The most classic format of all has always been that of saloons. Historically they have been the best-selling and most used models. There have been many shapes, brands and colors, but a day came when Mercedes-Benz introduced a new format. The Mercedes CLS It is the union of two worlds. On the one hand saloon, and on the other sports coupe.
This successful strategy reached the market in 2004. At that time the Germans exposed an idea that has ended up giving great commercial results. In fact, it was the Mercedes CLS that inaugurated a segment that, although not popular in sales, has been growing over the years.
There are three generations of the Mercedes CLS those who have stepped on the asphalt. The last of them was presented in 2018 with important changes, later updated at the beginning of 2021. Although it has always been a reference for its style, in the third edition of the coupé sedan a leap was made in every way, including in design. The CLS launched a design philosophy that has been extended to the rest of the company's products.
Technical characteristics of the Mercedes CLS
When developing the CLS, Mercedes has been very clear that it should share items with one of your siblings brand name to be economically viable. The Mercedes S-Class is a brand in itself, so it's the Mercedes E-Class the one that gives up its structure to provide the perfect base for the coupé saloon. In fact, both models differ by a few centimeters.
The Mercedes CLS is a large saloon, it belongs to one of the largest families in the house and that means that its measurements are considerable. 4,98 meters long, 1,89 meters wide and 1,43 meters long. Depending on the selected package, the CLS can grow significantly in length due to modified bumpers. In that case we are talking about 5,05 meters long.
To all these measures must be added a fixed wheelbase of 2,93 meters that translates into excellent rear habitability. The maximum capacity of the CLS is for five passengers, and if we talk about cargo volume the minimum figure is 490 liters for certain versions and 520 liters for others. Slightly lower volume than what the Class E offers.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes CLS
To mobilize the CLS, Mercedes uses its most powerful and exclusive range of engines. A very well distributed and distributed mechanical fleet. Three gasoline engines and three diesel engines make up the total portfolio. In order to comply with the increasingly demanding emissions regulations, all gasoline mechanics are accompanied by a Mild-Hybrid scheme that manages to certify the ECO label of the DGT.
The diesel range starts with the CLS 220 d of 194 horses (new from 2021). It is followed by the CLS 300 d with 245 horsepower, reaching the most powerful variant, the CLS 400 d with six cylinders, all-wheel drive and 340 horsepower. In the gasoline branch, the offer begins with the 350-horsepower CLS 299. Immediately we find the CLS 450 with all-wheel drive and 367 horses. In the higher end of the power is AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+, which thanks to its turbocharged six-cylinder engine reaches a maximum power of 435 horsepower.
All versions, including access versions, arrive standard with a nine-speed automatic gearbox torque converter type There is no option to another transmission scheme. This gearbox is responsible for send power to all four wheels via 4MATIC drive typical of Mercedes, except in the access versions, which, as we have already mentioned, where the power is diverted to the rear wheels.
Mercedes CLS equipment
We have already said that the Mercedes CLS released the current design philosophy of the house, but for the interior it is based on the E-Class, which in turn was in charge of releasing this interior concept shortly before. From doors to inside the CLS presents each and every one of the innate qualities of the house; quality, technology, comfort and class.
The CLS can modify its external appearance depending on the selected package. If we choose the AMG kit we made the elegant saloon take on a slightly sportier approach thanks to exclusive bumpers and modifications, including some wheels that can be 20 inches instead of the 18 inches that arrive in the usual finish.
If we talk about equipment, there is a lot to refer to. The CLS is not only a stylish and elegant sedan, it is also all a technological display. Just to mention a few elements, we highlight the Multibeam LED headlights, digital instrument panel, MBUX multimedia system with 12,3-inch screen, voice control, heated front seats with massage function, air freshener, four-zone climate control and of course the most complete display of safety elements and driving assistants that Mercedes is capable of conceiving.
The Mercedes CLS in video
Mercedes-Benz CLS according to Euro NCAP
The Mercedes CLS shares many details with the E-Class as we have already mentioned. Due to the simple fact of sharing the base on which they are based, Euro NCAP includes them within the same category. This means that the results are the same in both cases. The CLS obtains the five Euro NCAP stars with excellent results in protection of adult and child passengers, where it stands out with ratings of 95 and 90 out of 100 respectively. These valuations are still valid after the renewal of 2021 as there is no change in the structure of the vehicle.
The Mercedes CLS of Km 0 and second hand
The CLS has gained a fully deserved popularity. Although it is not the most commercial model on the market or the brand, it has a good collection of followers. If we add to this the fact that it has been on the market since 2004, there are more than enough reasons for there to be a good offer in the used and second-hand channels. The depreciation rate is low, and all units hold value.
The minimum price starts at figures close to 5.000 euros for units between 2005 and 2007 with high mileage. The stock channel or Km 0 is practically null. It is a low production and low sales volume model. The few customers who can access it are looking for more personalized models, and therefore orders are usually placed directly at the factory.
Mercedes-Benz CLS rivals
The segment so exclusive to which the Mercedes-Benz CLS is directed is not without rivalry. Although the offer is limited, we do find in the market conceptual solutions very similar to those of the large German coupé saloon. In fact, its greatest rivals are also presented with the German flag. On one hand the Audi A7, the nemesis of the Mercedes, and on the other hand we have the Porsche Panamera. The latter focuses on a more exclusive market, because although they are rivals by size, their price is much higher.
Highlight
- ride comfort
- Materials quality
- Behavior
To improve
- Price
- Rear seat habitability
- Design posterior
Price of the Mercedes CLS
In a market as particular as the CLS, price is not the most important aspect to assess. Exclusivity is measured by various factors, and one of them is price. In the cheapest of cases, Mercedes CLS has a minimum price of 80.499 euros. That price corresponds to the diesel access variant, that is, the CLS 220 d Coupé. The most expensive unit is signed by the acronym AMG. In that case, the starting price of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is 117.022 euros. All this without offers or promotions.
Image gallery
The content of the article adheres to our principles of editorial ethics. To report an error click here.