The third-generation CLS
By Shereen Shabnam
The new five-seater Mercedes-Benz CLS with its sportiness and exceptional style blends the practicality of a sedan with the elegance and dynamism of a coupé. The third-generation pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, and is immediately recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines.
The sportiness is evident in this model as it encompasses the design philosophy of sensual purity of its predecessors, but the new CLS exudes self-assured sportiness in exemplary style: a highly emotive vehicle, offering impressive long-distance and acoustic comfort coupled with thrilling, unrivalled technology.
The CLS’s striking front-end includes the diamond grille typical of Mercedes-Benz coupés, with a single louvre. The silhouette of the radiator grille widens towards the base, resembling the contours of the grille on the Mercedes-AMG GT.
The side design is characterised by the high, arching waistline with frameless side windows. The forward-slanting front end is reminiscent of a shark’s nose, and appears longer thanks to the fully inset bonnet. The contours follow the design philosophy of sensual purity: lines and edges are greatly reduced, and the surfaces are generously arched.
Extensive standard appointments include LED High Performance headlamps and the latest driving assistance systems. Like the headlamps, the LED tail lights, fitted with innovative Edge Light technology have a crystalline appearance and create a three-dimensional effect. Their low positioning accentuates the width of the vehicle.
Keeping wellness in mind while driving, the improved suspension and specific wellness settings for enhanced comfort, including massage, climate control and ambient lighting adds to the drive experience. The luxurious interior of the CLS Coupé impresses with its clear basic lines, and echoes the sensual, flowing contours of the exterior, with premium choice of materials delivering an impeccable finish.
The sporty, width-accentuated cockpit and colour combination creates an impression of particularly generous spaciousness. For a flowing overall impression, the wave-like course of the interior design extends from the front to the rear doors, opening up at the B‑pillars.
As a new highlight of the ambient lighting, the illuminated air vents are reminiscent of jet aircraft turbines. The sporty impression is also reinforced by the hand-finished appearance of the seats. A high-resolution Widescreen cockpit is available as well.
The seats were designed exclusively for this model series. Depending on the interior, they feature high-quality piping or transverse seams. The outer seats in the rear have the same appearance as the front seats, creating a sporty single-seat impression, although the CLS Coupé is in fact a five-seater for the first time. When required the backrests can be folded down in a 40/20/40 ratio, expanding the generous 520‑litre luggage compartment.
Energizing comfort control (optional) links various comfort systems in the vehicle. It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrancing) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the surface and steering wheel heating plus lighting and musical atmospheres, and allows a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood of the customer. Well-being and performance levels are enhanced with six programmes to select from; Refresh, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training.
The exclusivity of the CLS can be heightened even further with numerous luxurious features such as the copper art interior concept with seats in black pearl nappa leather, centre sections in a diamond design and copper-coloured accents plus copper-coloured contrasting topstitching on the centre console.
The CLS is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, with route-based driver support provided by the Driving Assistance Package. For instance, thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the new CLS has an even better view of the surrounding traffic. With the completely new engine line-up featuring the latest-generation of four and six-cylinder units, the third generation CLS promises to be a smooth ride for CLS fans.
