Mercedes Benz CLS63S AMG Shooting Brake Review: The Audi RS6 Rival You Never Knew Existed

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Today I drive the Mercedes CLS 63 S AMG Shooting Brake - a car with a name as confusing as the car itself - but how does it all come together?
#MercedesBenz #AMG #CLS
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[@Rmzkm007]

I always liked the CLS, no matter what model, but this generation shooting brake is just sexy!

[@JustALilBtc]

@@Rmzkm007 looks like a car that carries dead people

[@Williamstanway]

I love this guy. He is the love child of Jeremy clarkson , Quentin Wilson , Tiff Nidell , and all the other 90s car show presenters , and thats completely fine by me 😆

[@judemurphy3356]

I very much agree all my childhood heros in one . Keep it up James

[@marylandflyer5670]

If someone called me a love child of Clarkson I would be offended…

[@Williamstanway]

@marylandflyer5670 I'm referring to his Crispy style of delivery and presenting 😆

[@AndiS21-u6r]

Jay is a rare gem that TV producers have missed out on to be honest.

[@an-dr6eu]

@@Williamstanway Or his insane capacity of delivering nonsensical statements

[@LarryKippings]

Only 68 examples of the CLS 63S left on the road, thank god I own one of them. Bought it new back in 2016, will never sell it. For such a big car it handles so well in comfort suspension setting, especially when you are pushing it along. Plenty of space for 4 adults, and a big boot. Hammer it all the time, and you get 18mpg which isn’t too bad. Mine’s done 100,000 miles, no mechanical issues at all yet. They are oil thirsty, but common with this engine. A future rare classic, these are creeping back up in value.

[@Voodoo_One]

No, they are not oil thirsty. If yours is I suggest you endoscope the cylinders. Maybe you will not like what one might see. At around 150.000km (or short of 100k miles) the cylinders can show a lot of scratches, since the engine has issues with its "Alusil" surface. Up until ~03/2015 the M278 (little 4,7l brother) and until the end of production of the m157 (5,5l AMG Version) they used it and it causes a lot of headache. If the engines start using (a lot of) oil the surfaces are usually done for. The m278 got better steal surfaces somewhere in 03/2015. The AMG version didn't. Also affected are the 350 CGIs with direct fuel injection (m276 v6) for example. Sure a lot of those engine still run on high miles, but you find a lot of examples that have these issues. Some say probably faulty fuel injectors, but who knows...

[@tastypymp1287]

Cool story bro.

[@itzjdub282]

Very lucky

[@finleypdoherty]

The coupe-aloon sector is alive and well. Mercedes CLA, BMW i4/ 4 series gran coupe, BMW 8 series gran coupe, Audi A7, VW Arteon etc

[@christianbagge609]

Exactly my thought! Even Tesla went there with the Model S

[@ashliehiggins]

Arteon has been discontinued, also there's the AMG GT 4-door which is kinda the CLS replacement.

[@finleypdoherty]

@@ashliehiggins true, the id7 kind of replaces it which is also coupe/ saloon.

[@mdanko3975]

you can add the 5 door A5 to that

[@christianbagge609]

Panamera and Taycan are something similarly shaped as well

[@Harrock]

I just bought a Passat CC 😂 the Budget CLS

[@keine_ahnung_wie_der_heisst]

Hope its atleast a post facelift 3.6

[@Harrock]

@@keine_ahnung_wie_der_heisst nah bro .. we Oldschool ! Pre Facelift 2.0 TSI ...

[@olivermboya3857]

Very good choice though regardless the CC has really aged well in a favourable spec it is a very nice thing I think

[@olivermboya3857]

@keine_ahnung_wie_der_heisst did they do a post facelift 3.6🤔❔️I thought they dropped that engine after the facelift or was that only in the UK as I've always thought that was the correct recipe for that model

[@Harrock]

@@olivermboya3857 R-Line , Manual

[@olivermboya3857]

One of the best looking modern Mercedes in my opinion in both shooting brake and coupe form.... Pretty from every angle and the ultimate sleeper💯

[@martinmcdonald4207]

I agree with you on the design of the CLS models. It was as if the design department got an injection of `style` as a possibility.

[@olivermboya3857]

@martinmcdonald4207 funnily enough I never liked the previous gen and I feel that the one that followed after though very good looking from the front the back is a little inproportionate. This one specifically the 218 facelift is it for me. And I also feel is the model that benefited the best from the diamond style grille although the AMG models don't have it. If I owned one I'd probably try and customise one of the later style diamond grilles with the little Mercedes stars in it to somehow make it fit✨️

[@harrysmbdgs]

The CLS from this era looks so much nicer than the newer ones, in my opinion. Such a classy and timeless design!

[@nigelbond4056]

I’ve got a CLS Shooting Brake, but mine’s unfortunately the 350 diesel. Still pretty wonderful though.

[@MikeS-hs7lu]

Had one too for about 7 years. Lovely car. Fabulous looks and luxury interior. As far as diesel's go the 350 is fabulous. Loads of torque and very smooth. I've averaged 39 mpg over that time too!

[@tastypymp1287]

Nowt wrong with the 350d

[@MrReese]

This is the best looking station wagon (estate, kombi, whatever you wanna call it) of all time.

[@ZKhweziN]

I owned a 2nd generation CLS63s... What an amazing car. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wasn't a common sight. The shooting brake in South Africa is absolute hens teeth. I've only ever seen one CLS63s... That 5.5l V8 M157 can only be described with one word, VIOLENT!!!! That 7G tonic was the only irritation as it had a slight delay when changing gears manually.

[@cohenday1377]

I've seen 2 here CLS 63 Wagons here in SA but not the 63S , AMG wagons are very rare here.

[@CITRUS--]

We were lucky enough to have a 2nd gen non facelift cls63 in the family. At that time we didn’t realize how insanely rare the non shooting brake version was in SA. I see a lot of older car enthusiasts driving the existing CLS63’s I see these days. You can’t even find a CLS to purchase, they are all owned and loved and driven.

[@cohenday1377]

@CITRUS-- There is no CLS shooting brake there is only the sedan and wagon (I dunno what he's talking about but his definition of shooting brake is wrong because a shooting brake is a wagon designed car with 2 doors eg: Ferrari FF and the Ferrari GTC 4 Lusso). The CLS has 4 doors. Therefore, it can not be a shooting brake. Yes, the CLS isn't a common site here in SA that goes for the CLS 55, CLS 63 Gen 1, CLS 63 GEN 2, and Gen 2 facelift even the current CLS 53 is rare I've only seen 1 but also you mentioned the sedan the rarest version which it is not the CLS wagon is by far the rarest version I've only ever seen 2 in comparison I've seen dozens of CLS sedans.

[@MrLg55555]

It's a Shooting Brake... End of... A "Wagon" is the American terminology for an estate car... The CLS Shooting Brake is not a regular "Wagon/Estate"... Try and be smart re your mention of an obscure 2 door Ferrari or 2, but at the end of the day the CLS Shooting Brake is as it says... Plus, alongside a Maserati it is strikingly beautiful and will always garner positive comments... A Ferrari is that,like a Porsche is that and so on... I currently own a CLS Shooting Brake AMG 63S and E Class 350d coupe , owned a 63 version previously plus any number of nice cars including a Cayman S, a Carrera GT in 2004/5 so I know my cars... CLS Shooting Brake it is... Period

[@cohenday1377]

@MrLg55555 I bet you regret selling that CGT It's a wagon.... 🖕🏼

[@AntoniusTyas]

I think Rover P5 was the first to use the coupe term for sleek 4-door saloon. I remember you saw one and talked about it briefly during one of your event at Gilk's Garage in your 'Living With Ferrari Roma' video. Something I learned for the first time, to be honest. Also, here in Indonesia the CLS63 C218 was a very popular car. It's a handsome thing, and that M157 engine is just rude and brutal.

[@80y3r9]

Couple of iterations of rover coupes birthed them!

[@Argiers]

I really like this car, mainly because of the amazing engine. But the lack of a 4wd version in the UK is an real oversight, meaning that it is not as quick or driveable in all weathers as it could be. A pity. Totally agree with you that Alcantara has no place on a steering wheel.

[@6770connor]

The ‘Rapid P609’ tyres I’m sure aren’t doing it many favours

[@TwoDollarGararge]

yeah that's life with old german cars cheap tires yeah I could have a expensive repair bill next week lol

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Like it actually matters 🙄

[@MrLg55555]

Dreadful tyres... Cutting corners on the rubber is very short sighted and penny pinching... Pilot 4s or Conti 5 are the minimum, maybe P Zeros... Not some cheap garbage that I see on many cars...

[@TwoDollarGararge]

@MrLg55555 You realize that's well over a $1000.And a lot of people can't afford that $500 new tires.Hey at least their new

[@MrLg55555]

@@TwoDollarGararge, you can't cut corners on the rubber of a car with 585bhp and well over 700 nms of torque... Asking for trouble...

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

The look and shape of a car is very subjective. The CLS is one of the most beautiful cars in my opinion.

[@guinnessharvey4476]

Rover p5 coupe was the first:)

[@FRkiddo]

I have a CLS 350D AMG line 9 speed saloon 2015 post facelift and I absolutely love this car. Dark blue with white leather interior ❤

[@davidknuckles6330]

New shape Panamera is definitely in the Coupaloon basket

[@ryan_henderson]

Thought the same

[@Chris-nj1mr]

Beautiful car

[@joshgrant7821]

I very recently bought a W212 Facelift E63 and I am in awe of that engine, it’s absolutely raucous and a torque monster. It was meant to replace my E250 cdi S212 estate, but they seem to be a good pairing. Definitely think your influence rubbed off on me there lol

[@mikadavies660]

The CLS 350 Shooting Brake with a remap is fairly tidy without the daft AMG 63 prices and insurance groups

[@redsquare5325]

Keep that one quiet mate. Drove one yesterday had a stage 1 remap, I think it was pushing 300 hp. It's 1 second slower to 60 than the amg. For nearly half the money and running costs.

[@buttonsw77]

I have a 2013 CLS 350 remapped by gad Tuning in the UK. 307hp and 730nm of torque. It's a weapon all through the rev range Awesome car, will keep it for many years

[@jgripen969]

AMG’s are much more than ”ooga booga go fast”. If going fast is all you care for, buy a Hayabusa.

[@mikadavies660]

@jgripen969 Talk to the converted mate... I've been riding motorbikes for 30 years and have owned 4 different AMGs.... But on a day to day an estate car can be practical with a little go. Hence my suggestion.

[@MrLg55555]

It's still not an AMG 63S though... I should know having owned a 350d, an AMG63 previously and currently an AMG 63S with the rev limiter removed... If you want speed it has it in abundance... Just shy of 200mph all out, handles beautifully yet is as docile to drive as the 350d...

[@reinmansmith]

The sound of that engine alone is enough to cause a stirring in the trouser department! 🤩

[@RoshanKumar-sk7ch]

Very fair review - owned both generations of the CLS starting with the CLS 55 and its M113K, bags of character and the CLS 63 with the M157 which is a sledgehammer. Mapped and tracked both of them yet the perfect continent crossing cars. CLS 55 was more of a drivers car whereas the 63 was technically better in every aspect. Never owned something with someone that splashed £118K on new with options!

[@alanhunter2009]

Had my C219 2008 CLS 500 (5.5L V8) from new. Have not found anything that I want to replace it with. (Still with its original battery by the way).

[@Solidcancer07]

Another CLS owner clocking in here. C218 post facelift coupe, cavansite blue 350d AMG line with the Premium Plus package. Cracking car and a joy to ride even in the mayhem of London traffic.

[@TheHardCorePunkHead]

What a beautiful looking car this is!

[@deano24v]

I absolutely loved my CLS shooting brake. Treaded the right line between practicality,nicheness and uniqueness for me. Loved it. Should say I had a Passat cc,5gt,A5 Sportback,4 series GC and currently in an A7 so this market segment definitely appeals to me. CLS was may favourite of the lot.

[@dann756]

You question when we last saw an omega. At 20 I had a Vectra 2.2 DTI, my dad had a heart attack(he's ok) I drove from Westbury to edington to Bristol just as quick if I was in a McLaren. That car really flew when you needed it to. I might be the only person on earth to request a review on one, if you can find one!

[@Wargasm54]

Wow! Never seen this car in this “station wagon” (Estate for Brits) configuration. It actually looks better than the 2 door and 4 door models. I don’t think we got these in the USA. Very cool

[@davog1946]

Estate for the rest of the world*

[@eastbaystreet1242]

I have the 5.5L in an AMG S63 Cabrio. I have owned most of the great cars of our time, and raced Ferraris and Porsches. The M157 is a WONDERFUL motor - maybe the best I've ever driven. It is like driving the American muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s. It has a lovely, quiet rumble with tons of silent torque at low RPMs, but goes into full beast mode when you stomp on it. The S Class cars that carry it are very heavy cars, so while it is no slouch off the line, it really shines in rolling starts from as little as 10mph. If you leave it in Sport mode and prepare by getting the RPMs up to around 4k, it will then execute some very sexy upshifts as you add speed, barking and gurgling through the shifts. Full manual mode can be challenging, because you have to hit a shift point right before the limiter kicks in, or you will lose a ton of momentum. And it is very hard to hit that point because from 4k to redline is quick. I suggest anyone buy this motor in any car they can. There were some issues in early years, but from around 2015 on they are very solid. And I have not ever Dyno'd this car, but I have read several reports of it sending 605 hp to the crank. They estimate that is about 540 to the wheels, because... it is all wheel drive! Try putting 600hp down with 2 wheel drive - challenging. But with the 4 Matic system it is effortless. In most 2 wheel drive cars full 600 hp throttle would have the tires smoking. But not only is there not even the tiniest tire chirp, but you can be the first car at a red light, then when it turns green punch the accel and the car will pull itself through the start/turn with no spin, no tire chirp. Just pure power to the pavement. Brilliant job, Mercedes on these cars and engines.

[@nadeemm429]

1:45 - 4 series gran coupe, 8 series gran coupe, audi a7, vw arteon , mercedes cls, mercedes gt63 4 door, bmw i4 you could also argue that the 2 series gran coupe, mercedes cla, panamera, kia stinger GT fall in this category as well.

[@miglia116]

always fascinated by the cls design so I got a 1st gen amg for weekend and 2nd Gen for daily

[@Argiers]

Not sure those budget Rapid P609 tyres are going to help the handling or grip! They need to be replaced asap.

[@MrLg55555]

Cheap nasty tyres...

[@luckya824]

Instant like, even before watching the video. I adore the CLS Shooting brake, tough still stuck with my S203 C350 estate.

[@astonmartinvee8]

We've got a 2015 saloon version of this car in Australia and it's great. We've had it for 6 years. No major problems. Had a C218 CLS500 prior. Need to take care of the M157 in this one. Proper and regular servicing is a must, plus changing out the leaking camshaft position sensors, or fitting a harness protection kit so oil doesn't go into the harness/ECU. These cars do have the 7-speed MCT gearbox.

[@See_more....]

Rover P5 was the first 4 door coupe.

[@alonzoharris222]

The M157 engine is very under appreciated by most but it's a monster.

[@alain-danieltankwa8007]

I like how you use the instrument, which is language. I can listen to you simply for that reason

[@kevincross9206]

My cousin used to work for a Mercedes dealership and left because he was embarrassed by their lack of service. He told me some horror stories, and frankly, based on that, Mercedes should consider themselves lucky to have any customers!

[@andrewsustek1685]

I fell in love with the first gen ever since I got to sit in a CLS500 for like a year. Proper mafia car, burgundy on burgundy leather. I'd just swap the air suspension for a static and and it would've been a great daily

[@Meelenko]

The ONLY reason why I have identical tech E class estate instead of this, is the boot lip. CLS is far more sexier car, and its noisy frameless doors would be tolerable just to get that cool factor. But the aging, hairy, four-legged queen cannot jump in over the damn boot lip. Sitting back there with a cuppa and shielded from the light rain by the boot door is just poetry of the E class. Also, the w212 infotainment screen is nicely hidden so the sun doesn't spoil it, not a hideous tablet glued to the dashboard. The knob-control is actually fantastic once you get it memorised, as you don't have to stretch to the touch screen while driving - the control knob is right under you resting palm. But you have to own the car to appreciate that.

[@dadcars]

Pops and bangs around Morrisons car park 😂😂

[@edward1591]

First coupaloon...Surely, one of my all-time favourite cars, the Rover P5B Coupe. Real gravitas and muscle.

[@memoryfoam2285]

Ever since I saw a Lagonda shooting brake in the Haynes motor museum I've found that style fascinating. Plus the bizarre interior on that car is amazing!

[@Chigleybus]

Always liked the CLS. Nice looking cars I think. A bit sleeker and naughtier than an E class.

[@MrToastyman900]

Great video! However the CLS63 has a 7G MCT gearbox, not the regular and more failure prone torque converter-equipped 7G-tronic gearbox that mercs from circa 2005-2014 had. For reference my ’07 E420 CDI has 1000nm of torque, and the ”regular” 7G-tronic (that doesn’t quite like it…) the solution is a reinforced torque converter or using the gearbox out of a later S65 AMG. But these M157’s can easily produce over 1000nm reliably as long as the gearbox torque limits aren’t exceeded in the software.

[@comeberza]

Absolute dream car for me. I would feel like the coolest dude on earth inside of these. The segment it opened also brought the A7 and the 6 series grand coupe into existence which I've always found stunning. They all still look modern, special, planted, sporty. It comes from an era when they all were trying to fit the biggest engine possible into everything while now Mercedes is desperate to sell everything with that 4 cylinder unit. The CLS has been discontinued but Mercedes just rebranded it as the gt 4 door I think, which makes sense I guess since masses are interested in saloons or big coupes, they are trying to tie it to the sports car rather than the s class

[@liamdeerz]

Driven a few of these, great to drive. Huge power when you want it or just drives along at 1000rpm when you don’t want to be pushing the limits. M157 is one of the goat Benz engines. Just get ready to be replacing engine mounts and fixing coolant leaks constantly. And oil top ups every few 1000km haha

[@seinsmeld13]

Thank you Richard and Jay for doing thus great review🥶

[@Tinovodanovic]

What a beauty always had soft spot for this generation CLS shooting brake.

[@jordanrothstein7104]

5:50 I noticed that immediately. My Dad's 2nd best car he ever owned. He owned the big lazy i V6 model. Brilliant baby barge as we called it. Only bested by his truly fantastic Panther Kallista, again in V6 guise. Those Omega's are a rare sight nower days. Dad being him self, carefully placed a 'hole' in the exhaust, gave it a really tasty raspy note to the exhaust. I do miss that car.

[@longtailgt]

I personally think the 1st gen CLS was a gorgeous car! I still remember having a car magazine when that car was released, with a comparison review vs the W211 E-Class, and the CLS looked so much more posh and fancy! By comparison, I didn't like the 2nd gen that much on the looks department but the shooting brake sure looks amazing! It's unfortunate they didn't sell many of them that they've become so uncommon, in AMG guise or otherwise. Speaking of, I'd love to see a non-AMG CLS shooting brake on this channel as well!

[@vindevhunta4905]

Beautiful 😍 Veeee8 goodness

[@R-Tap]

Always liked any version and flavour of CLS. This super rare shooter added to it coolness. A rare sight even in CDi guise.

[@Mikaelsson]

I actually saw a Opel Omega to this weekend 👀 thought the same thing as you 😄 It all-saw had a caravan attached to it

[@pev3054]

The first four door coupe in my memory is the Mazda 323 (Lantis)

[@jasonbanks9618]

My daily is a very high spec CLS coupe. When I was 21, it was a Rover P5B coupe with a 3.9, Holley etc.

[@KnowPorcelain1]

The CLS 63amgS shooting break is quite a rare car, agree though the 5.5 ltr is better than the 4ltr, but the NA 6.2 is the better sounding.

[@vinceunlimited]

Interesting fact about the CLS. In saloon form it was a 4 seater with a rear centre console. As an estate it had a bench style seat that could seat three [three seatbelt sets]

[@kofib3]

Theres one CLS shooting brake near me parked up looking tired and with the rear suspension collapsed. I think the owner just don't give a toss that it's rare and could be a future classic.. 🤷🏽

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Maybe the owner just simply gave up on the Nazi shitbox?

[@richardelson3261]

There’s one in my street in black and I dig it.

[@michaelhughes6189]

Sat to hear it's discontinued! In the UAE the CLS seems to be one of the most common cars, more common than the E-class, possibly less than the S-class. However, if you want to see where the MB "four door coupe" came from, consider that the internal nickname during the development of the first CLS was the "jag fighter" - it was intended to take on the X308 XJ. As for the line about "there's only the A7 left", there's also the five-door A5 and the BMW 4-series and 8-series GCs. Again, there are a lot of 4GCs in the UAE - probably more than the 3 series.

[@jamesonslow]

Erm... 4 door coupé... the Mazda RX-8 kind of ticks that bodystyle box (if not that level of sheer power).

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

OMG I just laughed so hard some wee came out. 😂

[@peterbratu]

Came close a few times buying one, but none were in the right spec. Amazing car, one of my all-time favourites.

[@davekennedy6315]

Jay, to see just how far you've come over the years with these superb roadtests is so awesome. You are our younger, modern, non sexist/racist/xenophobic and much less cliche'd Clarkson. A great car reviewer that revels in reviewing ALL cars no matter how obscure or run of the mill. Thank you and congratulations on your ever expanding subscribers and viewer count.

[@veemacks7255]

Almost bought one of those but tried a S212 E500T 4Matic with 408bhp and not so harsh suspension and found it to be much better. No regrets after all. I think they didn't sell it in the U.K.

[@realnoftie]

That is a masterpiece of a car

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Great choice of Car & Great Video as always James

[@pipppppin]

Fantastic looking car we’ve got the 350D pure luxury and the smoothist ride remapped to 300bhp and getting 40+mpg there’s nothing that can replace this at the moment on the market.

[@LRSTGS]

I have a 2015 C218 CLS...I had a Jag XF before. The interior quality and infotainment is better in the Merc, but the Jag rode a lot better, steered a lot nicer, and the gearbox mapping was much better in the Jag. I love the way the CLS looks, especially in blue with cream leather as mine is...but I very often find myself thinking I would probably have been better off with another XF.

[@pcpedroariel]

Steering in the XF better? The steering in those early XFs was atrocious. The car is awesome (ride I concur 100%), the gearbox is nice as well. But the steering in the XF is its worse trait. Jag's of new improved steering massively.

[@an-dr6eu]

Rode better? How? Didnt you want to say drove better?

[@LRSTGS]

​@@an-dr6eu No I meant rode. The ride quality was better. It's common terminology to describe how well the dampers and spring rates contribute to the absorption of bumps. Drive is more of a all encompassing term which you might use on the whole, but not to describe the ride quality.

[@LRSTGS]

​@@pcpedroariel Perhaps there's something wrong with my specific Mercedes, but the steering in the Jaguar felt much more communicative. Not by any means the most communicative steering system I've ever experienced, but the Mercedes feels over assisted by comparison and gives me less information through the wheel. It has to be said that both systems leave a lot to be desired in terms of "feel" but I always preferred the Jag'. Perhaps as I say there's something adrift with my specific Mercedes, tracking/tyres can make quite a difference to steering feel I suppose.

[@peterwhitehead2453]

That Omega! 😂 I used to drive one because I worked for GM Europe in Germany and it was the best company option I could choose from…so I chose a manual in black. It was actually a fair challenger to the BMW 5 series at the time and could do 220 km/h on the Autobahn comfortably….I mean I would have preferred an E39 obviously!

[@britishbluetess]

Had my heart set on a diesel version…went to test drive felt so claustrophobic, like I was sitting in an Easter egg!

[@MrMikusha]

CLS first gen was exceptionally beautiful…

[@owenshebbeare2999]

"They're awful, they're evil, they should be banned!". Definitely sounds like Clarkson, and have to agree.

[@wana.me003]

I love this car!

[@chawenhalo0089]

Quattroporte seemed to really kick off sexy saloons at the time

[@davidbentley4731]

I am so disappointed they discontinued this. My dream car (that’s not a Porsche)

[@grahamsmith2022]

It's a million times cooler and better looking than a crossover but then what isn't?,these are a nice looking car.

[@ianhindmarsh882]

That's my dream car, right there!

[@randoroberts]

I'd point to the AMC Eagle as the first I could think of.

[@tylerlange4949]

Always wanted a CLS Estate/Wagon. Sadly all the cool Wagon versions of MB, Audi, and BMW cars were rarely sold here in the US. Guess I'll have to wait 20 years to import one.

[@nickyoung4799]

You could get a couple of Springer Spaniels in the boot. It's a shooting brake after all 😅

[@deanlagalle8694]

I think the first ‘modern’ coupe/saloon was the 1998 Australian Ford Falcon AU model. This was updated to the BA model with a new nose and tail but still using the same doors due lackluster sales. Interesting to see the difference.

[@davegrindey7823]

Probably not the earliest (may be an early Audi?) but the 4 door coupe I remember (my first car) was a Rover SDI.

[@PenryMMJ]

The Standard Vanguard from 1947 would be the first 4 door coupe. The first with Coupe in its name is the Rover P5, 1962.

[@Chrissy-H]

What a compelling car. I’d be looking to get one were it not for a mad oversight from Mercedes… you cannot mount a towbar to this car. Come on guys, zero towing capacity on a wagon?!? Same with the older rs6’s (thankfully the brand new ones can!) and RS4’s… what’s the point in a do it all wagon when it can’t do it all?

[@MrLg55555]

I think you will find that you can mount a tow bar on the Shooting Brake... I regularly see one near where I live in the UK...

[@Chrissy-H]

@@MrLg55555 Not legally for the 63. The standard kit from a diesel will probably fit, as the chassis is probably the same (unless the exhaust gets in the way) but it has a type approved towing weight of zero. Same issue with older RS6's and RS4's... the bars will fit but its not legal.

[@marcdavis2840]

If you don't like the looks, but want the practicality, you can buy the same engine and box in the AMG E63 wagon (estate) Stick decent rubber on it and unless you are trying to set a lap record the car handles superbly. I would concur with the fuel economy. The cold starts in the morning are glorious 😁 Nice review James 👍

[@MrLg55555]

It's still "only" an E Class though... Fast but boring to look at estate... Not a patch on the CLS63 Shooting Brake... I own a CLS Shooting Brake AMG 63S so know what I'm talking about...

[@vedadrokkor]

I saw it once in Berlin and never again. Rare car for sure.

[@tomy5885]

The c219 cls is a stunningly beautiful car and I won’t take any other opinion, sorry jay. Not a single ‘odd proportion‘ on the entire car. Unfortunately couldn’t ever own one because so does every shisha bar owner in the country.

[@godspeed6315]

Haha that’s my model aswell James as you know I emailed you about showcasing mine , anyway I have this very model too!, it’s in hyacinth red shooting S only thing it’s got louder abit with 730 bhp 😁

[@EAD_0]

Love these things, so rare as well 👌

[@murrieteacher]

Jay I normally go Lexus rather than MB. The MB has lost its build quality. But this var is a pleasant design. I really think they got that rear end right. Unfortunately, here in Australia they are asking at least 50% more for them.

[@williamwilliams7838]

1950s Ford Fairlane 4 door pillarless coupe. Earlier than the p5 coupe.

[@greathey1234]

1st 4dr saloon was possibly the Rover P5

[@JonnyPsyclo]

I'd be interested to hear you do reviews of premium sound systems B&O, Harman Kardon etc etc and regardless of the car manufacturer, explain to us why a premium sound system in one car is worth it, when in another car, the 'same' system isn't and sounds mediocre. 🙏🙏

[@simonburleigh5551]

James I think that the first saloon coupe would be the Citroen DS 19 of 1955.

[@Spenny909]

Interesting video, particularly as I often wonder about having more sensible cars. If having an estate, I'm guessing the coolest would be an Alpina, or an M5 Touring.

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

What a beautiful sound.

[@tonybhogal8112]

I'm on my 4th CLS, I've owned my 2013 w218 CLS63 for the last 4 years and I absolutely love it. Not the last word in driver involvement, but the sense of theatre and luxury seals it for me. I can highly recommend a dyno remap and resonator delete... 704bhp and 1042nm. Definitely needs an LSD though!!

[@majoriix]

Think the Rover P5 coupe was the first 4 door, the only difference was the roofline was a few inches shorter than the Saloon.

[@philiptidmarsh]

I think the Rover p5b Coupe is the first mass produced 4 door coupe although there may have been some coach built cars before that.

[@Pandamasque]

There's AMG GT 4-door which continues this lineage.