Mercedes pioneered in the 4-door coupé section with the launch of the 1st generation CLS in 2004. The CLS inspired carmakers to produce vehicles such as Jaguar’s XF, Audi’s A5 sportback, BMW’s soon-to-be-released 6-Series four-door, and more. Now with rivals such as Audi’s A7 making its debut, Mercedes has decided that they intend to holdfast to their share of the pie. We come to see how…
· Design & Engineering:
The first generation CLS was described by many as: “beautiful rear, excellent curves, gawky face.” Nevertheless, the model sold well throughout the world, attracting many with the use of top-notch materials, powerful engine, and four-seater seat configuration. Back to the new CLS now. From the front, a bold Mercedes badge plasters the horizontal grills. As with the current trend, LED lights line the sides of the vehicle, illuminating only when in Auto light mode. On the CLS, new sets of headlamps are on display, with LED’S wrapping around bi-xenon lights. From the side, the vehicle’s low-slung stance and upswept profile, provides it with a sporty yet elegant look. If one were to look closer at the rims, one would notice the brakes, embossed with the Mercedes-Benz stencil, providing for an increased sense of luxury. As a reminder of the vehicle’s light carbon footprints, the BlueEfficiency badge plasters both sides of the CLS, proudly coloured in with a deep-sea blue. From the rear, teardrop LED’s flank the rear, merging in with the sweeping rear glass. Last but not least, notice the 7G-Tronic badge on the rear boot, reminding one of the buttery smooth transmission featured in models such as the S-Class.
· Interior
As one pulls on the door handles, an assuring German sound resonates from the simple action. Step into the interior, and one immediately snuggles into the firm, yet luxuriously smooth leather seats, with 3X memory. A redesigned leather gripped sports steering wheel provides useful buttons, without making one feel claustrophobic. The classic tri-chrome speedometer now comes with a silver-white background, along with a high quality graphics screen. Personally speaking, I prefer the classic black background speedometer, as they provide an increased sense of luxury, mixed in with the business feel. As with all new Mercedes’, a side transmission replaces the classic center gearbox, adding for ease, innovation, and style. Nevertheless, first time Mercedes owners will take a bit of time in order to familiarize themselves with the new method of changing gears. A coloured screen finds itself present in the new CLS, optimized with a revised COMMAND system, and controlled by a knob under the center armrest. Extremely simple to use, and relatively idiot proof. For that ultra-luxury feel, Mercedes now implements a leather lined dashboard across the front of the CLS. As with the S-Class, the new CLS now features a proper old-school clock, placed between the two air-conditioning vents in the center console. One complaint about the center console. The use of silver buttons with a white light background makes buttons such as those for the rear blinds impossible to use. Wood/aluminum stretches from the front to the rear, creating a Business Class touch and feel. At the rear, scooped up bucket seats provide optimum comfort, providing occupants with the ultimate ride.
· Ride & Handling
Mated to a creamy 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, the 3.5-liter V6 powerplant beats with flexibility and refinement. Surprisingly, if one eases down on the accelerator, a slight growl emits from the engine up front, allowing the CLS to reach 0—100km/h in an admirable 6.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h. Round curves and bends, the CLS rounds with confidence, with power directed towards the rear wheels. When driven over bumps and humps, serenity is still felt, as the CLS soaks and absorbs up the road ahead.
· Verdict
A charmer, with sleek and sexy designs, along with supreme comfort. Welcome back to the game Mercedes.
o Pictures from:
o http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/23869/images/1New2011MercedesCLSpictures.jpg
1 comment:
Love it. A good evolution from the first generation CLS. Looks less like a banana, though loses some of the character of the original design. The srcitly plus-2 seating in the rear limits it to small families and ensures it remains a niche model
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