benz Australia's Jerry Stamoulis told CarAdvice the new model is "definitely" in the pipeline to join the local line-up.

Specific powertrain and trim level options are yet to be finalised, however, we can expect a similar line-up to the CLS four-door coupe, including a high-performance AMG version.

As for local timing, the new CLS Shooting Brake is set to launch sometime in 2013.