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Preview - Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS350 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Sunroof (A)
24 May 2011|14,789 views
The Vision CLS concept first appeared in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and was an impressive exercise in producing a comfortable saloon with the strong, charismatic form of a coupe. The Vision CLS styling survived largely unscathed onto the production model that was first unveiled in the 2004 New York International Auto Show.
The CLS reproduced the beautifully sculpted lines of the CLK in its design with a long flowing roof that ended with a fastback rear. Due to the sleek roofline, Mercedes had to produce the rather large saloon as a 2+2 instead.
After its debut, the CLS inspired similar 2+2 models from other manufacturers. One of the most successful in this coupe saloon exercise was the Volkswagen Passat CC. An attractive form that probably teased away some CLS-would be owners.
The CLS reproduced the beautifully sculpted lines of the CLK in its design with a long flowing roof that ended with a fastback rear. Due to the sleek roofline, Mercedes had to produce the rather large saloon as a 2+2 instead.
After its debut, the CLS inspired similar 2+2 models from other manufacturers. One of the most successful in this coupe saloon exercise was the Volkswagen Passat CC. An attractive form that probably teased away some CLS-would be owners.
The large saloon was more than just an exercise in design as Mercedes used it as a platform to showcase some of its latest automotive systems on this platform. This included the Pre-Safe system that could predict an impending collision and sets the car up for imminent impact. In a split second, the system tightens the safety belts and adjusts the front passenger seats for crash positioning as well as retract the sunroof automatically.
Design
Fast forward to 2011 and the second generation will appeal to the same senses that made the first CLS so attractive. But while the first CLS design emphasised on sleekness, the new model appears more rounded and muscular.
Design
Fast forward to 2011 and the second generation will appeal to the same senses that made the first CLS so attractive. But while the first CLS design emphasised on sleekness, the new model appears more rounded and muscular.
 |
In the front, the new CLS forms a striking impression sporting a new grille and a pair of all-LED headlamps that are a first for Mercedes-Benz. The line of LED diodes framing the jewel-like projection lenses gives the CLS a concept-like disposition.
Like in the first CLS, the lines are smoothly drawn over the sloping roofline while a crease line emanating from the front lamps subtly parallels the roofline downwards. Creating much interest towards the slightly flared hindquarters.
Interior
On the inside the CLS has taken on an improved timeless classical design. Given top notch quality materials to distinguish it from other models in the family range. The interplay of satin-finish and shiny alloy bits gives the interior a refined but arresting atmosphere.
The generously bolstered front passenger seats are effective in holding you in place when taking the big saloon on winding roads. The CLS even comes with the option of being equipped with active bolsters that adjusts the bolsters in real time according to the lateral situation.
While the rear remains a strict two seater, the seats are now more comfortable while at the same time alleviates greater shoulder room and legroom.
Impression
Mercedes-Benz placed greater emphasis on fuel savings in the new CLS. One approach they took was on reducing the structural weight of the large saloon through liberal use of aluminium around the car.
Like in the first CLS, the lines are smoothly drawn over the sloping roofline while a crease line emanating from the front lamps subtly parallels the roofline downwards. Creating much interest towards the slightly flared hindquarters.
Interior
On the inside the CLS has taken on an improved timeless classical design. Given top notch quality materials to distinguish it from other models in the family range. The interplay of satin-finish and shiny alloy bits gives the interior a refined but arresting atmosphere.
The generously bolstered front passenger seats are effective in holding you in place when taking the big saloon on winding roads. The CLS even comes with the option of being equipped with active bolsters that adjusts the bolsters in real time according to the lateral situation.
While the rear remains a strict two seater, the seats are now more comfortable while at the same time alleviates greater shoulder room and legroom.
Impression
Mercedes-Benz placed greater emphasis on fuel savings in the new CLS. One approach they took was on reducing the structural weight of the large saloon through liberal use of aluminium around the car.
Making all four doors out of the lighter alloy saves 24kgs off the scales. Aluminium is also used in the remarkably light bootlid, Other areas that see alloy intervention include the bonnet, front wings, engine and suspension.
Steering the heft of the 1.8 ton behemoth is borne by the new Electric Power Steering that Mercedes-Benz claims improves steering feel by allowing engineers to program different parameters that affect steering feel. Part of its BlueEFFICIENCY fuel savings plan, the steering only requires energy when actual steering is done which saves fuel consumption by 0.3/L compared to the previous model.
Another feature of BlueEFFICIENCY is the start/stop system of the 3.5-litre V6 in the CLS350 featured here. When stopped at the lights, the engine quietly cuts off while keeping the climate system active. When the brake pedal is released, the engine springs to life again with little delay.
Powered by a 300bhp V6 under the hood, acceleration in the CLS350 is brisk with 370Nm of torque providing much of the shove. The large saloon requires a little more throttle input to perform but rewards with a meaty exhaust note that thrills even in stock form.
Conclusion
While it has been a long time coming, the new generation has been proven to be worth the wait. An improved muscular form, even greater fuel efficiency and space, for loyalists of the first generation who've been holding out for a worthy successor, this is it.
sgCarMart would like to thank Jack Cars for kindly providing the exquisite CLS350 for this preview.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Steering the heft of the 1.8 ton behemoth is borne by the new Electric Power Steering that Mercedes-Benz claims improves steering feel by allowing engineers to program different parameters that affect steering feel. Part of its BlueEFFICIENCY fuel savings plan, the steering only requires energy when actual steering is done which saves fuel consumption by 0.3/L compared to the previous model.
Another feature of BlueEFFICIENCY is the start/stop system of the 3.5-litre V6 in the CLS350 featured here. When stopped at the lights, the engine quietly cuts off while keeping the climate system active. When the brake pedal is released, the engine springs to life again with little delay.
Powered by a 300bhp V6 under the hood, acceleration in the CLS350 is brisk with 370Nm of torque providing much of the shove. The large saloon requires a little more throttle input to perform but rewards with a meaty exhaust note that thrills even in stock form.
Conclusion
While it has been a long time coming, the new generation has been proven to be worth the wait. An improved muscular form, even greater fuel efficiency and space, for loyalists of the first generation who've been holding out for a worthy successor, this is it.
sgCarMart would like to thank Jack Cars for kindly providing the exquisite CLS350 for this preview.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Vision CLS concept first appeared in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and was an impressive exercise in producing a comfortable saloon with the strong, charismatic form of a coupe. The Vision CLS styling survived largely unscathed onto the production model that was first unveiled in the 2004 New York International Auto Show.
The CLS reproduced the beautifully sculpted lines of the CLK in its design with a long flowing roof that ended with a fastback rear. Due to the sleek roofline, Mercedes had to produce the rather large saloon as a 2+2 instead.
After its debut, the CLS inspired similar 2+2 models from other manufacturers. One of the most successful in this coupe saloon exercise was the Volkswagen Passat CC. An attractive form that probably teased away some CLS-would be owners.
The CLS reproduced the beautifully sculpted lines of the CLK in its design with a long flowing roof that ended with a fastback rear. Due to the sleek roofline, Mercedes had to produce the rather large saloon as a 2+2 instead.
After its debut, the CLS inspired similar 2+2 models from other manufacturers. One of the most successful in this coupe saloon exercise was the Volkswagen Passat CC. An attractive form that probably teased away some CLS-would be owners.
The large saloon was more than just an exercise in design as Mercedes used it as a platform to showcase some of its latest automotive systems on this platform. This included the Pre-Safe system that could predict an impending collision and sets the car up for imminent impact. In a split second, the system tightens the safety belts and adjusts the front passenger seats for crash positioning as well as retract the sunroof automatically.
Design
Fast forward to 2011 and the second generation will appeal to the same senses that made the first CLS so attractive. But while the first CLS design emphasised on sleekness, the new model appears more rounded and muscular.
Design
Fast forward to 2011 and the second generation will appeal to the same senses that made the first CLS so attractive. But while the first CLS design emphasised on sleekness, the new model appears more rounded and muscular.
|
In the front, the new CLS forms a striking impression sporting a new grille and a pair of all-LED headlamps that are a first for Mercedes-Benz. The line of LED diodes framing the jewel-like projection lenses gives the CLS a concept-like disposition.
Like in the first CLS, the lines are smoothly drawn over the sloping roofline while a crease line emanating from the front lamps subtly parallels the roofline downwards. Creating much interest towards the slightly flared hindquarters.
Interior
On the inside the CLS has taken on an improved timeless classical design. Given top notch quality materials to distinguish it from other models in the family range. The interplay of satin-finish and shiny alloy bits gives the interior a refined but arresting atmosphere.
The generously bolstered front passenger seats are effective in holding you in place when taking the big saloon on winding roads. The CLS even comes with the option of being equipped with active bolsters that adjusts the bolsters in real time according to the lateral situation.
While the rear remains a strict two seater, the seats are now more comfortable while at the same time alleviates greater shoulder room and legroom.
Impression
Mercedes-Benz placed greater emphasis on fuel savings in the new CLS. One approach they took was on reducing the structural weight of the large saloon through liberal use of aluminium around the car.
Like in the first CLS, the lines are smoothly drawn over the sloping roofline while a crease line emanating from the front lamps subtly parallels the roofline downwards. Creating much interest towards the slightly flared hindquarters.
Interior
On the inside the CLS has taken on an improved timeless classical design. Given top notch quality materials to distinguish it from other models in the family range. The interplay of satin-finish and shiny alloy bits gives the interior a refined but arresting atmosphere.
The generously bolstered front passenger seats are effective in holding you in place when taking the big saloon on winding roads. The CLS even comes with the option of being equipped with active bolsters that adjusts the bolsters in real time according to the lateral situation.
While the rear remains a strict two seater, the seats are now more comfortable while at the same time alleviates greater shoulder room and legroom.
Impression
Mercedes-Benz placed greater emphasis on fuel savings in the new CLS. One approach they took was on reducing the structural weight of the large saloon through liberal use of aluminium around the car.
Making all four doors out of the lighter alloy saves 24kgs off the scales. Aluminium is also used in the remarkably light bootlid, Other areas that see alloy intervention include the bonnet, front wings, engine and suspension.
Steering the heft of the 1.8 ton behemoth is borne by the new Electric Power Steering that Mercedes-Benz claims improves steering feel by allowing engineers to program different parameters that affect steering feel. Part of its BlueEFFICIENCY fuel savings plan, the steering only requires energy when actual steering is done which saves fuel consumption by 0.3/L compared to the previous model.
Another feature of BlueEFFICIENCY is the start/stop system of the 3.5-litre V6 in the CLS350 featured here. When stopped at the lights, the engine quietly cuts off while keeping the climate system active. When the brake pedal is released, the engine springs to life again with little delay.
Powered by a 300bhp V6 under the hood, acceleration in the CLS350 is brisk with 370Nm of torque providing much of the shove. The large saloon requires a little more throttle input to perform but rewards with a meaty exhaust note that thrills even in stock form.
Conclusion
While it has been a long time coming, the new generation has been proven to be worth the wait. An improved muscular form, even greater fuel efficiency and space, for loyalists of the first generation who've been holding out for a worthy successor, this is it.
sgCarMart would like to thank Jack Cars for kindly providing the exquisite CLS350 for this preview.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Steering the heft of the 1.8 ton behemoth is borne by the new Electric Power Steering that Mercedes-Benz claims improves steering feel by allowing engineers to program different parameters that affect steering feel. Part of its BlueEFFICIENCY fuel savings plan, the steering only requires energy when actual steering is done which saves fuel consumption by 0.3/L compared to the previous model.
Another feature of BlueEFFICIENCY is the start/stop system of the 3.5-litre V6 in the CLS350 featured here. When stopped at the lights, the engine quietly cuts off while keeping the climate system active. When the brake pedal is released, the engine springs to life again with little delay.
Powered by a 300bhp V6 under the hood, acceleration in the CLS350 is brisk with 370Nm of torque providing much of the shove. The large saloon requires a little more throttle input to perform but rewards with a meaty exhaust note that thrills even in stock form.
Conclusion
While it has been a long time coming, the new generation has been proven to be worth the wait. An improved muscular form, even greater fuel efficiency and space, for loyalists of the first generation who've been holding out for a worthy successor, this is it.
sgCarMart would like to thank Jack Cars for kindly providing the exquisite CLS350 for this preview.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
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