Mercedes-Benz has brought extensive revisions to its CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake, giving these vehicles a fresh new coat for the next cycle of production runs.
Background
Ten years ago, when Mercedes founded the four-door coupé segment, it underlined its role as an innovative leader in automotive design. For the first time, in the form of the CLS, a car combined the elegance and dynamic nature of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. On top of this, the CLS was also the first vehicle to offer LED High Performance headlamps as an option, of course.
Come 2012 and Mercedes reinvented the game and launched the CLS Shooting Brake: a five-door model demonstrating, again, the brand from Stuttgart’s creativity. The Shooting Brake, with its five seats and large tailgate, was an attractive companion for active people who did not want to sacrifice sportiness or luggage space as part of stylish touring.
Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management, said: “With the CLS Coupé and the CLS Shooting Brake we have built design icons which also set the pulse racing faster in their latest incarnation courtesy of their enthralling lines. With new high-tech ingredients […] both models also define new cutting-edge technology.”
The design of the CLS-Class incorporates exciting proportions that has been subtly adapted to high-tech aspirations. With its long bonnet and downwards sloping roof, it remains, as ever, a gripping proposition. The CLS Shooting Brake offers a claimed total of 1 550 litres in load capacity, ideal for luggage or sport and leisure equipment. The overall design of the latest generations of both the CLS coupé and CLS Shooting Brake comes across as more dynamic, thanks to a new diamond radiator grille, a front bumper with large air intakes, multibeam LED headlamps and new tail lights with multi-level function.
Light technology
The latest incarnations of both the CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake will feature the new (optional) multibeam LED headlamps. The multibeam LED combines the very best of lighting technologies and can optimally adjust the light distribution instantly and automatically to almost any traffic situation, ensuring unrivalled broad and bright illumination of the road surface. Another feature of the multibeam LED technology is that a camera ‘reads’ road situations and senses other drivers. The technology will automatically adjust the CLS’s light brightness, thus ensuring that other road users can mutually benefit from the new technologies.
Inside Mercedes-Benz did not shy away from using high-quality materials. Emphasise has been placed on the sportiness, exclusivity and functional nature of the CLS even more. A 20,3 cm colour display unit adds to the dashboard’s contemporary looks. The CLS range now offers five interior colours, six trim finishes, as well as grades of leather ranging from leather to Exclusive Passion leather, which all offers a range of potential individualisation options.
A new AMG Line Plus aids the Exterior Sports package and AMG Line packages that has been available previously, in so doing extending the options to individualise the CLS-Class and lending it sports orientated expression, emphasising dynamism and exclusivity.
Engines
On the engine front the CLS range is powered by a range of engines offering both efficiency and sportiness. In total, five engines will be on offer, all complying to the Euro 6 standard. There are three diesel engines in the range: the CLS 220 BlueTEC with 125 kW and 400 N.m. of torque; the CLS 250 BlueTEC with 150 kW and 500 N.m.; and the CLS 350 BlueTEC offering a 190 kW and a mammoth 620 N.m. On the petrol front, a new 3,5-litre V6 engine with 245 kW and 480 N.m. on offer will debut in the CLS 400. This engine is up 20 kW and 110 Nm on power over the naturally aspirated unit it replaces. The CLS 500 with 300 kW and 600 N.m. heads the range with its power output.
As per usual, no Mercedes range will be completed without an AMG model. In the CLS two versions of Mercedes-Benz’s famed 5,5-litre V8 biturbo will be available, ranging from 410 kW to 430 kW. In ‘standard’ guise the CLS 63 AMG packs 410 kW and 720 N.m. The CLS 63 AMG will have the option of Merc’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive, while in S-guise, 430 kW and 800 N.m., the 4MATIC all-wheel drive comes standard.
Mercedes’s new 9G-tronic builds on the strengths of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS. The new gearbox promises to reduce fuel consumption, while enhancing shift comfort and agility.
Safety was not left behind and the CLS benefits from a range of new features and innovations Mercedes had come up with. Features such as Traffic Sign Assist, Active Parking Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist will feature, while systems from the S-Class can also be fitted as an option.
Expect the new Mercedes-Benz CLS to arrive before the end of the year.
– Charlen Raymond