A Brief Look at the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz has been a name synonymous with luxury, comfort, and innovation for over a century. The brand, which has been the epitome of automotive excellence, has an illustrious history of producing car models that have stood the test of time, with each model raising the bar for its contemporaries.
One such model that has left a lasting impression in the automotive world is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. First introduced in 2004, this executive sedan redefined the parameters of luxury vehicles with its sleek design, performance, and comfort. Over the years, the CLS-Class has evolved with time with numerous technical advancements, new design cues, and powertrain improvements.
In this article, we will explore and delve into the history and evolution of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, starting from its first generation, to the latest model.
First Generation (2004-2010)
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was introduced in 2004 and was the first of its kind in the luxury vehicle segment. The model combined the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan, which helped it stand out in the market.
The vehicle’s exterior design was stunning, with a swoopy roofline, minimalistic curves, and a sloping rear design. The cabin was filled with high-quality materials, such as leather upholstery, real wood, and chrome fittings. The model’s driving dynamics were equally impressive, with a V6 or V8 engine option that delivered on both performance and efficiency.
The first-generation CLS-Class included notable trims, namely the CLS 350, CLS 500, and CLS 55 AMG. The CLS 350 was fitted with a V6 engine that produced 272 horsepower, while the CLS 500 came with a V8, which produced power of up to 388 horsepower. The high-performance variant, the CLS 55 AMG, had a supercharged V8 engine that produced up to 496 horsepower, making it the most powerful in the series.
Second Generation (2010-2018)
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was launched in 2010, with a design that was more refined than the previous model. The car had sleek and sharper lines with an aggressive stance and a more aerodynamic body shape. It also had a wider and lower front end, which gave it a sportier look and feel.
Inside, the CLS-Class boasted new features such as a panoramic roof, Apple CarPlay, a 14-speaker sound system, and active cornering assist. The model underwent significant powertrains improvements, as well, with the introduction of two V6 engines, namely the CLS 350 CGI and the CLS 350 CDI, and two V8 engines, namely the CLS 500 and CLS 63 AMG.
In 2014, the model was refreshed and came with a new grille and bumper design, upgraded interior finishes, and an all-new multi-contour seat option. The upgraded 2015 CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC trimmed had an upgraded engine that produced 577 horsepower.
Third Generation (2018-2021)
The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was introduced in 2018 and came with a new exterior design. The body and interior design principles were leaning towards a more contemporary design language with fewer curves and a sharply designed body. The vehicle had a wider track, lowered roofline, and a wider track to signify the car’s sporty appeal.
The CLS-Class came with a multitude of advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The cabin had two 12.3-inch widescreen displays that housed the vehicle’s infotainment system and the instrument cluster.
This generation saw the introduction of three variants, namely the CLS 350, CLS 450, CLS 450 4MATIC, and the high-performance AMG CLS 53, which were fitted with a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine that produced up to 362 horsepower.
Fourth Generation (2022-2025)
The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is expected to be a unique blend of sophistication, high-performance models, technology, and premium luxury features. The vehicle is expected to be built upon advanced modular architecture that will deliver a transformational driving experience.
According to reliable sources the CLS-Class is poised to be updated with the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, revised interior, and an all-new 11.9-inch OLED touchscreen. Rumor has it that the CLS-Class will spawn two distinct AMG models – a CLS53, and an entry-level CLS35, which will feature a mild-hybrid powertrain.
Future Outlook
As Mercedes-Benz explores the limits of engineering and design, it is clear that the legacy of the CLS-Class is far from over. The vehicle continues to command respect from drivers who seek boldness, performance, and luxury. With each new generation, the model has turned heads and set new precedents, proving to be a formidable presence in the automotive world. As we look to the future, we can only guess what the next generation will bring, but one thing is for sure – the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will continue to set the standard for executive sedans.