What is a Shooting Brake?

[VanMariana]

Shooting Brake is a term used by Europeans to refer to three-door station wagons or elongated hatchback cars. Representative models include: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, Ferrari FF, Bentley Continental Flying Star, Ferrari 330 GT Shooting Brake, etc. Taking the Ferrari FF 2012 model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4907 mm, width 1953 mm, height 1379 mm, with a wheelbase of 2990 mm. The Ferrari FF 2012 is equipped with a 6.3L naturally aspirated engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a maximum power of 485 kW.

[Josh]

I have some knowledge about shooting brakes. These cars are essentially two-door luxury grand tourers, originally used by European nobility for hunting, hence the name. Their rooflines flow smoothly from the front all the way to the rear, giving them an exceptionally elegant and dynamic appearance. They feature a large hatchback trunk that can accommodate hunting rifles as well as plenty of luggage. Nowadays, many brands produce shooting brakes, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake or the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. The most fascinating aspect of driving a shooting brake is that it combines the aesthetics of a sports car with the practicality of a station wagon, making it perfect for weekend family trips—its trunk space is significantly larger than that of a typical coupe. However, shooting brakes are usually quite expensive, and their handling is more agile than that of regular station wagons, offering a lot of driving pleasure. If you're into niche yet practical models, this type is definitely worth considering.

[DiSadie]

I previously test drove several shooting brake models, and their most distinctive feature is the stylish design combined with ample cargo space. Originating from traditional European aristocratic hunting vehicles, they feature exceptionally large trunk designs capable of accommodating golf gear or even skis. The roofline is sleeker and lower than standard station wagons, with a more steeply raked rear window that gives it a sports car-like appearance. Market examples like the Ferrari FF or Mercedes-AMG GT Shooting Brake are quintessential representatives. What I find most appealing to young people about shooting brakes is their unique character - they retain performance car DNA while eliminating luggage space concerns. Modern shooting brakes also incorporate advanced tech features like adaptive air suspension for comfortable long-distance driving. However, the two-door design might slightly inconvenience rear passenger access.

[HoldenAnn]

Recently, I've been paying attention to car design and discovered that shooting brakes are essentially a hybrid of high-end station wagons and sports cars. They feature an exceptionally long rear end, an ultra-sloping rear window, and a large hatchback door, making the trunk space particularly spacious. In the past, the nobility used them to transport hunting rifles, but now they're super practical for carrying outdoor gear. What I find most impressive is that driving a shooting brake offers both prestige and practicality, making it more suitable for daily use than a regular sports car. Cars like the Porsche Panamera still retain the acceleration performance of a sports car, making them perfect for weekend trips with the dog.