The New Mercedes-Benz CLS

The new CLS pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, which is recognizable by its clear contours and reduced lines

The new CLS pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. Its character is marked by a grille contour that widens towards the base and a forward-slanting front section. Other features include wide, low-set headlamps and two-section tail lights. At the same time the design reflects the timeless aura of the first CLS, which founded a new segment and quickly became a design icon. All CLS models are equipped with new engines: in-line six-cylinder and in-line four-cylinder units as diesel and petrol versions. Like its predecessors, the new CLS exudes self-assured sportiness in exemplary style: a highly emotive vehicle offering impressive long-distance and acoustic comfort coupled with thrilling, unrivalled technology. The four-door coupé will enter the market in March 2018.

2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes-Benz CLS, 2017, Studio, designo hyacinth red metallic, nappa leather macchiato beige / magma grey

In 2003, with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle segment that for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. With the third generation of the CLS, Mercedes-Benz is now building more strongly than ever on the aura and unique character of this trendsetting model: the new model has pure CLS genes with its arching waistline, flat side window lines and low greenhouse. At the same time it is another example of the logical evolution of the Sensual Purity design idiom: sharp edges and lines have been significantly reduced. It blends seamlessly into the current Mercedes-Benz coupé family with numerous design features. Its cd value of 0.26 is positive proof of outstanding aerodynamics.

The range of engines for the CLS is completely new. Three six-cylinder models will be available on market launch:

  • CLS 350 d 4MATIC (210 kW/286 hp, 600 Nm; combined fuel consumption 5.6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 148 g/km)
  • CLS 400 d 4MATIC (250 kW/340 hp, 700 Nm; combined fuel consumption 5.6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 148 g/km)
  • CLS d 450 4MATIC (270 + 16 kW/367 hp + 22 hp; combined fuel consumption 7.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 178 g/km)[1].

The sporty CLS also has a comfortable side. The AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, ENERGIZING comfort controls and the very latest infotainment generation, smartphone connectivity via Mercedes-Benz Link and wireless charging accentuate this. The touchpad in the centre console gives haptic and acoustic feedback when operating the numerous convenience functions and settings.

The standard appointments of the CLS are as usual very extensive: The highlights include LED High Performance headlamps, 18‑inch light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, a 12.3‑inch media display, ambience lighting including illuminated air vents, Mercedes me connect services and a communication module with LTE.

Exterior: Self-assured sportiness in the style of Mercedes-Benz coupés

“The new CLS is a design icon as the archetype of the four-door coupé. In line with our design philosophy of sensual purity, we have reduced its DNA in an extremely puristic way and at the same time emotionally charged it with elegant beauty”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG.

Striking front-end features include the diamond grille typical of Mercedes-Benz coupés, with a single louvre. The silhouette of the radiator grille widens towards the base, resembling the contours of the grille on the Mercedes-AMG GT. The bonnet is completely surrounded by body surfaces. The very flat and wide headlamps with inward-slanting flanks dynamically follow the contour of the grille.

The side design is characterised by the high, arching waistline and the sporty, low greenhouse with frameless side windows. The forward-slanting front end is reminiscent of a shark’s nose, and appears longer thanks to the fully inset bonnet. The contours follow the design philosophy of sensual purity: lines and edges are greatly reduced, and the surfaces are generously arched.

Also typical of the CLS is the muscular rear shoulder line which blends smoothly into the flat rear end. Characteristic coupé features include the two-section tail lights, reflectors positioned in the rear bumper, location of the registration plate in the bumper and the Mercedes star at the centre of the boot lid. Depending on specification, this houses an extendable camera.

Like the headlamps, the LED tail lights with Edgelight backlighting have a crystalline appearance and create a three-dimensional effect. Their low positioning accentuates the width of the vehicle.

Interior consistent colour scheme, Widescreen cockpit

The luxurious interior of the CLS Coupé impresses with its clear basic lines, and echoes the sensual, flowing contours of the exterior. The high-grade choice of materials shows a very high level of finish.

The sporty, width-accentuated cockpit and colour combination creates an impression of particularly generous spaciousness. For a flowing overall impression, the wave-like course of the interior design extends from the front to the rear doors, opening up at the B‑pillars. As a new highlight of the ambience lighting, the illuminated air vents are reminiscent of jet aircraft turbines. The sporty impression is also reinforced by the hand-finished appearance of the seats. On request a high-resolution Widescreen cockpit is available, with two 12.3‑inch displays arranged beneath a shared, continuous glass cover. The centre console with open-pored or high-gloss wood appears to be free-floating thanks to its surface trim.

In the fully digital cockpit, the driver is able to feely configure the information content according to need and the driving situation. Three different styles can be selected depending on preference, mood or to suit the interior appointments. The Classic and Sport styles have a basic structure with two tubes, while the Progressive style surprises and polarises with a structure having a central, tube-shaped instrument.

The ambience lighting is individually adjustable in 64 colours, and also includes the air vents. When the temperature setting of the air conditioning system is changed, it briefly changes colour to show whether the temperature is being made warmer (red) or cooler (blue).

The seats were designed exclusively for this model series. Depending on the interior, they feature high-quality piping or transverse seams. The outer seats in the rear have the same appearance as the front seats, creating a sporty single-seat impression, although the CLS Coupé is in fact a five-seater for the first time. When required the backrests can be folded down in a 40/20/40 ratio, expanding the generous 520‑litre luggage compartment.

Wellness on long-distance journeys: ENERGIZING comfort control

ENERGIZING comfort control (optional) links various comfort systems in the vehicle. It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrancing) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the surface and steering wheel heating as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, and allows a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer. As a result, well-being and performance levels are enhanced.

These six programmes can be selected:

  • Freshness
  • Warmth
  • Vitality
  • Joy
  • Comfort
  • Training (three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance – each with several exercises).

Intelligent Drive: Technology from the S-Class

The new CLS generation has many things in common with the new S-Class, the automotive flagship of the entire industry: The CLS is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, with route-based driver support provided by the Driving Assistance Package.

The range of driving assistance and safety systems features a modular design and as standard includes Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Speed Limit Assist and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. New and also part of the standard specification is PRE-SAFE® Sound (prepares human hearing for the anticipated accident noise when there is a risk of a collision).

The optional Driving Assistance Package consists of Active Distance Control DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE‑SAFE® PLUS. Active Distance Control DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. Active Lane Change Assist has also been significantly improved (country-specific differences are possible for individual functions). In addition, the Driving Assistance Plus package includes PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. This system can prepare the front occupants for a side impact by giving them a sideways impulse, reducing the risk of injury.

Thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the new CLS also has an even better view of the surrounding traffic. For the first time it also makes use of map and navigation data to calculate driving behaviour.

The “Assistance Graphics” menu of the instrument cluster shows the driver at a glance which assistance functions have been selected, and to what situations the systems are currently responding. Unmistakable icons provide the driver with information on-screen as well as in the head-up display. All functions are now controlled from the steering wheel.

In stop & go traffic on motorways and similar roads, stops of up to 30 seconds are now possible, during which time the CLS starts moving again automatically and follows the traffic (in conjunction with Active Parking Assist).

The ULTRA RANGE high beam of the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps produces the maximum light intensity permitted by law, which results in the brightness of the main beam headlamps remaining above the reference value of 1 lux over a distance of more than 650 metres. Car-to‑X communication is a further trailblazing safety feature.

Suspension: There is a choice of three variants.

The new CLS has a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. A dynamically set-up steel comfort suspension is standard equipment. The optionally available DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension has a sporty basic setup and includes continuously adjustable damping at the front and rear axle. The selectable driving modes are Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Also available on request is the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension with an improved, adjustable and adaptive damping system. The driver is able to choose vehicle characteristics from comfortable to sporty using the driving mode switch.

New range of engines: With EQ Boost and 48 volt onboard electrical system

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS is powered by completely new engines, initially in-line six-cylinder diesel and petrol units. Also characteristic of the four-door coupé is the extensive range of 4MATIC models.

The output of the diesel unit ranges from 210 kW/286 hp and 600 Nm of torque (CLS 350 d 4MATIC) through to 250 kW/340 hp and 700 Nm (CLS 400 d 4MATIC). The special traits of the top-of-the-line engine in the diesel family include the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage turbocharging and, for the first time, the use of CAMTRONIC variable valve-lift control. Its design features a combination of an aluminium engine block and steel pistons as well as further improved NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder walls. All components relevant to efficient emissions reduction have been installed directly on the engine.

The most powerful engine is the six-cylinder petrol unit. The new, systematically electrified in-line six-cylinder with EQ Boost (integrated starter/generator) and a 48 volt onboard electrical system powers the CLS 450 4MATIC. Its performance data: 270 kW/367 hp and 500 Nm plus a further 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods. The integrated electric motor known as EQ Boost assists the combustion engine e.g. when accelerating, makes driving without the combustion engine possible (“sailing”) and supplies the battery with power by means of high-efficiency recuperation. By doing so it makes fuel savings possible that were previously the exclusive domain of high-voltage hybrid technology. All in all, the new in-line six-cylinder engine delivers the performance of an eight-cylinder engine with significantly lower consumption. The CLS 450 4MATIC is equipped with a particulate filter as standard.

The new CLS models:

  • CLS 350 d 4MATIC
  • CLS 400 d 4MATIC
  • CLS 450 4MATIC

Edition 1: Particularly exclusive launch model

The exclusivity of the CLS can be heightened even further with the Edition 1, which will be available for around one year after the market launch. This special model has numerous luxurious features as standard, which are only available for the Edition 1. These include e.g. the COPPER ART interior concept with seats in black pearl nappa leather with centre sections in a diamond design and copper-coloured accents, copper-coloured contrasting topstitching on the centre console, seats, armrests, dashboard and door linings, and a unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and louvre with a copper-coloured shimmer. The Edition 1 is available with all engine variants.

The exterior is based on the AMG Line. Special features include MULTIBEAM LED headlamps as standard and 20‑inch multi-spoke AMG light alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen rim flange. The special model is recognisable by the “Edition 1” lettering on the front wings.

Highlights of the interior, which is likewise based on the AMG Line, additionally include:

  • dashboard support lined in black nappa leather
  • centre console and dashboard support trim in black open-pored ash wood
  • IWC analogue clock with exclusive dial face
  • Vehicle key in high-gloss black with high-sheen chrome surround
  • Ambient lighting in 64 colours incl. illuminated ventilation nozzles
  • Mirror package
  • Memory package
  • Rear seat backrest foldable in a 40:20:40 ratio
  • Floor mats with “Edition 1” badge and copper-coloured piping
  • Chrome “Edition 1” lettering on the centre console and “Edition 1” display on the welcome screen.
    [1] NEDC combined acc. to Euro 6d temp

Mercedes-Benz G-Class as You Imagine

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been writing an incomparable success story since 1979. "designo manufaktur" is now making the classic cross-country vehicle even more individual ex factory

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been writing an incomparable success story since 1979. “designo manufaktur” is now making the classic cross-country vehicle even more individual ex factory. Customers can now tailor the off-road icon to their personal style.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The name says it all: “designo manufaktur” captures customers’ imagination with individual equipment and appointments features, traditional craftsmanship and the highest quality. The new individualisation programme fulfils the wishes of numerous G-Class customers for their own personal, tailor-made cross-country vehicle. “designo manufaktur” offers exclusive, unique colour and material compositions inside and out. With a host of combination options, the off-roader develops its very special character and unmistakable style.

The Manufaktur hand-finishing section, which turns a G-Class into a unique “G”, is located in Graz. Be it exterior or interior, topstitching or model badge, virtually every detail is lovingly crafted by hand. Here unique specimens that meet the most discerning requirements for quality and exclusivity are created with dedication, passion and artisanal perfection.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

New exterior colours and extended options for wheels

Showing one’s colours – for G-Class customers a question of personal taste. The classic cross-country vehicle is now available in an even wider range of colours. The extended options range from eye-catching non-metallic paint finish such as fire opal, the metallic finish designo mauritius blue metallic, to the matt finishes designo allanite grey magno and designo yellow olive magno. Off-road fans will also be able to create their own style with a roof painted in obsidian black.

In line with the spirit of the times, customers can also choose from an extended line-up of light-alloy wheels painted in black. A perfect addition comes in the shape of various inlays for the exterior side rub strips. They are available for the AMG models in carbon fibre look, and in black for the other variants. The overall look is rounded off with the stainless steel ring for the spare wheel cover. It can either be painted in black or in the body color.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Popular Night package now also available for the G-Class

The Night package, which is familiar from many passenger car models and very popular among customers, is now also available for the G-Class. With striking design features in black, the Night package underscores the expressive character of the G‑Class. Exterior mirror housings, flared wheel arches, bumpers and the roof are finished in obsidian black metallic, the inlays on the exterior side rub strip and the light-alloy wheels are painted in black. The Night package is supplemented by heat-insulating, dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

designo manufaktur interior – the ultimate in individuality

The numerous options for individualising the interior perfectly match the expressive exterior. New additions include the designo leather upholstery in the colours saddle brown, deep-sea blue, silk beige and mocha brown.

The topstitching on the seats, head restraints, dashboard, door handles, armrests and handbrake lever are perfectly coordinated with the upholstery colours, thus underscoring the hand-finished concept as well as the new two-tone designo interiors. The colour combinations designo leather mocha brown / black with topstitching in dark tobacco, or designo leather deep-sea blue / black with topstitching in deep-sea blue are available for the seats, dashboard, centre console and steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Exclusively for the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and G 65 models, “designo manufaktur” offers an even sportier touch with the DINAMICA Interior package. This includes the AMG performance steering wheel in black nappa leather, with the grip area trimmed in DINAMICA microfibre, as well as the seat and door centre panels along with the roof liner, seats, head restraints, dashboard, door handles, armrest and handbrake with white topstitching.

Other interior details include the coloured seat belts in designo red and the leather-covered grab handles on the roof liner. In short, individuality virtually knows no bounds on-board the G-Class.

All models at a glance:

Model Cyl. cc kW/hp Nm 0-100 km/h Price
in EUR*
G 350 d V6 2987 180/245 600 8.8 s 89,922.35
G 500 V8 3982 310/422 610 5.9 s 105,035.35
G 500 4×42 V8 3982 310/422 610 7.4 s 226,100.00
AMG G 63 V8 5461 420/571 760 5.4 s 143,216.50
AMG G 65 V12 5980 463/630 1000 5.3 s 271,915.00
AMG G 63
EDITION 463
V8 5461 420/571 760 5.4 s 159,341.00
AMG G 65
EDITION 463
V12 5980 463/630 1000 5.3 s 282,208.50

Mercedes-Benz Lets You Personalize Your 2011 E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG Performance Studio and designo to meet the needs of those with the most discerning tastes

For some of us, merely owning a 525 hp Mercedes doesn’t say enough about our fine taste. Sure it lets everyone know we like a little extra speed and power in our lives, but what about our personal style. For those that need to add a little to make the Mercedes E63 AMG their own personal masterpiece, Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG Performance Studio and designo.Whether it is adding an extra 32 hp you want or black piano lacquer interior trim, Mercedes has you covered.

Offering uncompromising dynamism, extreme individuality and exquisite style – the optional extras available from the AMG Performance Studio and designo are sure to meet even the most discerning tastes.

The AMG Performance Studio, which opened its doors in Affalterbach in 2006, aims to meet even the most discerning customer requirements. And this service includes tailoring the E 63 AMG. A particularly attractive highlight is the AMG Performance package which comprises:

  • an increase in the peak output of 24 kW (32 hp) and in the torque of 100 Nm
  • genuine carbon-fibre AMG engine cover
  • brake callipers painted in red, or optionally anodised in silver
  • genuine carbon-fibre AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon)
  • electrically operated blind for rear window (Saloon)
  • AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with the grip area in Alcantara®
  • additional exclusive optional extras are also individually available from the AMG Performance Studio:
  • AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension with stiffer damping
  • AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
  • AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
  • AMG Exterior Carbon package
  • lightweight forged AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a 5-twin-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear
  • AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, with 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
  • AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with the grip area in Alcantara®
  • AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
  • AMG door sill panels for the front, illuminated in white using LED technology
  • AMG floor mats
  • AMG Driver’s package (includes restriction of the top speed to 280 km/h (E 63 AMG Estate) or 300 km/h (E 63 AMG Saloon), participation in a driver training course at the AMG Driving Academy, AMG spoiler lip and electric sunblind for rear window (both for E 63 AMG Saloon only)
  • AMG Exclusive package and AMG Premium package

Additional attractive optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio include the AMG Exclusive package and the AMG Premium package1). Both packages are available exclusively for the E 63 AMG, and are therefore not suitable for the remaining E-Class models. The AMG Exclusive package comprises nappa leather upholstery for the AMG sports seats, upper part of the dashboard, beltlines, center console and also for the door armrests and door centre panels. The roof lining, sun blinds and also the A, B, C and D-pillars (Estate) are all finished in Alcantara. AMG floor mats round off the accessories making up the AMG Exclusive package.

The Premium package1) is made up of AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, optionally with 255/40 R 18 tyres on the front and 285/35 R 18 on the rear, or 255/35 R 19 on the front and 285/30 R 19 on the rear. Other features include the Multicontour Seat package, Light package, electric panoramic sliding glass sunroof, KEYLESS-GO package, electric sunblind for rear window (Saloon) and AMG spoiler lip painted in the vehicle colour (Saloon).
1) available for the German market only

designo for tailor-made individuality

A literally tailor-made vehicle that matches your individuality can be achieved courtesy of the comprehensive designo range. Five different designo paint finishes can be combined with nine designo aniline leather appointment options as well as three different trims. Also providing a special look are the two matt paint finishes designo magno cashmere white and designo magno allanite grey.

The single-tone designo aniline leather appointments give the interior of the E 63 AMG a highly exclusive ambience: the AMG sports seats and door centre panels in the chosen leather colour as well as matching piping with contrasting stitching are coordinated with black nappa leather on the door armrests and the centre console cover. Velour floor mats with black designo leather edging, designo metal badges and the black roof lining harmoniously round off the look.

To enhance the high-class appeal of the interior even further, there is also the “Extended designo leather appointments” option. With this, the upper part of the dashboard and the upper door linings are finished in black designo leather. The “Extended designo leather appointments II” option takes things a step further, with fine nappa leather on the lower part of the dashboard, glove compartment lid, door base frames, map pockets on the doors and the side bolsters of the center console.

Complementing the overall look perfectly are three trims, comprising designo natural curly maple wood, designo natural bamboo wood and designo black piano lacquer, as well as a designo Alcantara roof lining available in three colours.

Mercedes-Benz Canada Designo Program Updates

The Mercedes-Benz designo program empowers customers to select from a myriad of trims, colors and top quality materials

Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced new enhancements for the company’s special designo program, including fascinating new packages and industry-exclusive offerings that provide customers with the unique opportunity to individualize their new Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Designed to offer the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, the designo program from Mercedes-Benz combines exclusive paint finishes, hand-stitched leather appointments and exotic trim elements in fine wood, glossy, deep black piano lacquer and natural stone to allow customers the flexibility to design and specify a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle tailored to their exact personal preferences.

For the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz is pleased to announce that a full complement of designo options can be selected for the entire new E-Class family, which now includes the Coupe, Sedan, Cabriolet and Wagon. Currently available on the E-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, SLS AMG, M-Class and G-Class, the designo program offers a broad array of custom upholsteries, exotic trims and distinctive paint options for each model line.

Several new, carefully selected paint and trim options have recently been added to the already broad range of exquisite materials available through the designo program. Additional exterior paint colours include Allanite Grey, Cashmere White, and Platinum. Inside, a host of new, supple leather options including Platinum White, Light Brown, Jet Black and Deep White create a sensuous ambience, and in perfect complement, a new selection of rich trim elements include Curly Maple, Tamo, Olive, and Bamboo. To further highlight the potential for individualization, Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer to offer the patented and industry exclusive designo Labrador Blue and Star Galaxy stone trims on certain models.

Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to exclusively offer matte paint on production vehicles. In addition to offering an elegant and durable alternative to traditional high-gloss paint finishes, the optional designo MAGNO paint offers many additional benefits including a reduced susceptibility to minor scratches due to the light reflection properties of the matte finish, and it also hides minor dirt and dust better than traditional finishes. designo MAGNO paint is currently available on most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as part of the designo program, or by special order.

“Owning a Mercedes-Benz vehicle is an extension of personal style. The designo program empowers customers to select from a myriad of exclusive trims, distinctive colours and top quality materials to design a vehicle that reflects their own discerning tastes and individual preferences,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “The elegant and graceful lines of our sedans, the aggressive styling of our coupes and cabriolet models and the ergonomic and luxurious interiors for all our vehicles provide an ideal starting point for customers to build their own, bespoke masterpiece. The designo program is yet another example of how Mercedes-Benz is endeavouring to offer our valued customers an unmatched ownership experience.”