2010 Beijing: Mercedes stuns with future CLS five-door

By John LeBlanc BEIJING - Alternating between the two major Chinese cities each April, it’s Beijing’s turn this year to host China’s annual international show. And so far during day One of two days of media presentations, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break concept looks to be the stunner of the show. With its fifth door, the Shooting Break looks like a car for those who don't want the formality of an E Class wagon and definitely better-looking rival to BMW’s 5 Series Gran Turismo. If the Shooting Break looks familiar, that's because it's an ev of the 2008 Paris show car, the Fascination concept. Mercedes will also preview an all-turbocharged CLS engine lineup. Expect a 3.5-litre V6 with “over” 300 hp, a 4.6-litre V8 with “around” 435 hp and a 5.5-litre AMG V8 with “up to” 563 hp that replaces the current 6.2-litre model. Expect to see a sedan in addition to this hatchback when the next-gen production CLS is unveiled, perhaps this fall at the Paris auto show.

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