Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake Takes Design Trophy 2013

Each year German automotive magazine Auto Zeitung polls its readers to decide on the best-designed cars of the year to select its Design Trophy. This year 24,200 Auto Zeitung readers and online voted on the best-designed cars in the subcompact car, compact car, executive cars/wagons/vans, SUV, sports car and overall categories. 

Voters chose the CLS Shooting BrakeMercedes-Benz CLS Shootin...Germany, 2012 > present8 photos
1 video
because they loved that the car combined the looks of a coupe with the utility of a wagon.

The new Mercedes A-ClassMercedes-Benz A-Class Gen.3 [W 176]Germany, 2012 > present33 versions
107 photos
won the compact car class with a commanding lead. It received 28.5% of the votes compared to the new A3Aston Martin Vanquish Gen.1 [AM310]United Kingdom, 2012 > present22 versions
70 photos
in second place, which received 18.3%. The voters liked the cars sporty lines and distinctive face.

The A1 SportbackAudi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI...Germany, 2012 > present2 photos
won the subcompact class with 30.8% of the vote. Voters preferred the added utility of the two extra doors and the contrasting black roof. However, this was the category with the closest voting. The Opel AdamOpel ADAM Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present25 versions
122 photos
was in second place with 29.1%. The Mini RoadsterMINI (BMW) Roadster Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present7 versions
53 photos
1 video
was a distant third with 13.9% of the votes. 

Opel was able to win the SUV category with the MokkaOpel Mokka Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present55 versions
81 photos
that had 27.9% of the votes. Voters liked its combination of powerful looks and small size. It beat out the much more expensive Range RoverLand Rover Range Rover (modern) Gen.3 [L405]United Kingdom, 2012 > present13 versions
30 photos
with 22% of the vote, and the Mokka's competitor, the Ford KugaFord KugaUnited Kingdom, 2008 > 201226 versions
49 photos
, with 20.2%.

The new Porsche Cayman SPorsche Cayman SGermany, 2013 > present5 photos
won the sports car class with 28.8%. Voters liked the longer, wider look of the new car. It barely beat out the Mercedes SLMercedes-Benz SL-Class Gen.4 [R231]Germany, 2012 > present17 versions
76 photos
with 27.1% and new Aston Martin VanquishAston Martin VanquishUnited Kingdom, 2012 > present11 photos
with 19% of the votes.

Auto Zeitung combines executive cars, wagons and vans into a single category. The CLS Shooting Brake dominated the class. It took 38.1% of the votes in the class to beat the Maserati QuattroporteMaserati Quattroporte Gen.6Italy, 2013 > present26 versions
41 photos
with 29.9% and BMW 6 Series Gran CoupeBMW 640i Gran CoupeGermany, 2012 > present7 photos
with 17.9%.

3. Compact class: Volkswagen Golf

In the compact segment, the new Volkswagen Golf makes it onto the third spot with 14,4% of the votes. The bestseller model from Wolfsburg ranks behind the...

2. Compact class: Audi A3

Audi A3, that conquered 18,3% of total votes and was only surpassed by the...

1. Compact class: Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes A-Class with 28,5% of votes. The new compact model convinced the readers with its completely re-worked looks and proofs Mercedes is on the right track with its latest product offensive.

3. Subcompact class: MINI Roadster

The Mini Roadster opens the podium in the subcompact segment. Its design earned this open-top model 13,9% of votes. Next-up comes the...

2. Subcompact class: Opel ADAM

Opel ADAM. At least in terms of styling, Opel seems to be doing something right then, now it remains to e seen if this popularity will also translate into rising profit margins for the troubled manufacturer.

1. Subcompact class: Audi A1 Sportback

Design champion in the subcompact class is the Audi A1 Sportback that wins with a small margin over the Opel Adam and takes 30,8% of votes in its segment.

3. SUV segment: Ford Kuga

Ford's Kuga makes it to the third position in this popular segment and convinces 20,2% of readers with its design.

2. SUV segment: Land Rover Range Rover

Next-up in this class is a British classic - the Land Rover Range Rover - that has just seen an big refresh and comes along as a new generation. The audience applauds and gives 22,0% approval for the new styling.

1. SUV segment: Opel Mokka

On top amongst the SUVs, with 27,9% of votes, is the Opel Mokka. It was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and is part of Opel's effort to enter the growing sub-compact SUV market in Europe.

3. Sportscar segment: Aston Martin Vanquish

One of the few non-German cars on this list is the Aston Martin Vanquish, that makes it to third position amongst the sports cars with a total vote of 19,0%.

2. Sportscar segment: Mercedes-Benz SL

Second amongst the sportier models comes the Mercedes-Benz SL with 27,1&. It was only narrowly beaten by the...

1. Sportscar segment: Porsche Cayman

...Porsche Cayman with 28,8% of votes. POrsche just launched the new Cayman generation last autumn and it is true candy to the eye.

3. Executive segment: BMW Gran Coupe

In the final, executive category, BMW scores a third position with its new 6-Series Gran Coupé that earned 17,7% of readers' votes.

2. Executive segment: Maserati Quattroporte

The only Italian on this list, Maserati Quattroporte, makes it to the second position in the executive segment and convinces 29,9% of readers with its design.

1. Executive segment: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

However, the absolute winner, not only of this segment but of the entire ranking, is the stunning Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. 38,1% of votes not only gave it the lead over BMW and Maserati but it was also elected the most beautiful new car in 2013. Congratulations!

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Source: Auto Zeitung