Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class First generation

The first generation of the CLS, the Mercedes-Benz W219, was based upon the W219 platform, a W211 E-Class spin-off that is six inches (152 mm) longer. Many state that the CLS actually started as the 1999 Dodge Charger concept which the Germans promptly killed in its own tracks to production; so they could use the 4-door coupe design language themselves on a Mercedes branded vehicle. IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision concept to the production version. More than 150 IVM engineers were involved, making the CLS the largest vehicle development project in the company's history.Design patents were first filed on July 24, 2002.

The production version CLS 500 made its debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.

European models went on sale in 2004. United States went on sale in the in January 2005, initially including CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG. The first one for the export markets rolled off the assembly line on December 2, 2004. In 2006, Mercedes phased out both the 5.0L in the CLS 500 and 5.5L Supercharged V8 in the CLS 55 AMG in favor of two new 5.5L and 6.2L V8s. This resulted in the 2007 model year name change to the CLS 63 AMG (6.2L V8) and CLS 550 (5.5L V8) in the United States. The CLS 500 badge continues to be used in various markets with the 5.5L V8 engine.

The 2012 CLS 550 had a base price of US$72,175 in June 2011 (equivalent to £43905 today), with the CLS 55 starting at US$87,320. The 2012 CLS63 started at $96,775 (equivalent to £58869 today), for a base model, and is offered with steering wheel mounted paddles (F1 style), and 19" wheels for the US market.

Vision CLS (2003)

It is a concept vehicle with Six-cylinder twin turbo Diesel engine rated 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) and 560 N·m (413 lb·ft), 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, Active Light System from Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W 211), electrohydraulic brake system from Mercedes-Benz SL (R 230), dashboard and A-pillars upholstered in leather, soft leather upholstery at seats and door panels, oak veneer, glass roof, 470 liters trunk capacity, adaptive front airbags, window bags and side airbags, belt tensioners with adaptive belt force limiters,

The vehicle was unveiled in 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

 CLS 55 AMG, CLS 63 AMG

The CLS 55 AMG and CLS 63 AMG are modified versions of the CLS produced by Mercedes-AMG. Features exclusive to AMG models include: perforated sport seats, 18-inch (457 mm) light-alloy wheels with wider tires (for the UK), 19-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels (standard in North America, optional for all other markets), large air inlets and quad chromed oval exhaust pipes.

CLS 55 AMG was unveiled in 2004 Paris Motor Show.

 CLS Grand Edition (2009)

Available in 4 engine variants (including CLS 280, CLS 350 CGI), it is a version of CLS-class vehicles with designo magno platinum matte body colour, radiator grille louvres in designo magno platinum, a choice of 4 metallic body colours (obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey), bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, active light function and cornering light function in the fog lamps, headlamp cleaning system, and dynamic headlamp range adjustment, high-sheen AMG 18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with pockets painted in titanium grey, 245/40 R 18 front and 275/35 R 18 rear tyres, a "Grand Edition" insignia on the front wings, designo interior roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, designo leather upholstery in "marron" (optional sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis shade), trim elements in laurel wood with matt or high-gloss finish at selector lever and the wood/leather steering wheel, sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, COMAND APS Multimedia control and display system, comfort telephony, PARKTRONIC, 'Grand Edition' velour floor mats.

The vehicles went on sale in January 2, 2009, with delivery began in March 2009.

Japan model only includes CLS 350, and went on sale on 2009-06-25.

 CLS Sound Suite (2010)

Available in CLS 350 Grand Edition Sound Suite, CLS 350 Grand Edition Sound Suite, CLS 63 AMG Sound Suite, it included a 4-unit/6-speaker audio system from Sonic Design, for Japan market.

The vehicles went on sale on 2010-05-27 in limited quantities (total 10 units).

 Brabus Rocket

The Rocket is a version created by Brabus. The original engine was replaced by a 6.3-litre V12 engine and the suspension, brakes and automatic transmission are optimized.

 Safety

Mercedes-Benz has put all of its latest safety features into the CLS-class. In addition to front airbags, there are side-impact airbags in the front seats and side curtain airbags throughout. The car features a "smart" sensor system for the seatbelts and airbags that can detect and react to accident severity. An optional Pre-Safe system predicts an impending collision; when the system is activated, the seatbelts tighten, the front passenger seat adjusts to crash positioning, and the sunroof closes automatically. Mercedes-Benz engineers describe the feature as a human-like reflex system.

Equipment

The air suspension has three settings. The default setting, "Comfort", is ideal under normal driving conditions, stiffening as the car's speed increases. "Sport 1" and "Sport 2" settings give the car more agility on winding and bumpy roads. The car can also be raised three inches (76 mm), if needed.

The CLS-class comes with a choice of four interior colors, three types of leather and two kinds of wood. Leather interior comes standard, with Nappa leather upholstery available on designo models. Burl walnut and dark laurel wood interior trim are available in either a high-gloss or silk matte finish. Leather colors include Black, Basalt Gray, Sunset Red and Cashmere. New scratch-resistant exterior paint is three times as durable as past exterior finishes.

There are 33 inches (838 mm) of rear legroom, which is not quite as accommodating as the 35.6 inches (904 mm) available in the E-Class. Elbow room is generous at 57 inches (1448 mm). The trunk can hold 16 cubic feet (453 L) of cargo.

The following features are standard in all models: heated auto-dimming mirrors, outside temperature gauge, rain-sensing wipers and projector-beam headlights. Also standard is a Thermatic automatic climate control system; this system assesses and adjusts interior temperature and humidity levels and filters the air in the cabin. There are dual controls in both the front and rear seats.

Other available features include: self-cleaning bi-xenon HID headlamps, distronic radar-guided cruise control, power sunroof, keyless go, drive authorization system and Parktronic parking sensors. Available electronics include: COMAND control system, GPS navigation and surround sound audio.

Production

The first AMG vehicle rolled off the assembly line on April 20, 2004. Only 3,000 CLS 55 AMG cars were to be built each year.

Mercedes-Benz has planned a yearly production of 30,000 units worldwide, of which about 10,000 will be shipped to the U.S. market.

It was assembled by Daimler AG in Sindelfingen, Germany and Mercedes-Benz Mexico in Toluca, Mexico.