The third generation of the original
The new CLS is a preview of the evolution of Mercedes-Benz's design philosophy, easily recognizable by its clear design with reduced lines. Its most striking features are the shape of the grille, whose contour widens downwards, and the forward-leaning front. Other characteristic elements are the wide, low headlights and the taillights divided into two sections. At the same time, its design takes up the charismatic and timeless character of the first CLS, which created a new market segment and became a design icon in a very short time. The CLS will have a new range of engines: groups of six and four cylinders in line, in diesel and gasoline versions. Like the predecessor model, the character of the third generation CLS exemplarily embodies refined sportiness. The coupé is a highly attractive vehicle, which impresses with excellent comfort on long journeys and noise levels and impresses with its innovations.
With the presentation of the CLS in 2003, Mercedes-Benz founded a new market segment: that of vehicles that combine the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. Mercedes-Benz is now launching the third generation, betting more strongly than ever on the charismatic and unique character of the reference model. The arched beltline, the low and stylized profile of the side windows and the low height of the cabin reveal that pure CLS blood runs through the veins of the new model.
At the same time, it is a new example of the evolution of the design canon based on sensual clarity. The relevance of the grooves and lines on the bodywork has been significantly reduced. Added to this are numerous design details that demonstrate its belonging to the current range of Mercedes-Benz coupes. Its excellent aerodynamic properties are evident in a coefficient cx of 0,26.
The CLS engine range is completely new. On the launch date, the six-cylinder engines are offered in the Spanish market:
- CLS 350 d 4MATIC (210 kW/286 HP, 600 Nm; combined fuel consumption 5,6 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the combined cycle 148 g/km)
- CLS 450 4MATIC (270kW + 16kW/367 HP + 22 HP; combined fuel consumption 7,8 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the combined cycle 178 g/km)[1].
[1] The indicated values have been determined according to the prescribed measurement procedure. These are “WLTP-CO values”.2 according to article 2, no. 3 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Fuel consumption has been calculated based on these values.
In addition to the powertrains planned for the launch date, basic versions of the gasoline and diesel engines will be introduced starting in the fall of this year. These engines also come from the new generation of Mercedes-Benz mechanics and stand out for their efficiency, combined with outstanding driving pleasure.
But the CLS is not only sporty, it is also comfortable. This is demonstrated by the AIR BODY CONTROL running gear, the ENERGIZING comfort control and the infotainment systems with In-Car-Office, smartphone integration via Mercedes-Benz Link and wireless charging of these devices. The touch panel with controller located on the center console allows you to operate numerous comfort functions and make adjustments, offering tactile and acoustic feedback.
The CLS has complete standard equipment that includes, among others, High Performance LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels with wider tires at the rear, lane change detector, speed limit indicator, and the 12,3-inch display. of the multimedia system, ambient lighting (including illuminated ventilation diffusers), Mercedes me connect services and communication module with LTE. Additionally, for the Spanish market, outstanding equipment is added to the standard equipment such as: rear camera, folding rear bench in 40:20:40 proportions, SD card navigation system, open-pore gray ash wood trim (including center console ) and the Mercedes me services “Vehicle settings” and “Vehicle tracking”.
Exterior: refined sportiness in the style of Mercedes-Benz coupes
«The new CLS is the archetype of the four-door coupé and has become a design icon. In accordance with our design philosophy, captured in the term sensual clarity, we have opted for the most absolute purism in its DNA, giving it at the same time an emotional charge and elegant beauty," comments Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG.
Among the most striking details on the front is the diamond-effect grille with a single slat typical of Mercedes-Benz coupes. The grille silhouette widens downward, mimicking the grille profile of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The hood is completely framed by the surface of the body. The wide and very stylized headlights, with sides sloping inward, reproduce the dynamic design of the grille.
The most characteristic features of the lateral design are the high beltline - arched along the body - and the low-slung, sporty-style cabin with frameless windows. The forward-sloping front mimics the profile of a shark's nose, while the bonnet completely integrated into the body visually extends its length.
A typical feature of the CLS is the muscular rear shoulders, the line of which integrates fluidly into the lower rear. The distinctive features of Mercedes coupes include the rear lights divided into two sections, the rear reflectors integrated into the bumper, the position of the license plate on the bumper and the star located on the trunk lid. Under this element the reversing camera is mounted, standard for the Spanish market.
The LED rear lights in Edgelight design produce a three-dimensional image similar to the headlights with their glass effect. The low position of the lights accentuates the width of the vehicle.
Interior: homogeneous color concept, widescreen cockpit
The luxurious interior of the CLS Coupé is characterized by a sharp basic shape which, like the design of the exterior, is made up of fluid and sensual shapes. Added to this is the use of high quality materials and matching finishes.
The spacious and sporty driving position, as well as the color combination, produce a pleasant feeling of space. The wavy line of the design extends from the front door to the rear door and opens at the height of the B-pillar, reinforcing the impression of dynamism.
As a novelty, the ambient lighting now includes illuminated ventilation diffusers, whose shape is reminiscent of an airplane turbine. The handcrafted character of the seats accentuates the sporty impression. As an option, a widescreen driving position with a high-resolution screen is offered. The two 12,3-inch displays that make up this device are presented under a single glass that covers both screens without transitions. The center console appears to float in the void thanks to a superimposed trim element made of open-pore or glossy wood.
The driver can configure the fully digitalized cockpit according to his particular needs or the driving situation. For this, three different styles are offered that allow you to create an environment adapted to individual preferences, mood or interior equipment. The "Classic" and "Sport" styles feature a basic structure with two tubes, while the "Progressive" style is based on a central tube-shaped instrument.
Ambient lighting with 64 colors, ten color concepts and two effects accentuates the modern living room atmosphere. Temperature settings are displayed through the illuminated air diffusers.
The seats have been designed exclusively for this model series. The seat surface is carefully stitched with horizontal or vertical lines, depending on the equipment. The side seats in the rear have a configuration similar to that of the front seats, suggesting a sporty image of individual seats. However, the CLS Coupé is a five-seater car for the first time. The backrests can be folded separately in a 40:20:40 ratio (standard equipment in the Spanish market) and allow the basic trunk capacity of 520 liters to be expanded, depending on needs.
Well-being cure on long journeys: ENERGIZING comfort control
The ENERGIZING comfort control (optional equipment) connects different vehicle comfort systems together. Selectively combines functions of the air conditioning (including ambience), seats (heating, ventilation, massage) and surface and steering wheel heating, as well as different lighting and music effects, enabling a specifically tailored wellness setting to customer preferences. This has a positive impact on the driver's well-being and ability to concentrate.
These six programs can be selected:
- Freshness
- Heat
- Vitality
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Wellness
- Training (three training series—muscle relaxation, muscle activation, balance—with several exercises each).
Intelligent Drive: technique from the S-Class
The new generation of the CLS follows in many ways in the footsteps of the new S-Class. The CLS can be equipped with the driving assistance package, which includes the latest generation of driving assistance systems to provide assistance to the driver. depending on the route.
The offering of safety and driving assistance systems follows a modular structure. Standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Speed Limit Indicator and PRE-SAFE occupant protection system.®. A novelty that is also incorporated in all models is PRE-SAFE® Sound. This equipment prepares the internal organs of the human ear to the noises that may occur as a result of a collision.
El driving assistance package optional includes active distance assist DISTRONIC, active steering assist, active limit speed assist, active braking assist with crossing function, evasive maneuver assist, active blind spot monitoring, active gearshift detection rail and PRE‑SAFE system® PLUS. The active distance assistant DISTRONIC and the active steering assistant help even more comfortably to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and to control the steering. It is capable of automatically adapting the speed also in curves, or when approaching a roundabout or an intersection. The active lane change assistant has also been significantly improved (individual functions may differ between countries). If the driver wants to change lanes on a multi-lane road (detected through navigation data) while driving within a speed range of 80 to 180 km/h, it is sufficient to briefly press the turn signal. He driving assistance package Plus also includes PRE-SAFE® Lateral Impulse. This system moves the front seat occupants laterally towards the center of the vehicle, and can thus prepare them to withstand the stresses resulting from a side impact and reduce the risk of injury.
Thanks to improved camera and radar sensor systems, the new CLS can even better scan the traffic around it. This equipment also uses cartographic and navigation data to calculate appropriate behavior.
The driver recognizes at all times – with a simple glance at the “Assistance Graph” menu on the instrument panel – which assistance functions he has selected and which situations the corresponding systems are reacting to at any given time. The icons inform you clearly, both on the screen and partly on the head-up display. All functions are now controlled from the steering wheel.
When driving in slow-moving traffic on motorways and dual carriageways, the CLS can be stopped for up to 30 seconds and automatically resume driving following preceding vehicles (in combination with active parking assistance).
La ULTRA RANGE high beam of the MULTIBEAM LED headlights generates the maximum light intensity allowed by legislation. This means that the brightness of the high beam does not drop below the reference value of 1 Lux up to a distance greater than 650 metres. Another cutting-edge safety technology is Car-to-X-Communication. Information about dangerous situations detected by a vehicle in circulation is communicated to all other Car-to-X users, in order to warn drivers in time.
The running gear: choice between three variants
The new CLS has a four-link suspension on the front axle and five links on the rear axle. The standard equipment consists of a comfort running gear with mechanical suspension and dynamic harmonization. As an option, the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension is offered, which has a sporty basic setting and progressively adjustable damping on the front and rear axle. The driver can choose between "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+" the driving program they want. The AIR BODY CONTROL pneumatic suspension running gear is also available as an option, which has a more advanced damping system, with adaptive regulation. Using the driving program switch, the driver can choose the desired vehicle characteristic, from comfortable to sporty.
New range of engines with EQ Boost technology and 48-volt on-board network
The third generation of the CLS goes on sale with a range of completely new engines. On the launch date, six-cylinder in-line groups are introduced, in diesel and gasoline versions. Another typical feature of the four-door coupé is the wide range of 4MATIC models.
The new diesel engine fitted to the CLS 350 d has 210 kW/286 HP of power and 600 Nm of torque. Notable attributes of this version include the combustion process with stepped-cavity pistons, two-stage turbocharging and the use for the first time of the CAMTRONIC variable valve control. The construction design is characterized by the combination of an aluminum engine block and steel pistons, as well as the cylinder liners with NANOSLIDE coating.® improved. All components relevant to efficient emission reduction are mounted directly next to the engine.
The most powerful engine is the six-cylinder gasoline engine. The new in-line six-cylinder group with electrical assistance through EQ Boost (integrated starter alternator) and 48-volt electrical network is incorporated into this range in the CLS 450 4MATIC. Your power data: 270 kW/367 HP and 500 Nm, to which another 250 Nm of torque are temporarily added and 16 kW/22 HP of power supplied by the EQ Boost system. The electric motor integrated in the EQ Boost system supports the internal combustion engine when accelerating, makes driving without assistance from the combustion engine possible (gliding mode) and feeds the battery through highly efficient energy recovery. This makes it possible to benefit from consumption savings that, until now, were reserved for vehicles with high-voltage hybrid technology. In summary, the new inline six-cylinder engine makes it possible to enjoy the performance of an eight-cylinder group with much lower consumption. The CLS 450 4MATIC incorporates a particulate filter as standard.
Performance and efficiency: the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+
The new Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption 8,7 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the mixed cycle 200 g/km) combines a sporty design with dynamic performance and high efficiency. Its core is a new electrified engine with 3,0 liters of displacement and double supercharging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric additional compressor. The six-cylinder in-line engine develops 320 kW (435 HP) and provides a maximum torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator can briefly deliver up to 16 kW (22 HP) of power and an additional 250 Nm of torque, and also takes over the electrical supply from the 48-volt on-board network. Other notable technical details are the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT nine-speed transmission and the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive.
The new CLS models:
| CLS 350 d 4MATIC | CLS 450 4MATIC | Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC + | |||||
| Cylinders, number/arrangement | 6 / L | 6 / L | 6 / L | ||||
| Displacement (cm3) | 2.925 | 2.999 | 2.999 | ||||
| Rated power (kW/CV) | 210/286 | 270/367 | 320/435 | ||||
| Additional power EQ Boost (kW/HP) | - | 16/22 | 16/22 | ||||
| Rated motor torque (Nm) | 600 | 500 | 520 | ||||
| Mixed consumption (l/100 km)[2] | 5,6 | 7,8 | 8,7 | ||||
| CO emissions2 in the combined cycle (g/km)2 | 148 | 178 | 200 | ||||
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 5,7 | 4,8 | 4,5 | ||||
| Price from (euros)[3] | 77.500 | 77.400 | nd |
[1] The indicated values have been determined according to the prescribed measurement procedure. These are “WLTP-CO2 values according to Article 2, No. 3 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Fuel consumption has been calculated based on these values.
[2] Mixed consumption according to Euro 6d TEMP. The indicated values have been determined according to the prescribed measurement procedure. These are “WLTP-CO2 values according to Article 2, No. 3 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Fuel consumption has been calculated based on these values.
[3] Recommended RRP for the peninsula and the Balearic Islands (taxes and transport included).
