Mercedes-Benz is looking to create a niché market with the E-Class-based Vision CLS, the precursor to a sporty range of hardtop four or five seater vehicles due to go into production soon.
Mercedes-Benz is looking to create a niché market with the E-Class-based Vision CLS, the precursor to a sporty range of hardtop four or five seater vehicles due to go into production soon.
Unveiled at the international Frankfurt motor show, the CLS is the first official example of a car that automotive observers had expected to see ever since the E-Class was launched.
In April, DaimlerChrysler SA technical specialist Hans Leithgöb told CARtoday.com that Mercedes-Benz was developing a range that would have the styling and dynamism of a coupé and the practicality of a fully-fledged saloon.
The Stuttgart-based manufacturer embarked on this project because it there was a demand for that particular type of vehicle, especially on the Japanese market, he said. When the range goes on sale it will probably be named CLE and, should appeal equally to sports saloon buyers and traditional coupé owners.
“Our Vision CLS is a coupé generation ahead of the rest”, says Professor Jürgen Hubbert, member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management and head of the Mercedes Car Group. “The idea of a four-door coupé opens up exciting possibilities, the Vision CLS is aimed primarily at people who have a passion for motoring.”
The CLS is powered by a 195-kW six-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine fitted with a particulate filter and the car can reportedly accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Mercedes-Benz says the engine consumes 7,5 litres of fuel per 100 km and is fully compliant with the EU-4 emission standard.
As for the interior, there is a gap of 829 mm between the front and rear seats, which puts the Vision CLS firmly in saloon territory in terms of space. Furthermore, the boot of the Mercedes concept car holds 470 litres (VDA measuring method).
The body of the Vision CLS is 4910 mm long whilst the wheelbase length is 2854 mm and the interior is equipped with adaptive front airbags, windowbags and sidebags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all four seat. Further technical highlights of the Vision CLS include the Active Light System, Cornering Light and the electrohydraulic Sensotronic brake control system.
Mercedes-Benz combines the high-torque biturbo engine with the new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.