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02/07/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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Mercedes-Benz likes to be at the leading edge of style and technology. Which is no surprise when you remember this is the company that can claim to have invented the motor car 125 years ago.
The Mercedes CLS created a big stir when it was launched in 2005, its ultra-sleek lines grabbed attention to the extent that when we drove through Rome on the international launch people stopped to admire it.
However, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to give the new 2011 CLS a more aggressive look particularly at the front where the grille is relatively upright and carries themes from the stunning Mercedes-Benz SLS Gullwing AMG. Swooping style lines and the ‘Mercedes ponton’ look of the rear guards complete the side profile of the all-new Benz CLS.
Is the new Mercedes CLS still a four-door coupe, or has it become a sleek sedan? That’s a point of discussion amongst many car enthusiasts. Indeed, Mercedes-Benz president Hans Tempel and I spent some time contemplating the matter during dinner at the launch program; and failed to come up with a decision.
The front seats of the new CLS are slightly larger than before and the complete interior is done in high-quality materials that are finished to an exceptional standard.
The first generation Mercedes CLS had rear legroom that was adequate rather than generous. The second generation car has been noticeably improved and four adults will find they can settle back and enjoy cruising in luxury.
A feature not immediately noticeable at the front of the new Mercedes-Benz CLS is the use of LED headlights, a first in mass production cars. The headlights adjust automatically up, down, left or right according to inputs from other cars’ headlights or taillights and the way the CLS’ steering wheel is turned.
The LED produce a brilliant light that's reportedly close to looking like daylight from the driver’s seat. We haven’t yet had a chance to drive one of the new CLS models at night, but will do so when we have one for a week’s loan in a few weeks time.
Powerplants in the latest four-door Mercedes are petrol and diesel V6 units and a V8 petrol. A V8 diesel will be offered in Europe later, though at this stage the big power diesel hasn't been confirmed for the Australian lineup.
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS proved very competent on all surfaces and in every bend that we threw at it. The basic design of the suspension is already good, and is backed up by electronic sensors that can assist a driver who has over-driven the car, or who has simply made a mistake.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe (sedan?), is an impressive piece of automotive design, both in its stunning appearance and in the mechanical components that power the sleek body.
Prices, excluding dealer and government charges, are:
CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency 3.0-litre turbo-diesel: $159,200 (automatic)
CLS 63 AMG 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol: $263,500 (automatic)
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