Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
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| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2004-07) Daimler AG (2007-present) |
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| Production | 2004-present[1] |
| Model years | 2005-present 2006-present (export markets) |
| Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany Toluca, Mexico (SKD) |
| Class | Executive car |
| Body style | sedan/fastback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
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| Production | 2004-2010 |
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| Model years | 2005–2010 2006–2011 (export markets) |
| Engine | 3.0L Diesel V6 224 hp 2004–2011 3.0L Diesel V6 272 hp 2009–2011 3.5L 272 hp (203 kW) V6 (2006–2010) 5.5L 382 hp (285 kW) V8 (2007–2010) 6.2L 507 hp (378 kW) V8 (2007–2010) 5.0L 302 hp (225 kW) V8 (2006) 5.4L 469 hp (350 kW) supercharged V8 (2006) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 112.4 in (2,855 mm) |
| Length | 2006-08: 193.0 in (4,902 mm) 2009–2011: 193.6 in (4,917 mm) 2009–2011 AMG: 193.5 in (4,915 mm) |
| Width | 73.7 in (1,872 mm) |
| Height | 2006-08: 54.7 in (1,389 mm) 2009–2011: 55.7 in (1,415 mm) 2009–2011 AMG: 55.9 in (1,420 mm) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz W211 |
| Designer(s) | Michael Fink (2001) |
Background
The CLS marked Mercedes-Benz's return to the executive-size coupe market since the (W124) E-Class Coupe (a two-door sedan) went out of production in 1995. The (W210) E-Class did not spawn a coupe variant, as Mercedes-Benz choose instead to introduce a smaller coupe based on the compact C-Class, the CLK-Class. However, the CLK-Class was built with a lengthened C-Class wheelbase so it could be slotted as a mid-sized vehicle, and it also featured styling cues, engines, and similar pricing to the (W210) E-Class to give the impression that the (W124) E-Class Coupe had been directly replaced.Marketed as a four-door coupe, the CLS was designed by the American automotive designer, Michael Fink in 2001[2] (born 1967), who styled the first CLK, the C-Sportcoupe, and is known as the stylist who penned the Maybach 57 and 62. 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. Save for its four-door design, the CLS's design tends towards a coupe, as its sleek roofline reduces the rear passenger room to a 2+2 arrangement, and it offers a smaller selection of engines tending towards high powered of the range, compared to contemporary sedans such as the E-Class.[3]
CLS W219 (2004–2010)
The first generation of the CLS, the Mercedes-Benz W219, was based upon the W219 platform, a W211 E-Class spin-off that is six inches (152 mm) longer. 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.[citation needed] Design patents were first filed on July 24, 2002.[4]The CLS-class was first displayed as the Vision CLS concept at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The first one rolled off the assembly line on April 20, 2004. The production version CLS 500 made its debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. An AMG version was introduced at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the CLS 55 AMG. Only 3,000 CLS 55 AMG cars were to be built each year.
On sale in Europe in 2004, the CLS was offered for sale in the United States in January 2005 as the CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG. The first one for the export markets rolled off the assembly line on December 2, 2004. In 2006, Mercedes phased out both the 5.0L in the CLS 500 and 5.5L Supercharged V8 in the CLS 55 AMG in favor of two new 5.5L and 6.2L V8s. This resulted in the 2007 model year name change to the CLS 63 AMG (6.2L V8) and CLS 550 (5.5L V8) in the United States. The CLS 500 badge continues to be used in various markets with the 5.5L V8 motor.
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. The 2012 CLS 550 had a base price of US$72,175 in June 2011 (equivalent to £43905 today), with the CLS 55 starting at US$87,320. The 2012 CLS63 started at $96,775 (equivalent to £58869 today), for a base model, and is offered with steering wheel mounted paddles (F1 style), and 19" wheels for the US market. It was assembled by Daimler AG in Sindelfingen, Germany and Mercedes-Benz Mexico in Toluca, Mexico.
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 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, 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 (standard in North America, optional for all other markets), large air inlets and quad chromed oval exhaust pipes.
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