The Mercedes Benz CSL is one of the most exciting Merc models on sale.
It looks really racy and handles a lot like a sports car. Of course, space is at a bit of a premium, but this isnt meant to be a luxury saloon. This is supposed to be a 4-door coupe. A bit of a conundrum isnt it
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I have started this thread simply because I love this car.
OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION
A completely unique vehicle concept generated by a powerful new vision. The CLS-Class – the first four-door coupé from Mercedes – combines the dynamism of a coupé with the luxury and practicality of a saloon. Now you can get your pulse racing, and still have space for four adults and their luggage.
DESIGN
The CLS-Class is long, low and elegant with smooth, sporty lines and curves. Coupé styling includes an arching roofline, sweeping rear and frameless side windows. This sleek, sporty look belies its spacious interior and four doors. At the front, distinctive headlamps, the V-shape of the bonnet and front bumper give an athletic, powerful feel.
DRIVING SAFETY
All of our Mercedes-Benz know-how has gone into creating an incredibly safe drive. 4-link front suspension and optimised multi-link rear suspension underpins the handling and control of the CLS-Class Coupé. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BAS) and the latest-generation ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) all come as standard giving you excellent stability and control whatever the driving conditions. The tyre pressure loss warning system is also standard for the CLS-Class and invaluable in the early detection of slow punctures as well as flat tyres.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
Under the bonnet of the CLS 350 lies a newly developed Mercedes V6 engine boasting 272 hp. Complemented by the standard-fitted 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, this achieves top-class values for acceleration and fuel consumption.
The new CLS 320 CDI V6 diesel, with the same 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, delivers an equally impressive drive. With acceleration of 0 to 62.5 mph in only 7 seconds, this car is a beauty with a beast of an engine. And it’s one that has elevated the concept of diesel power to its next level. The maximum torque of 510 Nm is available at engine speeds as low as 1,600 rpm and remains constant all the way up to 2,800 rpm. Meaning a perfectly smooth-running drive, yet one with undiluted, charismatic power.
Eight-cylinder comfort and sports car performance are offered by the CLS 500. Its V8 engine, with 306 hp and a torque of 460 Nm, accelerates from standstill to 62.5 mph in just 6.1 seconds, interacting perfectly with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission.
In the CLS 55 AMG, the proven, hand-built engine pulls out all the stops with 476 hp, peak torque of 700 Nm and a 0-62.5 mph in an impressive 4.7 seconds. Teamed with the five-speed automatic gearbox with AMG Speedshift, this makes a thrilling combination.
LUXURY
High quality finishes mark out the CLS-Class Coupé as a truly luxurious car. It boasts fine wood trim and leather/fabric upholstery. And there’s plenty of extra space – it boasts all the comfort of a saloon – with larger interior and more luggage capacity than a two-door coupé. Extra comfort and a refined drive is afforded by AirMATIC suspension on both the CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG.
HISTORY
The CLS-class was first displayed as the Vision CLS concept at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The production version CLS 500 made its debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. A new AMG model was introduced at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the CLS 55 AMG. Only 3,000 CLS 55 AMG cars will be built each year.
It was offered on sale in Europe in Autumn 2004 and in the US in January 2005.
MODELS ON SALE
CLS 350 - A 3.5 L V6, generating 200 kW (272 hp DIN), and 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) at 2,400 rpm
CLS 500 - A 5.0 L V8, generating 225 kW (306 hp DIN), and 460 N·m (340 ft·lbf) at 2,700 rpm
CLS 55 AMG - A 5.4 L Supercharged V8, generating 350 kW (476 hp DIN), and 700 N m (516 ft lbf)
CLS 320 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Diesel
SPECIAL FEATURES
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.
2006 CLS55 AMG (center)
Enlarge
2006 CLS55 AMG (center)
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, 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 laser-guided cruise control, power sunroof, keyless go, drive authorization system and Parktronic parking sensors. Available electronics include: command control system, GPS navigation and surround sound audio.
The CLS 55 AMG is a modified version of the CLS produced by Mercedes-AMG. Features exclusive to the CLS 55 include: perforated sport seats, 18 inch (457 mm) light-alloy wheels with wider tires (for the UK), 19 inch five spoke light-alloy wheels (for US markets), large air inlets and quad chromed oval exhaust pipes. For 2007, the CLS 55 has been superseded by the CLS 63.
INTERIORS
Apart from an odd-looking matt finish wood trim centre-piece, which some customers might find slightly distasteful, the CLS looks great from the driving seat. Gloss finish wood is available as a no-cost option. Instruments and switches are similar to those found in the E-class and are arranged neatly and clearly. Steering wheel-mounted buttons mean many functions can be taken care of without the driver's attention being diverted from the road, including hands-free operation of the optional phone kit.
COMFORT
The CLS will seat four adults cocooned in leather-trimmed luxury, allowing them to relax in superbly designed seats. However, taller occupants in the rear will find headroom robbed by the tapering roof line. Legroom in the rear is also lacking when compared against other four-door cars, but OK for a coupe. The CLS rides smoothly and is quiet and refined, making it a great car for covering long distances and leaving the driver relaxed throughout.
PERFORMANCE
CLS 350: 0-100kmph 6.7 seconds; top speed 250kmph (limited)
CLS 500: 0-100 5.8 seconds; top speed 250kmph (limited)
CLS 55AMG: 0-100 4.5 seconds; top speed 250kmph (limited)
When you get to a corner, especially turning off a motorway (and assuming its clear in front) there are quite a few decisions to be made to set the car up for a curved slip-road. Press the Airmatic button behind the gearlever twice to firm things up. Then nudge the lever to the left a few times to select 5th, 4th or 3rd according to the severity of the bend. Get your braking done on the straight. Then pull cleanly through. Alternatively, you could just slob your way round, but it’s very satisfying to get it just ‘right’.
Ultimately, on a really fast sweeper, all four wheels will eventually start to wash out together and the car will start to move slightly. Lifting just a tiny bit gets it back onto line.
Not many people are going to drive their CLS 350 like that. If they want to play the hooligan they can go spend £75,000 on a 476bhp CLS 55AMG, and similar large amount on fines if they get spotted. The CLS 350 is more of a cruiser. You find yourself selecting the softest suspension and laziest autobox settings, then concentrating on driving smoothly.
People are going to notice you anyway.
HANDLING
Long, low and wide, the CLS resists body-roll well. Although you feel it lean into corners at higher speeds it settles well after the exit. CLS500 models have standard Airmatic DC (Dual Control) which regulates shock absorber forces according to road conditions, driving style and vehicle load. There are also three different settings: one comfort oriented and two firmer sport settings. The second sport setting also lowers the suspension by 15mm. With hefty rear tyres it is difficult to break traction in the dry. The CLS comes with Sensotronic Brake Control, which seems to have improved feel over the systems in the SL and E-class, making smooth braking easier to judge. Steering is direct, but lacking in feedback compared with a BMW.
PRACTICALITY
As well as the convenience of four-doors, the CLS also offers a large boot (up to 505 litres depending on engine derivative and spare-wheel package chosen). It should carry four people and their luggage comfortably.
OVERALL PROFESSIONAL'S TAKE
The fourth 'coupé' in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz line-up, although this is being marketed as a unique concept in having four standard doors. Therein lies the dilemma: is it a compromised four-door saloon or a four-seat coupe with improved access for rear seat passengers? Mercedes-Benz suggests the latter and its customers will be inclined to agree. At this price buyers could choose a high-specification E-class or perhaps stretch to an S-class, while it could be argued the CLS offers the elegance of a coupé with none of the compromises of the CLK or CL. It does offer a clear space advantage over rivals like the BMW 6-Series and Jaguar XK8, and is more exclusive than an E-class. It is also good to drive and well built.
MY PERSONAL VIEWS
The CLS is supposed to be a sports sedan. Something like what the BMW M5 is. But the CLS looks gorgeous !! It may not be as fast as the BMW M5 but I would love to own the CLS only on the basis of it's looks. It looks like some of the old Jaguars. The CLS to me looks like a cat waiting to pounce.
And while the rear seat space does suffer, the driving dynamics do make up for it. I saw Jeremy Clarkson drive it on the Top Gear test track and he was throwing the car around like there was no tomorrow. Amazing stuff.
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Another interesting read. A comparison between the Maserati Quattroporte, the BMW M5 and the Mercedes Benz CLS
Maserati Quattroporte v BMW M5 v Mercedes CLS 55, Reviews - Yahoo! Cars
SOURCES:
Main Page - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mercedes CLS Road Tests: Mercedes CLS 350 Road Test Mercedes-Benz UK - Passenger Cars - New cars - New Mercedes CLS Maserati Quattroporte v BMW M5 v Mercedes CLS 55, Reviews - Yahoo! Cars Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05 on) Review - Parker's
Mercedes Benz CLS 
