Carrying the designation GT4, the newcomer will serve as an eventual replacement for the CLS Shooting Brake and ride on a the same MRA platform used by the C63, E63 and S65, albeit modified with unique wheelbase and width measurements.

Likely to feature styling derived from the AMG-GT, the GT4 will make extensive use of aluminium and hot-framed high-strength steel to save weight, with a bespoke suspension and revised steering also being rumoured.

Up front, it will use the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 as the AMG-GT but in two states of tune namely 4Matic+ and 4Matic+ S. As these names suggest, drive will go to all four wheels through Benz's 4Matic all-wheel drive system, harnessed by a seven-speed Speedshift MCT gearbox.

Unlike the AMG-GT though, the engine could also feature AMG's new Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which uses a 48 volt electrical system to power a 15 kW electric motor mounted within gearbox for instant start-up and added power for short periods. A lithium-ion battery pack could also be part of the final production model's setup. 

In addition, the GT4 might also get Benz's revived 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine as base offering along with the ISG, although this remains unconfirmed.

Expect more details closer to the GT4's Geneva debut.

IMAGE from autoforum.cz