Mercedes-Benz CLS280




Mercedes-Benz is making the CLS even more irresistible. This one-of-a-kind four-door coupé - the pioneer of a whole new automotive segment - has now been fine-tuned to give it added appeal. The new entry-level model version, the CLS 280 with its sophisticated V6 power unit, develops 170 kW/231 hp. Meanwhile, the flagship model in the range - the CLS 63 AMG with its 378 kW/514 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine - now comes with 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels plus a new AMG sports exhaust system.

Understated but masterly neatly sums up the result of the restyling programme for the CLS. At the front, it is the modified radiator grille that stands out, with two louvres now instead of the previous four. The diamond-shaped, three-dimensional grilles painted in atlas grey that cover the air intakes project an even greater air of self-assurance as well as adding further emphasis to the vehicle's width. The exterior mirrors have also been given a new look. The LED side indicator lamps that are built into them are arranged in the form of an arrow to produce a most eye-catching effect, especially in the dark. The mirror surface has furthermore been enlarged by 32 per cent to afford a clearer view of the traffic behind and thereby boost active safety.

The side view is dominated by new, attractively styled light-alloy wheels, measuring either 17 inches (CLS 280, CLS 320 CDI and CLS 350 CGI) or 18 inches (CLS 500) in diameter. When viewed from the rear, the new-generation CLS makes its mark with a new rear apron, new tail lights, as well as modified tailpipes. The centre section of the rear bumper now drops down further, while the additional light-catching contour running along it adds to the impression of breadth. This is further emphasised by the exhaust tailpipes, which are trapezoidal in shape, and not oval as before. LED technology is now deployed for the tail lights: the brake lamps, tail lamps and indicator lamps all make use of the extra-fast-reacting light-emitting diodes. Just like the side indicators in the exterior mirrors, the rear indicators look like arrows when they light up, which is particularly striking in the dark. The same is true of the optical fibres at the side, which are always activated whenever the low-beam headlamps are switched on. A new deactivation function for the low-beam headlamps when the ignition is switched off helps to optimise energy management.

The new bodywork details harmonise perfectly with the multi-award-winning design of the CLS and make the four-door Coupé always look as if it is about to dash off. Almost four years on from its world premiere, the electrifying, muscular lines of the trendsetter are as unique and as unmistakable as ever.



New inside: three-spoke steering wheel and new telematics generation

Great attention to detail was paid while updating the interior too: modifications include a restyled leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with multifunction buttons, as well as a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dials now contrast distinctly with the chased surface of the backplate. The previous matt laurel colour scheme has been replaced with new chestnut wood trim elements.

The CLS features the new NTG 2.5 telematics generation, whose high-performance componentry combines straightforward operation and logical menu navigation with flawless in-vehicle entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-compatible CD and DVD player, as well as a Bluetooth interface which can establish a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle's hands-free system.

The Audio 20, Audio 20 CD with CD changer, Audio 50 and Audio 50 APS with DVD changer and LINGUATRONIC voice control system have now been upgraded to a 5-inch colour screen. The COMAND APS comes with a high-resolution

6.5-inch colour display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephone calls, a music register for storing audio files, plus an SD memory card slot.



CLS 280: new entry-level engine variant with 170 kW/231 hp

The CLS 280 is equipped with a new entry-level engine, a sophisticated V6 powerplant with a displacement of 2996 cc developing a peak output of 170 kW/231 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Newton metres. This propels the CLS 280 from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and gives it a top speed of 245 km/h. Combined fuel consumption on the NEDC driving cycle is 9.8 - 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The second V6 petrol model in the range is the CLS 350 CGI. Its advanced six-cylinder engine featuring piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion generates 215 kW/292 hp and returns impressively low fuel consumption figures of 9.1 to 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). Under the bonnet of the CLS 500 is a V8 drive unit with a displacement of 5.5 litres and a maximum output of 285 kW/388 hp. What makes the CLS 320 CDI with its 165 kW/224 hp V6 diesel engine especially thrilling is the formidable torque of 540 Newton metres on the one hand and, on the other, low fuel consumption of just 7.6 - 8.1 litres of diesel for every 100 km (NEDC combined).

All CLS models come fitted with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. In manual shift mode "M", the driver is able to shift through the gears using shift paddles on the steering wheel if desired. This shortens the 0-100 km/h acceleration time by 0.2 seconds.

CLS 63 AMG flagship model with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC

The flagship model in the CLS range, the CLS 63 AMG, is powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with 378 kW/514 hp and 630 Newton metres of torque. The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine now makes its presence known in an even more distinctive fashion: the AMG sports exhaust system's redesigned rear silencers deliver an even more captivating soundtrack through the two sets of oval-shaped, chromed twin tailpipes. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission now incorporates a function which blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. This does more than just intensify the emotive driving experience - the virtually load-free downshift procedure also leads to a reduction in load-alteration effects, which is of particular benefit when braking ahead of corners on the race track. The CLS 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.

Also new is the black-painted radiator grille with two louvres instead of the previous three, which blends in perfectly with the AMG bodystyling. The AMG light-alloy wheels, with their new triple-spoke design and a titanium grey, high-sheen paint finish, now measure 19 inches in size instead of 18 as before, and are shod with tyres measuring 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Inside, the CLS 63 AMG boasts a new AMG sports steering wheel with a three-spoke design. The grip areas are specially contoured and trimmed in perforated leather. Gear selection can be performed manually by means of two aluminium AMG shift paddles.

Attractive optional extras from AMG

There is an exclusive choice of new optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio for the CLS 63 AMG: take the AMG performance steering wheel, for instance, with a smaller diameter, a rim that is flattened at the bottom and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. Or the titanium-grey painted AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design and a polished finish, which are manufactured using first-rate forging technology.

All CLS models can be embellished by the addition of the AMG bodystyling package: this comprises a prominent front apron with large air intakes, a beefy rear apron featuring a black insert, as well as side skirts. There is also the option of new AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a high-sheen finish with either 255/35 or 285/30 tyres.

Interested customers can place their orders for the new CLS now, with market launch commencing in March 2008. The gross purchase prices for the new CLS are as follows:

* CLS 280: €55,692.00
* CLS 320 CDI: €59,321.50
* CLS 350 CGI: €61,404.00
* CLS 500: €75,053.30
* CLS 63 AMG: €106,624.00

Since they're putting the 3.0L V6 in everything they could have at least given it a slight power boost, 250hp at least. Everything "350" should have the same engine, the 315hp version in the SL350. Mercedes is becoming outright ridiculous with their assortment of V6s now. Seems to me it would be cheaper to build 1 or 2 versions and leave it at that for the 3.5L.

M

and let's not forget the 350 CGI's

Yeah. That seems like one variant too many IMO. I truly believe the "CGI" cars are/were just for real-world testing purposes in a lower volume car first like the CLS. Now the E350 gets the same engine in some markets, but the U.S. gets not a single direct-injection petrol engine. I don't get what the hold up is. They'd better be working on some really special to have resisted direct-injection for so long in the U.S. Seems like to me the the 315hp version of this engine in the SL350 should be standard across the board or why not combine the new changes for the SL/SLK version with direct-injection?

M

The fact that merc reworked the 3.5 V6 rather than launching an all new DI engine screams stop gap to me. Something MUST be in the pipe line. Thing is with this 'stopgap' launching just now don't expect anything brand new for another 18 months at least (E class maybe). As well as the V8's for S class fl time. I cant fathom benz dwelling on the S class for a minute, not with the new bmw 400hp V8

I agree. The upgrades for the SL/SLK350 models were just basic tuning tricks, clearly nothing spectacular.

M

Well for European standards the CLS280 will be more than adequate. Remember, this car will most likely be bought by really old people who think a 272-horsepower CLS350 is "overpowered" and will be happy with the 231-horsepower output of the CLS280. This is a great way to increase sales to people who would otherwise have not looked at the CLS because there was no "weaker alternative". I know this sounds crazy but some cars in Europe are sold in this fashion. BMW essentially does it too with the 116i for example. A weak and inefficient engine but it's weaker than the 118i and hence some old geezer and his wife will feel it's all they need. Hard to really explain in detail but I think some of our European members can help back this statement up.

Perhaps they have produced too many 3.0L engines, and need to find homes for them before they start production of the "more powerful 3.0L"

On the other hand as Christian said, some customers could be more than happy with 231hp.

Trust me, these people exist in almost every market.

Some people just want the shape of the car and don't need a more powerful engine. My dad for instance said he would be happy with an SL280 (R129) because he just wanted the body and he doesn't drive like a madman. Well, now he has a 500SL (R129) and he drives it as if it were an SL280.

Im with you on this one, many people just want the "shape" or the basic car so to say. The CLS is a great car and many people will want to get to experience it without having to buy a V8.

Just take a look at the sales of the E200 Kompressor.