| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2004-07) Daimler AG (2007-present) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2004-present[1] |
| Model years | 2005-present 2006-present (export markets) |
| Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany Toluca, Mexico |
| Class | Executive car |
| Body style | sedan/4-door coupé/fastback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Production | 2004-2010 |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2005-2010 2006-2011 (export markets) |
| Engine |
3.0L Diesel V6 224 hp 2004-2011 3.0L Diesel V6 272 hp 2009-2011 3.5L 272 hp (203 kW) V6 (2006-2010) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 112.4 in (2,855 mm) |
| Length | 2006-08: 193.0 in (4,902 mm) 2009-2011: 193.6 in (4,917 mm) 2009-2011 AMG: 193.5 in (4,915 mm) |
| Width | 73.7 in (1,872 mm) |
| Height | 2006-08: 54.7 in (1,389 mm) 2009-2011: 55.7 in (1,415 mm) 2009-2011 AMG: 55.9 in (1,420 mm) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz W211 |
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an executive-size sedan originally launched in 2004 and based on the W211 E-Class platform and was internally designated as the C219. The second generation CLS-Class was introduced in September 2010 and production started in the beginning of 2011.
Contents |
The CLS marked Mercedes-Benz's return to the executive-size coupe market since the (W124) E-Class Coupe (a two-door sedan) went out of production in 1995. The (W210) E-Class did not spawn a coupe variant, as Mercedes-Benz choose instead to introduce a smaller coupe based on the compact C-Class, the CLK-Class. However, the CLK-Class was built with a lengthened C-Class wheelbase so it could be slotted as a mid-sized vehicle, and it also featured styling cues, engines, and similar pricing to the (W210) E-Class to give the impression that the (W124) E-Class Coupe had been directly replaced.
Marketed as a four door coupe, the CLS recalls the fastback saloon designs of Robert Opron (born 1932) in the 1970s but is actually the work of the influential American automotive designer, Michael Fink (born 1967), who styled the first CLK, the C-Sportcoupe, and is known as the stylist who penned the Maybach 57 and 62. According to a Mercedes-Benz press release, the CLS-class was produced to combine the "strong, emotive charisma" of a coupe with the "comfort and practicality" of a saloon. Save for its four-door design, the CLS's design tends towards a coupe, as its sleek roofline reduces the rear passenger room to a 2+2 arrangement, and it offers a smaller selection of engines tending towards high powered of the range, compared to contemporary sedans such as the E-Class.[2]
The CLS name also caused some to confuse it as the four-door version of the CL-Class, the full-sized coupe based on the S-Class. Due to the popularity of the CLS-Class, other manufacturers are offering similar four-door fastback sedans, such as the Volkswagen Passat CC, Citroën C6 and Honda Civic.
The first generation of the CLS, the Mercedes-Benz C219, was based upon the W219 platform, a W211 E-Class spin-off that is six inches (152 mm) longer. IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision concept to the production version. More than 150 IVM engineers were involved, making the CLS the largest vehicle development project in the company's history.
The CLS-class was first displayed as the Vision CLS concept at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The production version CLS 500 made its debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. A new AMG model was introduced at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the CLS 55 AMG. Only 3,000 CLS 55 AMG cars were to be built each year.
On sale in Europe in 2004, the CLS was offered for sale in the United States in January 2005 as the CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG. In 2006, Mercedes phased out both the 5.0L in the CLS 500 and 5.5L Supercharged V8 in the CLS 55 AMG in favor of two new 5.5L and 6.2L V8s. This resulted in the 2007 model year name change to the CLS 63 AMG (6.2L V8) and CLS 550 (5.5L V8) in the United States. The CLS 500 badge continues to be used in various markets with the 5.5L V8 motor.
Mercedes-Benz has planned a yearly production of 30,000 units worldwide, of which about 10,000 will be shipped to the U.S. market. The CLS 550 has a base price of US$65,620, with the CLS 55 starting at US$87,320. CLS63 starts at $92,500 for a base model, and is offered with steering wheel mounted paddles (F1 style), and 19" wheels for the US market. It was assembled by Daimler AG in Sindelfingen, Germany and Mercedes-Benz Mexico in Toluca, Mexico.
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS 320 CDI |
3.0 L diesel V6 | 165 kW (224 hp DIN) | 510 N·m (380 ft·lbf) | 7.0 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 320 CDI |
3.0 L diesel V6 | 165 kW (224 hp DIN) | 540 N·m (380 ft·lbf) | 6.7 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 350 CDI |
3.0 L diesel V6 | 165 kW (224 hp DIN) | 540 N·m (380 ft·lbf) | 7.0 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 350 |
3.5 L M272 V6 | 200 kW (272 hp DIN) | 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) | 7.0 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 350 CGI | 3.5 L M272 V6 | 215 kW (292 hp DIN) | 365 N·m (269 ft·lbf) | 6.7 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 500 (2006) | 5.0 L M113 V8 | 228 kW (306 hp DIN) | 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf) | 6.1 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 550 CLS 500 (2007-) |
5.5 L M273 V8 | 281 kW (388 hp DIN) | 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf) | 5.1 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 55 AMG (2006) | Supercharged 5.4 L AMG M113 V8 |
350 kW (493 hp DIN) | 715 N·m (516 ft·lbf) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CLS 63 AMG | 6.2 L AMG M156 V8 | 378 kW (514 hp DIN) | 630 N·m (465 ft·lbf) | 4.5 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
Mercedes-Benz has put all of its latest safety features into the CLS-class. In addition to front airbags, there are side-impact airbags in the front seats and side curtain airbags throughout. The car features a "smart" sensor system for the seatbelts and airbags that can detect and react to accident severity. An optional Pre-Safe system predicts an impending collision; when the system is activated, the seatbelts tighten, the front passenger seat adjusts to crash positioning, and the sunroof closes automatically. Mercedes-Benz engineers describe the feature as a human-like reflex system.
The air suspension has three settings. The default setting, "Comfort", is ideal under normal driving conditions, stiffening as the car's speed increases. "Sport 1" and "Sport 2" settings give the car more agility on winding and bumpy roads. The car can also be raised three inches (76 mm), if needed.
The CLS-class comes with a choice of four interior colors, three types of leather and two kinds of wood. Leather interior comes standard, with Nappa leather upholstery available on designo models. Burl walnut and dark laurel wood interior trim are available in either a high-gloss or silk matte finish. Leather colors include Black, Basalt Gray, Sunset Red and Cashmere. New scratch-resistant exterior paint is three times as durable as past exterior finishes.
There are 33 inches (838 mm) of rear legroom, which is not quite as accommodating as the 35.6 inches (904 mm) available in the E-Class. Elbow room is generous at 57 inches (1448 mm). The trunk can hold 16 cubic feet (453 L) of cargo.
The following features are standard in all models: heated auto-dimming mirrors, outside temperature gauge, rain-sensing wipers and projector-beam headlights. Also standard is a Thermatic automatic climate control system; this system assesses and adjusts interior temperature and humidity levels and filters the air in the cabin. There are dual controls in both the front and rear seats.
Other available features include: self-cleaning bi-xenon HID headlamps, distronic radar-guided cruise control, power sunroof, keyless go, drive authorization system and Parktronic parking sensors. Available electronics include: COMAND control system, GPS navigation and surround sound audio.
The CLS 55 AMG and CLS 63 AMG are modified versions of the CLS produced by Mercedes-AMG. Features exclusive to AMG models include: perforated sport seats, 18 inch (457 mm) light-alloy wheels with wider tires (for the UK), 19 inch five spoke light-alloy wheels (standard in North America, optional for all other markets), large air inlets and quad chromed oval exhaust pipes.
| Calendar year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 2004 | n/a[3] |
| 2005 | 14,835[4] |
| 2006 | 10,763 |
| 2007 | 7,906[5] |
| 2008 | 5,775 |
| 2009 | 2,527[6] |
| 2010 | 2,135[7] |
| Production | 2011-present |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2011-present 2012- (export markets) |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 4.7L V8 5.5L V8 2.1L Diesel I4 3.0L Diesel V6 6.2L V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic 7-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 in (2,875 mm) |
| Length | 194.5 in (4,940 mm) AMG: 196.7 in (4,996 mm) |
| Width | 74.1 in (1,882 mm) |
| Height | 55.8 in (1,417 mm) AMG: 55.4 in (1,407 mm) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz W212 |
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the second generation CLS-Class in late August 2010 sharing the same concept as the 2004 version, but with the design direction changing with a more aggressive front. The CLS is available in 4-cylinder and V6 diesel variants and 6 and V8 petrol variants. The CLS 63 AMG version was launched at the start of 2011 and featured a new 5.5 L biturbo engine. This marks it the first time the CLS-Class had a manual transmission.
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Fuel Consumption/Efficiency (EU-Norm combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol Engines[8] | ||||||
| CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY | 2011- | 3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 | 301 PS (221 kW; 297 hp) | 370 N·m (270 lb·ft) | 6.0 sec | 6.9 L/100 km (34 mpg-US) |
| CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY | 2011- | 4,663 cc (4.663 L; 284.6 cu in) twin-turbo V8 | 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp) @5,000-5,750 | 600 N·m (440 lb·ft)@1600-4750 | 5.1 sec | 9.0 L/100 km (26 mpg-US) |
| CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY | 2011- | 4,663 cc (4.663 L; 284.6 cu in) twin-turbo V8 | 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp) @5,000-5,750 | 600 N·m (440 lb·ft)@1600-4750 | 5.0 sec | 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg-US) |
| CLS 63 AMG | 2011- | 5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 | 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp)@5250-5750 | 700 N·m (520 lb·ft)@1750-5000 | 4.4 sec | 9.7 L/100 km (24 mpg-US) |
| CLS 63 AMG with Performance Package | 2011- | 5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 | 549 PS (404 kW; 541 hp)@5250-5750 | 800 N·m (590 lb·ft)@1750-5000 | 4.3 sec | 9.7 L/100 km (24 mpg-US) |
| Diesel Engines[8] | ||||||
| CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY | 2011- | 2,143 cc (2.143 L; 130.8 cu in) I4 | 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) | 500 N·m (370 lb·ft)@1600-1800 | 7.0 | 5.3 L/100 km (44 mpg-US) |
| CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY | 2011- | 2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 | 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) | 620 N·m (460 lb·ft)@1600-2400 | 6.2 | 6.1 L/100 km (39 mpg-US) |
| CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY | 2011- | 2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 | 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) | 620 N·m (460 lb·ft)@1600-2400 | 6.2 | 6.6 L/100 km (36 mpg-US) |
Mercedes-Benz presented their new idea of how future second generation CLS-Class should look at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show CLS Shooting Brake concept which is an estate wagon based on CLS platform and will probably become an addition to CLS-class model line.[9]
It is a version created by Brabus. The original engine was replaced by a 6.3-litre V12 engine and the suspension, brakes and automatic transmission are optimized.