THE low-slung estate car with cool coupe looks has become a high performance car too.

Only last month Mercedes-Benz revealed its new CLS Shooting Brake model due to hit the streets in November - now the German brand has announced a fiery AMG 63 version.

That means a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a power output range of 525 to 557bhp, a Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission and AMG Ride Control sports suspension.

The headline figures are a 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds, electronically limited top speed of 155mph, Combined fuel consumption of 27.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 235g/km.

And in addition to a raft of optional extras from the AMG performance studio to further boost the car's dynamics, there will also be a unique designer American open-pore cherry wood floor in the luggage compartment.

Like its CLS Shooting Brake stablemates, the four-door AMG version boasts seating for five and a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres.

That's a handy space given the flat lines of the roof, while access is made simple courtesy of an automatically opening tailgate.

More than a dozen driving assistance systems will be available as will automatic parking and full LED high performance headlamps, making it only the second car to feature this innovative, Mercedes-developed technology.

Exclusive touches include AMG sports seats in Nappa leather with multicontour seat and memory functions, piano black lacquer trim, AMG-specific analogue clock and an instrument cluster with main menu including Racetimer and AMG start-up screen.

Full spec and pricing has yet to be announced.