Mercedes CLS: Past & Present

Adaptation and evolution seem to be nature’s way of creating balance, after all Darwin did state that survival is for the fittest. Car manufacturers are also under the control of nature, as such, they must always strive to be better than their rivals if they are to survive.

Concept

The CLS was launched as a concept in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the Vision CLS Concept. It was a four door coupe based on a stretched E- class chassis. Its unique design was a head turner at the show and it was hoped Mercedes would carry that design philosophy to production.

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CLS W219 First generation

The new car bore the same look and dimensions as those of the concept car. This was the first generation of the Mercedes CLS and it was a welcome return for Mercedes in the executive coupe market since 1995 (when it last produced the two door E-class coupe).

CLS W218 Second and Present Generation

This is the current generation of the CLS. It has received some redesigns to its shape and roof line which have made it more aerodynamic whilst increasing interior room.

Image credit: photo

Controlled Limber Spectacular

The CLS is powered by a variety of power plants of petrol and diesel to give them appeal to all interested parties. There are three diesels available for the CLS. The CLS 250CDI is an inline four unit that produces 200HP and 500Nm of torque. It does 0-60 in 7 seconds flat. Next up is the CLS 350CDI which comes in two variants each one producing 261HP and 620Nm of torque. The only difference is that one is fitted with the 4MATIC system (four wheel drive system). Acceleration from 0-60 is 6.2 seconds and top speed is rated at 155 mph.

The petrol engines start off with a 3.5 litre unit, the 350 it produces 297HP and 370Nm of torque, the acceleration from 0-60 is between 6 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h. The next engine is the CLS500 which is a 5.5litre unit producing 402HP and 600Nm of torque, 0-60 is done in 5.1 seconds with top speed limited at 155 mph. The CLS 500 4MATIC has similar performance to the CLS 500 but is fitted with the 4MATIC system.

The top of the range engine is the CLS63 produced by Mercedes motorsport division AMG. It pumps out 518HP and a massive 700Nm of torque. It does 0-60 in 4.4seconds and top speed is limited to 250km/h. A variant of the CLS63 AMG (the performance package) takes the horsepower to 541HP and adds 100Nm to the torque thereby shaving 0.1 seconds in its 0-60 sprint. Top speed is also limited to 155 mph.

All engines are powered by a seven speed automatic gearbox. The exception being the AMG versions that for the first time are fitted with a seven speed manual.

Curvaceous, Lithe & Sultry

The CLS foregoes the manufacturer’s more traditional styling adding sharper lines and curves to the body. The look is a combination of the marquee’s well known CLK convertible cars with the dimensions of the equally exquisite E-class. Additionally there is the sharp angled rear windscreen that adds a degree of uniqueness to the whole package. The wedge like shape is as seen in the new E-class but the CLS makes the look appear more dramatic.

The front grille now looks much more aggressive. The logo is larger dominating the centre grille with an overwhelming presence. The grille is also much sharper than its predecessor giving the car an immediate presence. The headlamps are large and tapered in design to add to the angular look. They also contain seventy LED lights with cornering ability (a first for LED lamps in a production vehicle). The hood is also more angular and steeper than the previous model which is a further improvment.

The sharply sloping rear windscreen gives it a unique look especially from the rear. Were it not for the iconic badge on the centre of the boot most people would think this is different brand of car all together.

Calming, Luxurious & Satisfying

As is the norm from Mercedes the CLS interior is built to last utilising the finest materials and craftsmanship. The exterior and chassis are borrowed from the E-class; however the interior borrows from the marquee’s range topper, the S-class. This means it combines minimalist and functional design. The use of fine grade leather and wood trim gives the classy interior a high grade quality finish.

The steering has the usual Mercedes styling about it with leather trim and easy access buttons for audio and cruise control. The odometers consist of three large dials that display all information necessary; they look particularly classy outlined in silver. The centre console is an elegant designed piece that displays information clearly allowing operation of any and all vehicle functions via the large touch screen. The wrap around cockpit design makes it easy for the driver to access the instruments easily.

As usual the car can be customised from Mercedes own factory to suit the owner’s taste. Optional extras include hand stitched leather dashboard trimming, three trim levels ranging from piano black to carbon fibre, polished metal knobs, door linings and other hand crafted touches.

Charming, Lovely Showstopper

The CLS is built to turn heads. It is a different kind of luxurious coupe that redefines the Mercedes styling in terms of how a luxury saloon should appear. The CLS is something different for Mercedes as it boasts a combination of unique looks, bold design and refined driving characteristics. It does cost a pretty penny however ranging from £46,000 to £87,000 so you better get saving.