MERCEDES CLS

In the history of motoring there are models that, thanks to innovative technical or stylistic solutions, went down in gold. Models that with their appearance on the market set new directions and automotive trends for many years. One of them is the Mercedes CLS.

When the Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS studio model appeared on the Mercedes stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003, it immediately became one of the brightest stars of the autumn show. Designed by Michael Fink, the four-door sedan had a very original and unusual body shape. It is true that structurally the car was based on the chassis of the Mercedes E-Class (W211) and using its power units, but the body and interior were already quite different. The silhouette, despite its length of almost five meters, seemed very dynamic and light - as if outlined by a single flowing line - emphasized by the body ribbing running the entire length of the car, and the gently sloping roof - as in coupes - further enhanced this impression. The front beltline with its original radiator air intake (grill) and headlight shape was unprecedented in any Mercedes, as were the rear, fender-overlapping lamps whose appearance was emphasized by the flowing line of the trunk lid. The dashboard and interior were also redesigned. Six- and eight-cylinder gasoline engines and a six-cylinder turbodiesel were used for propulsion. As befits a car with sporting aspirations, the most powerful version of the CLS 63 AMG was also offered, with a 6.2-liter, 514-hp eight-cylinder engine. Drive to the rear wheels was transmitted by automatic transmissions. This car stylistically, but also technologically, was refined to the smallest detail, and little touches like frameless glass in all the doors made just interacting with it an aesthetic pleasure. Despite concerns about whether such an original model would enter mass production, the corporation decided to do so, and production of the CLS, marked with the factory code C219, soon began. The official premiere of the production car took place at the New York

International Auto Show in April 2004. The first generation of the CLS model was produced until 2010.

In May of that year, it was replaced by the second generation, code-named C 218, which was on the market until 2018. The story of the second generation could have ended there, because it was a model which, apart from the expansion of the engine range and the introduction of a two-wheel drive system (4 MATIC), was no longer distinguished by anything special, either in terms of appearance or technical solutions, except perhaps for the version with an extended station wagon body, CLS Shooting Brake, presented in 2012, which somewhat resembled its predecessor in terms of stylistic boldness. The second generation lost all lightness of silhouette and sportiness and was like a CLS on steroids.

The premiere of the third generation of the CLS model, designated by the factory code C257, took place in November 2017 at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Mass production began in the spring of 2018, and this time Mercedes decided on something of a “return to the roots.” The CLS model again became a sporty four-door sedan, with a coupe body of almost five meters. The shape of the body is perfectly emphasized by the framing of the passenger compartment windows. It was also with this model that the brand’s new aesthetics for the front fascia made its debut, with a slightly receding grille that widened at the bottom, borrowed from the AMG GT model, and sharply shaped, teardrop-shaped headlights with LED technology. The dynamic silhouette, with a drag coefficient of cdx 0.26, is also emphasized by a long hood with several ribs, a short front overhang (the distance between the wheel and the bumper) and a gently drooping roof. The body set on 20-inch rims with low-profile tires and low ground clearance (14.5 cm.) make the body seen from the side appear even longer and slimmer, but more importantly, it is again outlined in one smooth line. The rear, with narrow lamps overlapping the fenders, completes the impression of a stylistically uniform design.

The Mercedes CLS is a four-door but also a five-seater for the first time in the model’s history, although the space between the rear bench seats can hardly be considered full-size. The truth is that already by design, the spaciousness of the interior was not a priority. especially since, due to the low height of the body (1.42 m.) and the drooping roof, taking up space in the rear seats is somewhat difficult anyway. This is especially true for people of larger stature. Instead, the passengers have at their disposal a large, spacious trunk with a capacity of 520 liters. In the front seats, space is plentiful. In front of the driver’s eye - a sleek, multifunctional steering wheel and an ergonomically laid out cockpit. Its dominant elements are two interconnected liquid crystal screens of 12.3 inches. The first displaying the digital clock gauges and the second supporting the multimedia of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system. The entire cockpit is finished with top-quality materials like wood and nappa leather. Attention is drawn to the round air intake nozzles, which are another stylistic gem. Interestingly, the nozzles can be illuminated, like other cockpit elements, in any color from a wide range of led colors.

A range of four- and six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines are used for propulsion. Most units are backed by small electric motors, starting with the CLS 350 model with a two-liter, four-cylinder inline R4/ 299 hp. + 14 hp., through the CLS 450 4 Matic, with an R6/ 367 +22 hp. inline six-cylinder engine, to the top-of-the-line CLS AMG 53 4 Matic, R6/435 hp.+ 22 hp. Diesel versions include the CLS 220d with the R4/ 194 hp. four-cylinder engine, the CLS 300d with the R6/ 365 hp. engine. + 20 hp., and the CLS 400d 4 Matic with an inline “six” with 330 hp. Drive is transmitted via a 9-speed automatic to the rear axle or to both axles in models marked 4 Matic.

The model on display was equipped with a basic gasoline version with an inline two-liter internal combustion engine producing 299 hp. supported by a 48-volt electrical system that generates an additional 14 hp and increases torque to 400 Nm. (EQ Boost technology) The engine’s performance allows the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and drive at an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Drive to the rear wheels is transmitted by a 9-stage 9G Tronic automatic transmission.

That’s the dry data. And what subjective impressions did the tested model leave? Let’s start with the external appearance. Admittedly, tastes are not discussed, but one must objectively state that the exterior is very attractive, especially in emerald, green color. The elegant interior of the passenger cabin finished with top-quality materials - mainly light nappa leather, gives the impression of communing with luxury. The modern dashboard with its dominant large display with MBUX system, multifunction steering wheel or trackpad located in the center tunnel will surely appeal to supporters of new technologies who are fascinated by talking to the car. I, for one, am beginning to dream more and more of the classic analog clocks, although I know that this will not return. Thanks to the multistage adjustment of the steering column and the driver’s seat, everyone will find a comfortable position behind the wheel. Visibility in all directions is very good. Maneuvering the car in urban conditions is facilitated by a system of cameras located in the front, rear and under the outside mirrors. A 360-degree image is displayed on the main display.

What surprises is the engine. Despite the fact that it has a small capacity and only four cylinders, it handles well in road conditions, offering sufficient power combined with moderate fuel consumption - an average of 8.7 l./100 km. There are several driving modes to choose from: individual, sport +, sport, comfort and eco. Due to the large rims and low-profile tires, driving comfort in the test model was quite limited, and this despite the Air Body Control air suspension. In the interior you could hear and feel all the unevenness of the ground, and even the comfort mode settings did not change this. In this case, comfort was paid for appearance. If someone didn’t like it, you could eventually change the wheels. Fortunately, it is the driver who (still) decides what mode the engine, transmission or suspension is in. It was also surprising that in sport mode the engine also sounds sporty. Someone might think it’s a six-cylinder unit. The base price of the CLS 350 starts at PLN 250,000, while the presented model cost more than PLN 380,000 with optional equipment.

Debuting two decades ago, the Mercedes CLS, with its original and innovative styling, stood out not only among cars in the executive segment, but also in the automotive market of the time. Even today when it is already an “old-timer” - it still commands attention. Its styling seems to be timeless. More importantly, the fashion for four-door coupes, which continues to this day, began with this model. When you see Audi A7 sports sedans, BMW 8 Grand Coupe or Porsche Panamera on the street, remember that the precursor was the Mercedes CLS.

Compiled by Bartosz Grzybiński

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