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The 'Mercedes-Benz CLS' is a series of automobile models assembled by DaimlerChrysler in Sindelfingen, Germany. The CLS is intendend to feature the quality of the ''Deutsche Wertarbeit'' (german solid work).

Contents

General information

Features

Specifications

Powertrain

References

External links

General information

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is an executive-size saloon and is marketed as the four door coupe version of the (W211) E-Class model on which it is based. The car was first offered for sale in Europe in autumn 2004.
The model uses the Mercedes-Benz W219 designation. Based on the E-Class the CLS is six inches (152 mm) longer than the E-Class and was designed to slot between the E-Class and the S-Class, and compete against the BMW 6-series, along with other saloons.
The CLS also marked Mercedes-Benz's return to the executive-size coupe market since the (W124) E-Class Coupe model went out of production in 1995 - the (W210) E-Class not spawning a coupe variant, Mercedes-Benz choosing instead to introduce a new mid-size coupe, the CLK-Class. However, the CLK-Class did feature styling cues from the (W210) E-Class to give the impression that the (W124) E-Class Coupe was directly replaced, though this clearly was not the case.
Marketed as a 'four door coupe,' the CLS recalls the fastback saloon designs of Robert Opron in the 1970s. 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. Due to the popularity of the CLS-Class, other manufacturers are offering similar designs. Possible CLS competitors include the Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide, Peugeot 608, Jaguar XF, and BMW LC5.
During its development, Mercedes-Benz executives nicknamed the CLS the "Jag fighter," hoping that it would be the type of vehicle that Jaguar customers would be attracted to. Jaguar, however, has not launched a four-door coupe to compete with the CLS.
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 will be built each year.
The CLS was first offered for sale in the United States in January 2005; only the CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG are sold in the United States. The CLS 500 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 (F-1 style), and 19" wheels for the US market.
The CLS 350 and CLS 500 have a 7-speed automatic transmission..
A diesel version, CLS 320 CDI, is available for the European market with a 3 liter V6 producing 224hp (167kw) and 510 N.m (376 lbf) of torque. For Model Year 2007 (MY2007), the engine found in the CLS320 CDI is updated to produce 540N.m, although Peak power remains unchanged
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.
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. Oral Beatty does not own one.
For the model year 2007, Mercedes-Benz has replaced the CLS 55 AMG with the CLS 63 AMG. The CLS 63 uses the newly developed AMG M156 naturally aspirated V8 engine capable of 514hp (378kw) and 630 N·m (464 ft·lbf) of torque. This results in a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 and 4.1 seconds for the CLS55 AMG and CLS63 AMG respectively.

Features

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, 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 (cornering function not active on AMG models), 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 (std in N.A., optional for all other markets), large air inlets and quad chromed oval exhaust pipes.

Specifications

Powertrain

In the 2007 model year, the CLS-Class' powertrains include one of the following gasoline- engines:

★ 'CLS 350' - A 3.5 L V6, generating 200 kW (272 hp DIN), and 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) at 2,400 rpm

★ 'CLS 550' - A 5.5 L V8, generating 281 kW (382 hp DIN),

★ 'CLS 63 AMG' - A 6.2 L V8, generating 378 kW (514 hp DIN), and 630 Nm

★ 'CLS 320 CDI' - A 3.0 L V6, generating 167 kW (224 hp DIN), and 540 Nm (European market only).

★ 'CLS 350 CGI' - A 3.5 L V6, generating 215 kW (292 hp DIN), and 365 Nm

References

★ Article on RSportsCars.com, An

★ Mercedes-Benz

External links

★ AutoGuideWiki.com

★ Mercedes CLS Page

★ CLS500 Gallery - FamilyCar.com