There has been rumors about this model and now many reports are confirming that the new generation of Mercedes CLS which will be unveiled later this year, will get a wagon-like shooting brake variant in 2012. It’s not a proper shooting brake of course, just as it’s not a full on station wagon. It’ll be a new niche something in between.

The CLS wagon will still offer four-doors and that swell coupe-like shape, but it is more practical thanks to the new rear-end. The main goal in designing such model, which will be based on the 2008 Fascination Concept pictured above, is to compete with BMW 5-Series GT.

For sure the Merc will be helluva lot nicer than that ugly Bimmer as far as the design matter, but there’s no guarantee that it won’t look weird! And that’s the case with every new niche in car design. It’ll take some time for people to get used to new things.

As for technicalities, the wagon variant will be identical to the rest of the CLS range and will be powered by the same powertrains.