Making top-class safety available to everyone is the declared aim of Mercedes-Benz. That is why the CLS-Class will be equipped with many new and feature-enhanced assistance systems in future. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is part of the standard equipment. It helps to avoid rear-end collisions – by way of autonomous brake application if necessary.

The basis for the numerous functions of the assistance systems is an extensive sensor system, which can provide the vehicle with a 360-degree view. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment, for example, a Stereo Multi Purpose Camera (SMPC) may be included behind the windscreen near the interior mirror. Two camera eyes provide it with a three-dimensional view of the area up to around 50 metres in front of the vehicle, and it is able to monitor the overall situation ahead for a range of up to 500 metres and thus determine the position and movement of objects, especially of vehicles and pedestrians.

Two short-range radar sensors in the front bumper and at the side of the rear bumper respectively (range up to 30 metres), long-range radar (up to 200 metres) including mid-range scan (up to 60 metres) behind the radiator grille and multi-mode radar (up to 80 metres) in the centre of the rear bumper may complete the sensor system.

The data from the camera and radar is compiled in a control unit in order to provide relevant data for a host of assistance systems – a process dubbed “sensor fusion” by safety experts. Intelligent algorithms analyse this data in order to detect and pinpoint the position of vehicles ahead, crossing, approaching from the rear and even from the front, as well as of pedestrians, within a large field of vision. In addition, the camera also detects road markings and a variety of traffic signs. The aim is all-round protection not just for occupants of the vehicle itself, but for other road users too.

The CLS-Class is fitted as standard with ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness. On motorways the COMAND Online navigation function offers nearby break options as stopovers, providing the system has been specified in the vehicle. The ATTENTION ASSIST function offers an adjustable level of sensitivity and can inform drivers in a separate view in the instrument cluster about their level of drowsiness and how long they have been driving since their last break.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS: now brakes autonomously when there is a threat of a rear-end collision

Also part of the standard equipment is COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. The system can provide effective aid in mitigating the severity of rear-end collisions or even in preventing them entirely.

To this end, the radar-based system constantly monitors the area of traffic in front of the vehicle, and can determine the distance and speed of the vehicles in front. If it falls clearly below the safe following distance, the system issues a visual warning to the driver. If it detects a serious risk of collision, the driver receives an additional audible warning. At the same time, the system computes the braking power required to still prevent the impact in the ideal case at speeds from as low as 7 km/h. If the warned driver then depresses the brake pedal firmly, the system is capable of boosting insufficient braking commensurate to the situation. In so doing it makes the best possible use of the remaining distance in order to leave vehicles following behind space for braking manoeuvres.

If the driver fails to react, new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS can go one step further and autonomously brake for slower or stopping vehicles. The system even brakes when stationary vehicles are detected up to a speed of 50 km/h, and can prevent rear-end collisions up to 40 km/h depending on the situation.

The PRE-SAFE® system is another standard item. It triggers preventive occupant protection measures when the risk of accident is imminent, including the reversible belt tensioners.

Another optional extra is the Driver Assistance package Plus. This encompasses the following assistance systems:

• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot – relieves the burden on the driver in keeping a safe following distance, even in stop and go traffic. Steering Assist is new and helps the driver with lateral control of the vehicle, even in gentle bends, and offers a tailback vehicle following function.
• BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist – boosts driver braking depending on the situation, if necessary up to full brake application and, for the first time, can also react to crossing traffic and pedestrians.
• PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection – provides autonomous braking in the absence of a driver reaction. In typical urban driving scenarios, it can now prevent collisions with pedestrians or stationary vehicles or reduce their severity.
• PRE-SAFE® PLUS – detects an impending rear impact, warns the traffic following behind by means of high-frequency flashing of the rear hazard warning lamps, locks the brakes if the vehicle is stationary to reduce forward jolt and thus reduces the strain placed on the occupants and the risk of secondary accidents. PRE-SAFE® is activated immediately prior to the impact.
• Active Blind Spot Assist – issues a visual and, if the indicator is activated, an audible warning of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot area, and can prevent a potential side-on collision by actuating the brakes on one side at the last moment.
• Active Lane Keeping Assist – warns of unintentional lane departures by means of pulsed vibrations of the steering wheel and in the presence of solid lane markings corrects the vehicle’s alignment position with one-sided brake application. It now also intervenes with one-sided brake application if the adjacent lane is occupied by, for example, oncoming traffic, fast overtaking or overtaken vehicles.

Also available as an optional extra:

• MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with high-performance, precision LED modules adapt to a wide array of road and traffic conditions and adjust
• the light distribution precisely and highly dynamically for optimum visibility. There is an integral “coming home” function.
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus (part of optional MULTIBEAM LED) allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams’ cone of light.
• Traffic Sign Assist – now recognises no-overtaking zones and the end of these zones in addition to speed limits. Can warn visually and audibly of no-entry signs (wrong-way driving) if the appropriate signs are posted.
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC – makes automated parking with active steering and brake actuation possible in both parallel and end-on spaces. Can also help when leaving a parallel parking space if the vehicle was parked using the system.
• 360° camera (part of the optional Parking package) – makes parking and manoeuvring possible with a 360-degree view. The vehicle and its surroundings can be displayed on the multimedia system display from a bird’s-eye view and other perspectives.

Ample space; simple, sporty elegance; hand-crafted perfection, and premium materials are hallmarks of the CLS family’s stylish interior. The new generation ramps up this impression by placing greater emphasis on sportiness, exclusivity and functionality.

A new, free-standing colour display in the head unit with a 20.3 cm screen diagonal (8″) plays a part in the contemporary styling. Also complementing the high-quality instrument cluster are three round dials with white backgrounds and a central 10.9 cm multifunction TFT display for full-colour, three-dimensional viewing.

There is also a new generation of steering wheel: the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with perforated grip area comes in black or espresso brown nappa leather as standard and there are twelve ergonomic controls for easy operation of myriad functions. Opting for the AMG Line provides customers with the multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section. DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles are standard for the CLS Coupé and the CLS Shooting Brake.

In the vehicle interior, both the CLS Coupé and Shooting Brake traditionally provide plenty of scope for individualisation. There are five attractive interior colours, six types of trim and different qualities of leather to choose from, including Leather PASSION Exclusive. The new interior colour combinations are crystal grey/black, silk beige/espresso brown and saddle brown/black. Other new options enhancing the scope for individualisation are high-gloss brown “linestructure” lime wood trim and two stylish designo interior concepts featuring leather with high-quality, diamond-pattern quilting and a choice of colours: classic red/black or saddle brown/silk beige.

The careful treatment of various interior elements reveals even greater attention to detail. For example, the seat adjustment controls in the front doors have a genuine metal surface and are electroplated in silver shadow. The existing central control panel with two buttons now has four, which are integrated directly into the centre console trim. These four buttons combined with a controller enable individually stored functions (favourites) to be accessed quickly via the head unit.

Onboard the CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake a large element of wood trim on the dashboard that continues onto the doors sets the future tone. There are also high-quality seams on the cockpit and seats, an analogue clock with Mercedes star in the centre console between the vent openings, and ambience lighting in three colour shades (neutral, solar, polar). On the CLS Shooting Brake it is the large luggage compartment that really makes a difference. It is lined with a high-quality carpet, whilst optional aluminium designer cargo rails create an even more exclusive look. Without parallel in the automotive industry is the designo wood luggage compartment floor, which highlights the interior’s hand-finished character and lends the luggage compartment the elegance of a wooden deck on board a yacht.

The new generation Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe and CLS Shooting Brake were just unveiled this week featuring a sporty design and even more luxurious interior with several tech updates. Watch the videos below for an overview of the two models, head down to the photo gallery or click here to read in-depth spec info.

Mercedes CLS Coupe

Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake

The CLS film “Manhattanhenge”

Mercedes-Benz founded the four-door coupé segment ten years ago with the CLS, thus underlining its leading role in automotive design. The CLS combined for the first time the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. It was also the first vehicle to offer dynamic LED High Performance headlamps as an option, turning it into the lighting icon. In 2012, Mercedes‑Benz built on the success of the CLS with the CLS Shooting Brake. With this sporty five-door model, the premium brand from Stuttgart once again demonstrated its concept creativity. As an extraordinary form of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate, the CLS Shooting Brake is an attractive companion for active people that shy away from the mainstream and who are unwilling to sacrifice sportiness or luggage space as part of stylish touring. In this way the Shooting Brake set another highlight in the line of innovative Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles. Both the CLS Coupé and the CLS Shooting Brake have long since established themselves as style icons with particular charisma, and will also continue to be unique in their segment.

Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: “With the CLS Coupé and the CLS Shooting Brake we have built design icons which also set the pulse racing faster in their latest incarnation courtesy of their enthralling lines. With new high-tech ingredients such as the innovative MULTIBEAM LED headlamps which start a new chapter in lighting design, the nine-speed automatic transmission or the progressive multimedia system, both models also define new cutting-edge technology.”

The scintillating design of the CLS-Class with its exciting proportions has been subtly adapted to high-tech aspirations. It steadfastly remains a compelling proposition with its long bonnet, narrow window line with frameless side windows and dynamically downwards sloping roof. The CLS Shooting Brake offers additional load capacity with up to 1550 litres of space for luggage or sport and leisure equipment thanks to its sporty, flat roof that extends through to the rear and five doors.

Overall the design of the latest generation of the CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake comes across as even more dynamic. This is thanks to a new, expressive diamond radiator grille, a striking front bumper with large air intakes, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps as well as new, slightly darkened tail lights with multi-level function.

New dimensions in lighting systems

Both models now come as standard with all-LED headlamps in a new design. Alternatively both vehicle models are available as an option with the new MULTIBEAM LED headlamps as designed and developed by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in lighting systems with this innovation. Since the MULTIBEAM LED technology combines the very best of today’s lighting technologies and can optimally adjust the light distribution instantly and automatically to virtually any traffic situation, it always ensures thus far unrivalled broad and bright illumination of the road surface and edge of the carriageway for high performance and precision without dazzling other car drivers.

The camera-based Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus provides the information for the illumination. If it detects illuminated oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, it drives each of the individual 24 high-performance LEDs in a matrix light source electronically so that individual areas of the road are specifically masked in accordance with the particular situation. The headlamp control function combines the matrix light source with the tried-and-trusted technology of the LED Intelligent Light System, thus increasing the precision of today’s matrix light sources and setting up a main beam gap with minimal width. This prevents other drivers from being dazzled, while drivers in the CLS Coupé and in the CLS Shooting Brake always benefit from the best possible – in other words brightest illumination of the road and road verges. The anti-dazzle main beam can be switched on permanently. Thus the new MULTIBEAM LED headlamps open up new dimensions in safety from which other road users can mutually benefit.

In addition to the camera on the windscreen, this new lighting system uses four control units per vehicle, which calculate the ideal light pattern 100 times per second and control all 24 high-performance LEDs in each precision LED module quickly and individually. Each LED is dimmable in 255 stages.

New MULTIBEAM LED headlamps provide exceptionally fast and precise, anti-dazzle continuous main beam and light up the road surface and its edges much more brightly in many situations.

Best visibility on bends and roundabouts

As well as the high-performance, precision LED module, each MULTIBEAM LED headlamp also features a module for the low-beam headlamp, which can be swivelled outwards by up to twelve degrees. This provides an active light function, which is also camera-controlled, with unprecedented characteristics. For instance, it offers a preview function which already swivels the active light function when the driver has yet not turned the wheels. Thus it provides optimum illumination of the bend early on. The active light function already swivels back to the straight-ahead position before the end of the bend according to the particular situation. This allows the driver to identify dangers earlier when entering and exiting bends. The anticipatory control allows an additional range of between 30 and 60 metres depending on the traffic situation.

The roundabout light is also unique, which activates the cornering light function modules on the left and right before entering a roundabout in order to provide the best visibility on all sides at an early stage. The navigation system provides the headlamps with details of the locations of roundabouts along the route.

Friendly welcome: welcome home function

As a charming unusual function, the new MULTIBEAM LED headlamps use their multifunction optical fibres not just as daytime running lamps, turn signal lamp and turn signal lamp, but they also welcome the driver by bringing this optical fibre to life with a friendly blue light when the vehicle is opened.

Sporty interior with contemporary luxury

Ample space, unadorned, sporty elegance, perfect craftsmanship and high-quality materials exert the stylistic influence on the interior of the CLS family. The new generation reinforces this impression by emphasising sportiness, exclusivity and functionality even more.

The new free-standing colour display in the head unit with its 20.3 cm screen diagonal (8 inch) adds to the state-of-the-art feel and will help define the dashboard’s contemporary looks. Other new features include a redesigned three-spoke sports steering wheel and a host of exquisite details which underscore the interior’s high quality both in visual and tactile terms. The central control panel in the centre console has four instead of the previous two buttons, thus requiring fewer operating steps in many cases. Five attractive interior colours, six trim finishes as well as grades of leather ranging from leather to Exclusive PASSION leather will be available in future and offer a host of potential individualisation options.

Fulfilling personal preferences

The new AMG Line Plus supplements the previously available design and equipment lines Exterior Sports package and AMG Line, thus extending individualisation options to include a very sportily oriented version which expressively emphasises dynamism and exclusivity. A special Night package is scheduled to give buyers further choice at the end of the year. New designo interior packages are also available.

Efficient, sporty engines

Thrilling dynamism and exemplary efficiency – those are the strengths of the five engines available in the new generation of the CLS-Class. All fulfil the Euro 6 standard. A new addition in this class is the CLS 220 BlueTEC with four-cylinder diesel engine featuring fourth-generation common rail direct injection, two-stage turbocharging and BlueTEC technology. It produces 125 kW (170 hp) and offers maximum torque of 400 Nm. 150 kW (204 hp) and torque of 500 Nm are on tap from the four-cylinder diesel unit in the CLS 250 BlueTEC. The V6 diesel unit in the CLS 350 BlueTEC exceeds these figures with 190 kW (258 hp) and torque of 620 Nm.

Equally new is the V6 petrol engine with turbocharging in the CLS 400 with a 3.5 litre displacement and biturbo drive. Thanks to its output potential and its phenomenal torque at low engine speeds it sets new standards in its segment. Compared to its predecessor with a naturally aspirated engine it produces 20 kW more with 245 kW (333 hp). Its torque increases by 110 Nm to 480 Nm and is available in the wide engine speed range of 1200 to 4000 rpm. The CLS 500 with 300 kW (408 hp) and up to 600 Nm of torque leads the field in the power output ratings.

Four instead of the previous two models will be available in future with permanent all-wheel drive. Newcomers include the CLS 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC and the CLS 400 4MATIC

Maximum performance and efficiency: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine

410 kW (557 hp) to 430 kW (585 hp) and 720 to 800 newton metres – the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine ranks among the world’s most efficient series-production eight-cylinder engines when it comes to peak output, torque and fuel consumption. The CLS 63 AMG with 410 kW (557 hp) and rear-wheel drive consumes 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) (231 grams CO2 per kilometre). The variant with 410 kW and performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the S-Model with 430 kW (585 hp) and all-wheel drive come in only slightly above at 10.4 to 10.6 litres per 100 km (243 grams to 248 grams CO2/km). All CLS 63 AMG models already meet the second stage of the EU6 emissions standard.

New automatic transmission with nine gears

Cutting-edge technology also comes in the shape of 9G-TRONIC, the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission with hydrodynamic torque converter in the premium segment, which is used in the CLS 220 BlueTEC, CLS 250 BlueTEC, CLS 350 BlueTEC and CLS 500. This innovation builds on the strengths of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which hitherto has set the benchmark in terms of efficiency, comfort and dynamism. With nine forward gears the 9G‑TRONIC manages to reduce fuel consumption, while further enhancing shift comfort and agility.

Hallmark Mercedes high level of safety

To make top-class safety available for everyone, the CLS-Class will in future be fitted with a host of new assistance systems along with existing systems with upgraded functionality. Standard-fit features include the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which can help prevent rear-end collisions – if necessary through autonomous braking.

The state-of-the-art assistance systems from the S-Class can also be fitted as an option. These include DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC including lateral parking manoeuvres and a 360° camera.

Optimum connectivity

A completely new multimedia generation will offer intuitive operation in the CLS Coupé and in the CLS Shooting Brake, including elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner.

The Audio 20 CD or optional COMAND Online infotainment systems are available in combination with the new, free-standing display in the head unit with its 20.3 cm screen diagonal (8 inch). Both enable the internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. The prerequisite is a Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with data option. Equally new is a now standard and an integrated Media Interface to connect an iPod® and iPhone®.

In conjunction with COMAND Online, Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather, GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and Panoramio, destination/route download and Facebook can be used while on the move. Audio and video playback is possible from various sources, e.g. via Bluetooth®, from the Apple iPod® and iPhone®, from SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD.

COMAND Online also provides the LINGUATRONIC voice control system; digital TV/radio reception is also available as an option.

Modern-style navigation

In the version with pre-installation the basic Audio 20 CD system can be supplemented with the user-friendly Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation system. Its strengths include 3D views with exact representation of streets and buildings and photo-realistic junction and lane assistants. The navigation software and the map data are stored on an SD card, which is simply inserted in the dedicated slot of the Audio 20 CD with preparation for the Garmin® MAP PILOT.

COMAND Online with fast 3D hard-disc navigation, topographical map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and 3D map rotations as well as display of NASA satellite images provides a decidedly sensuous experience. System features include an animated compass and display of Google Maps on the head unit. The navigation system can also provide real-time information about the situation on the roads when it receives its traffic data in COMAND Online via the internet by means of the Live Traffic Information service.

Telephony via Bluetooth® with HD Voice capability as standard

The basic Audio 20 CD system and COMAND Online both support HD Voice-capable basic telephony, which connects the mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth® interface. HD Voice provides much better voice quality. In conjunction with convenience telephony the high-speed LTE network can also be used in future if a compatible smartphone with a relevant contract is used.

Mercedes connect me – new online connection to the car

With the new-generation CLS-Class a new package of services is also being launched in Europe under the name “Mercedes connect me”. Mercedes-Benz emergency call, accident, maintenance and breakdown management are available via a standard-fit KOM module with its own SIM card fitted in the vehicle. Customers can also connect to their vehicle via the internet anytime, anywhere via “connect.mercedes.me” and, for example, check how full the tank is.

Mercedes-Benz has completely re-envisioned the four-door CLS Coupé and the CLS Shooting Brake. Both models now feature a honed front section and an extensively upgraded interior that boasts lots of new, perfectly handcrafted details, combining contemporary luxury with passionate sportiness. They also bring ground-breaking technical innovations to the road. The futuristic MULTIBEAM LED headlamps open up new dimensions in lighting systems. High-performance, precision LED modules automatically provide the best possible illumination, whatever the road and traffic conditions. Cutting-edge technology on-board also includes the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, new, powerful engines, intelligently networked driver assistance and safety systems as well as a progressive multimedia system with internet. The AMG variants CLS 63 AMG Coupé and Shooting Brake developing up to 430 kW (585 hp) assume pole position in the power output stakes. The new Mercedes connect me online services are also included on all models.