Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a series of automobile models assembled by DaimlerChrysler in Sindelfingen, Germany. It is Mercedes-Benz's newest sedan since the debut of the E-Class in 1995. This class was first offered for sale in Europe in autumn 2004. The model uses the Mercedes-Benz W219 designation, and borrows the platform of the contemporary E-Class sedan. It is six inches(152 mm) longer than the E-Class. The car slots between the E-Class and the S-Class.

Marketed as a 'four door coupe,' the CLS recalls the fastback sedan designs of Robert Opron in the 1970's. 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 sedan. Due to the popularity of the CLS-Class, other German manufacturers are offering similar designs. Audi plans to release a 4-door coupé called the A7 and BMW may launch similar cars.

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.

The CLS 350 and CLS 500 have a 7-speed automatic transmission. The CLS 55 features mercedes renowned five speed automatic gearbox that can be shifted manually or automatically.

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 allocated to the U.S market.

There are currently rumors that Mercedes-Benz is planning to install the 604-bhp turbocharged V12 from the SL65 AMG in the CLS. The result would probably be dubbed the CLS 65 AMG.

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Recent Changes

 * The 2010 LA Auto Show played host to the unveiling of Mercedes's new CLS 63 AMG. The new teutonic Hammer is powered by the company's new 5.5 litre direct-injected Biturbo V8 also shoehorned in the S 63 AMG and CL 63 AMG. In this configuration, the mill churns out 525 hp and 700 Nm of torque. However, Mercedes also offers an optional AMG Performance Package, which increases these figures to 557 hp and 800 Nm. The powerplant is connected to the rear wheels via MB's new AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which replaces the torque converter in favor of a compact, wet start-up clutch instead. The car will launch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 (525 hp) and 4.3 (557 hp) seconds to a governed top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) for the standard car and 186 mph (302 km/h) for the Performance Package version. Despite this, the new supersedans are 33 percent more fuel-efficient than before thanks to tech like start/stop. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg US city and 21 mpg US highway. Also new is an upgraded AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension that allows the driver to switch between three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". Mercedes-Benz also offers a set of ceramic brakes on the option list.

Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance
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Handling

 * The air suspension (AirMATIC DC) 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 which can be operated independently from the AirMATIC DC settings. This air suspension system can also be found as an optional extra on the E-Class.


 * Although the chassis is based upon the E-Class, the CLS chassis is around 40% stiffer, which gives it superior handling compared to the standard E-Class.

Reliability
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Safety

 * 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.

Photos
Second Generation

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Colors

 * The CLS-class comes with a choice of four interior colors: Black, Basalt Gray, Sunset Red and Cashmere. New scratch-resistant exterior paint is three times as durable as past exterior finishes.

Main Competitors

 * Audi A7 Sportback
 * Maserati Quattroporte
 * Aston Martin Rapide
 * Porsche Panamera

Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
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 headlights, distronic laser-guided Cruise Control, power sunroof, keyless go, drive authorization system and Parktronic parking sensors. Available electronics include: command control system, GPS navigation and surround sound audio.

Interior
The CLS-class interior comes with 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.

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.

Second Generation

Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Current Generation: (2011–present)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz C218

First Generation/Origins (2004-2010)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz W219

Powertrain
In the 2005 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 500 - A 5.0 L V8, generating 225 kW (306 hp DIN), and 460 N·m (340 ft·lbf) at 2,700 rpm
 * CLS 55 AMG - A 5.5 L Supercharged V8, generating 350 kW (476 hp DIN), and 700 N m (516 ft lbf)
 * CLS 320 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Diesel
 * CLS 1000 - A 10.0 L V16, generating 450 kW (900 hp DIN), and 567 N·m (874 ft·lbf) at 7,400 rpm
 * CLS 1000+1 - A 10.0 L V16, generating 489 kW (975 hp DIN), and 577 N·m (894 ft·lbf) at 7,550 rpm

Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG
The CLS 55 AMG is a modified version of the CLS produced by Mercedes-AMG. Features exclusive to the CLS 55 include: perforated sport seats, 18 inch (457 mm) light-alloy wheels with wider tires (for the UK), 19 inch five spoke light-alloy wheels (for US markets), large air inlets and quad chromed oval exhaust pipes.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG replaced the CLS 55 AMG in 2006. Despite having a larger 6.2L engine, it has less torque than the 55 AMG.

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
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