MB CLS-Class - In Depth

MB CLS-Class

Four-door Coupé a generation ahead

March 6, 2004 4:29 PM
Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz

Press Release

Model range and equipment

New avant-garde
  • Unique four-door Coupé concept
  • Coupé aesthetics with the comfort and practicality of a saloon
  • Extensive standard equipment to meet the most demanding highest comfort requirements
Developing new vehicle concepts – to set trends and influence automotive development – has always been a major aspect of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy. Throughout its more than 100-year history, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has always displayed the courage, expertise and leadership needed to go one step further and be the pacemaker in development. The many innovative vehicle concepts first implemented by Mercedes-Benz provide ample evidence of this. Back in 1901, the first model to be given the fine-sounding Mercedes name was one of many cars that have stood for something entirely new and set the standards for automotive development as a whole. It was followed by icons such as the 540 K Roadster in 1934, the 300 SL "Gullwing" (1954) and the 220 model with the first ever safety bodyshell (1959). In the modern era, cutting-edge concepts have paved the way for model series such as the Mercedes-Benz 190 (1982), the A-Class and the M-Class (both 1997), providing the impetus for the creation of new and successful market segments. The CLS-Class is the latest in an illustrious line of forward-looking car concepts: this four-door Coupé is further proof that Mercedes-Benz is always a step ahead of the field – a coupé generation ahead in this case. Never before have two such entirely different ideas – the stylistic appeal and strong emotive charisma of a coupé and the comfort and practicality of a saloon – been so elegantly blended together to form a single automotive entity. All of which makes the CLS-Class a truly shining coupé specimen. A valuable one-off that arouses pure desire. The concept, design and technology of this new Mercedes model series reflect the aspirations of modern people who lead active lives and are open to new trends. People who attach great importance to individuality, stylish aesthetics and sheer excitement. In other words: the new CLS-Class is a Coupé for the connoisseur -- for the passionate motorist who seeks and appreciates those really special things in life. Passion and practicality are equally high on the list of priorities for this most discerning of customer groups, since a love of elegant forms and the finest of materials always goes hand in hand with a desire for the very latest in no-holds-barred technology. The CLS-Class provides the very best of both worlds by displaying distinctive aesthetics in every detail and showcasing leading-edge technology. All backed by the high quality associated with Mercedes-Benz. Not to mention the renowned reliability which, alongside many other virtues, underpins the brand's impeccable reputation.
CLS 350: plenty of power from six cylinders
The new Mercedes model series initially has two variants, which are mainly distinguishable by their engines, wheel and tyre sizes and the level of specification. With the newly developed Mercedes six-cylinder engine (200 kW/272 hp) the CLS 350 offers an ideal combination of sporty handling dynamics and great comfort. In terms of output and torque this engine is one of the most powerful in its displacement class. Together with the standard-fitted 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, it forms a formidable team which achieves top-class values for acceleration and fuel consumption: 7.0 seconds for a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h and 10.1 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption). The standard equipment of the CLS 350 also meets the highest expectations. It includes:
  • 17-inch light-alloy wheels
  • 245/45 R 17 wide-base tyres
  • 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission
  • Adaptive front airbags with two-stage deployment according to impact severity
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Armrest between the seats with compartment below
  • ASSYST service indicator
  • Audio 20 CD radio
  • Automatic comfort-fit belts
  • Automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors
  • Belt force limiters at front and rear
  • Belt tensioners at front and rear
  • Central display in instrument cluster with trip computer
  • Central locking system
  • Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
  • Electrically adjustable front seats
  • ESP® with tyre pressure loss warning, ABS, acceleration skid control and Brake Assist
  • Fabric/leather seat upholstery
  • Headlamp Assist
  • Heated, electrically adjustable and automatically dimming exterior mirrors
  • Key-based remote boot lid unlocking
  • Leather-covered multifunction steering wheel
  • Outside temperature display
  • Power windows
  • Projection-type headlamps
  • Rain sensor
  • Rear and brake lights with LED technology
  • Rev counter
  • Sensotronic Brake Control (SBCâ„¢)
  • Sidebags for driver and front passenger
  • Silk matt burr walnut wood trim
  • Speed-sensitive power steering
  • THERMATIC automatic climate control
  • TIREFIT tyre repair kit
  • Tyre pressure loss warning based on ESP®
  • Windowbags
CLS 500: coupé excitement to perfection
Eight-cylinder comfort and sports car-like performance are offered by the top model CLS 500. Its V8 engine (225 kW/306 hp) also powers the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the SL Roadster. With a torque of 460 Newton metres it accelerates the four-door Coupé from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, interacting perfectly with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission. Driving enjoyment is also enhanced by standard AIRMATIC DC air suspension system, which constantly adapts the springs and shock absorbers to the current driving situation, and the THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control system. The standard equipment in the CLS 500 includes the following in addition to that in the CLS 350:
  • AIRMATIC DC air suspension
  • 18-inch light-alloy wheels
  • 245/40 R 18 wide-base tyres
  • THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control
Optional equipment: the best of everything
Innovative high-tech systems from the Mercedes luxury class make the new CLS Coupé even more desirable. The range of available options includes the following:
  • "Alustyle" basic carrier bars for the roof
  • 18-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design with mixed-size tyres
  • AIRMATIC DC (for CLS 350)
  • Anti-theft warning system
  • Audio 50 APS radio with navigation
  • Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and headlamp cleaning system
  • Bottle holder
  • COMAND control and display system, also with Europe-wide navigation
  • DISTRONIC proximity control
  • Dynamic multicontour seat
  • Exclusive leather upholstery
  • Glass tilting/sliding sunroof
  • Heated steering wheel
  • High-gloss or silk matt "laurel" wood trim
  • Infra-red reflecting glass all-round
  • KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system
  • LINGUATRONIC voice control
  • Luxury seats with active ventilation and heating
  • Memory function for seats, mirrors and steering wheel
  • Nappa leather upholstery
  • PARKTRONIC parking aid
  • Rear window blind
  • Remote boot lid locking
  • Sidebags in the rear
  • Ski-bag
  • Sound system with surround sound
  • Steering-wheel gearshift buttons and manual shift program
  • THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control (for CLS 350)
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Wood/leather steering wheel
The Mercedes-Benz designo range offers a further, extensive choice of options for further personalisation of the CLS Coupé.
Source: Text & photos courtesy DaimlerChrysler AG
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