Mercedes-Benz presented the new four-door CLS-Class Coupé at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2004. The C 219 model series was based on a vehicle concept that was rarely realised in automotive engineering and was new for the brand, combining the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. Space, boot capacity and everyday practicality were on a par with a conventional saloon, while the lines had the emotional character of a coupé. The Vision CLS study, which Mercedes-Benz presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main in autumn 2003, paved the way for the new CLS-Class. The enthusiasm of the trade fair audience for the four-door model encouraged those responsible at Mercedes-Benz in their decision to go ahead with series production.
Creating fascination at first glance was the aim of the designers when they created the CLS-Class, utilising the freedom offered by the lines of a coupé. Based on familiar family features, a line design was realised that harmonised seemingly contradictory characteristics such as dynamism and size, power and elegance as well as aesthetics and functionality. Observers were particularly struck by the unusual proportions of the bodywork: Dynamically shaped overhangs at the front and rear stretched the outer skin and contrasted with the flat, strikingly curved roof of a coupé.
The front design was characterised by newly shaped headlamps and the brand's hallmark louvred radiator grille with a centrally positioned Mercedes star. The visual appearance of the four-door coupé was emphasised by the sporty, distinctive sweep of the bonnet and bumper, sculpturally curved wings and the roofline, which spanned the body in an unmistakable arc and flowed organically towards the rear. In typical coupé style, the side windows were frameless. The rear end itself was characterised by the bumper that was pulled downwards, a strongly slanted rear boot cut-out and the two chrome-plated exhaust trims.
The overall design of the exterior appearance not only set innovative visual accents, but also impressed with its remarkable aerodynamic efficiency: Thanks to numerous measures, including a fully panelled underbody, the CLS-Class achieved a drag coefficient of 0.30 here.
In keeping with the sporty positioning of the four-door coupé, weight-saving aspects played an important role in the body design. High-strength steel and aluminium were specifically used as lightweight construction materials. The latter was used, for example, for the bonnet, the rear shelf, the front module carrier and the rear wall behind the rear seat backrest. All other components of the body-in-white were made of sheet steel, with high-strength alloys accounting for 47.5 per cent by weight. The spare wheel recess made of fibre-reinforced plastic also contributed to the weight reduction.
At the start of series production, the available engine range initially consisted of two petrol engines: A newly developed V6 engine with 200 kW/272 hp was used in the CLS 350 and a powerful V8 with 225 kW/306 hp in the CLS 500.
The six-cylinder engine from the M 272 engine family with a displacement of 3.5 litres had a cylinder bank angle of 90° and was one of the most powerful in its displacement class with a torque of 350 Nm. In combination with the standard 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, which made its debut in various Mercedes-Benz passenger car series in autumn 2003, the 350 CLS offered high acceleration dynamics coupled with comparatively modest fuel consumption: It reached 100 km/h from a standing start in 7.0 seconds, and the average standard consumption was stated as 10.1 to 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
The top-of-the-range CLS 500 model offered eight-cylinder supremacy and performance from the sports car segment. Its engine from the M 113 series delivered a maximum torque of 460 Nm and was already familiar from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the SL Roadster. Also equipped with the 7G-TRONIC, this V8 engine with a displacement of 5.0 litres accelerated the four-door coupé to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and enabled a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically governed). The average standard fuel consumption of the CLS 500 was 11.3 to 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres.
The considerable output of the two engines was combined with proven suspension technology, which ensured a high level of rolling and vibration comfort, safe handling right up to the limits and sporty agility. At the front axle, a four-link system in combination with coil springs, gas pressure shock absorbers and torsion bar stabilisers ensured precise wheel control and stable straight-ahead running. At the rear, multilink suspension and, in the case of the CLS 350, also helical springs, pneumatic springs and a torsion stabiliser bar were used. Alternatively, the AIRMATIC DC air suspension, which always adapted the suspension and damping to the driving situation, could be specified as special equipment for this model. In the CLS 350 with steel suspension as standard, four of the five rear axle control arms were made of aluminium. In the CLS 500, however, whose suspension technology was basically identical, AIRMATIC DC came as standard and all five control arms were made of forged aluminium, resulting in a weight saving of more than 30 %.
The Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) electrohydraulic braking system, which made its debut in the SL 500 Roadster at Mercedes-Benz in 2001, was fitted as standard in both CLS-Class models. In this system, the respective braking request was transmitted electronically to a micro-computer, which simultaneously processed various sensor data on the current driving status and calculated and metered the optimum brake pressure for each wheel on this basis.
Reliable road contact was guaranteed by generously dimensioned wheel/tyre combinations: As standard, the V6 version was fitted with 8.5 x 17-inch light-alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres. The CLS 500 was fitted with 8.5 x 18-inch light-alloy wheels and 245/40 tyres.
Despite the low roofline, the concept of the four-door coupé also allowed rear passengers to get in and out comfortably. Two individual seats were available here, although there was no lack of freedom of movement in the CLS. On the contrary: The distance between the front and rear seats and the dimensions for shoulder room and elbow room exceeded those found in comparable saloons. At the front, electrically adjustable seats were standard. In terms of boot capacity (505 litres in accordance with the VDA standard), the CLS-Class vehicles compared favourably with other coupés and some saloons.
The interior design and furnishings were of high quality. The use of leather and wood created an exclusive ambience: The steering wheel and automatic gear selector lever were trimmed in leather as standard, while the seats featured a fabric and leather combination in black. A total of three types of leather in four colours were available on request. The large, intricately moulded trim element, which extended across almost the entire front of the instrument panel in the CLS, was finished in handcrafted burr walnut wood with a satin finish. Alternatively, the dark "Laurel" fine wood was available as an optional extra.
The flowing lines of the instrument panel, which also characterised the transitions to the doors and the rear, were a characteristic stylistic element in the interior. The centre console and tunnel panelling reinforced this image by extending as a single unit to the rear and separating the individual seats from each other.
The technical equipment of the CLS-Class was trend-setting: In addition to adaptive front airbags, side airbags and window airbags, the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system was available on request. Similarly, DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, LINGUATRONIC voice control, the COMAND APS control and display system with Europe-wide DVD navigation and the KEYLESS-GO keyless access and drive authorisation system were also available as options. THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control came as standard in the CLS 500 and could also be specified as special equipment in the CLS 350.
The developers also paid particular attention to the headlamp system of the CLS-Class. H7 halogen lamps with modern projection technology were fitted as standard behind the clear glass-look lenses, giving the low beam a visibly higher light output. The optional bi-xenon headlamps, which not only featured dynamic headlamp range control but also a newly developed cornering light with Active Light system, achieved even better results. In all cases, the automatic driving lights were included as standard.
The two CLS 350 and CLS 500 models, which were the only ones available at the time of the market launch of the C 219 model series, had gross list prices of 54,346.00 euros and 67,280.00 euros, respectively.
The C 219 model series received its first expansion of the engine range at the beginning of 2005. At this time, the CLS 55 AMG, a performance version of the four-door coupé, was added to the existing models. The AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 from the M 113 engine family, which had already been used in other Mercedes-Benz model series since 2002, provided emphatically energetic propulsion. In addition to a maximum output of 350 kW/476 hp, this engine offered an impressive maximum torque of 700 Nm and was coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with SPEEDSHIFT function. This configuration gave the CLS 55 AMG top-class performance potential: The standard sprint to 100 km/h was completed in just 4.7 seconds, but the top speed remained electronically limited to 250 km/h.
In keeping with this, the four-door performance coupé underwent a comprehensive upgrade to the chassis specification. On board was the AMG sports suspension with specifically tuned, semi-active AIRMATIC DC air suspension and Adaptive Damping System as well as the AMG high-performance braking system. This was equipped with large, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all round, which provided impressive deceleration values and pronounced stability. The standard wheel/tyre combination also took the high level of vehicle dynamics into account. The 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design were fitted with mixed tyres – 255/40 at the front and 285/35 at the rear.
Hallmark AMG Bodystyling added individual accents to the exterior of the CLS. A more dynamic front apron with large air inlets and round fog lights, the distinct radiator grille with three silver-painted louvres, special sill panels, "V8 KOMPRESSOR" lettering on the front wings, a striking rear apron and the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid emphasised the special status of the AMG version. The AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated oval twin tailpipes ensured that the acoustics were up to scratch. The bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System also came as standard.
The interior of the CLS 55 AMG was characterised by numerous sporty and exclusive equipment elements. These included, for example, the new AMG sports seats with specific perforations, a cross-pipe look and double stitching. The cover material was the finest nappa leather, combined with Alcantara inserts in the shoulder area. The cockpit also featured the AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale. The standard equipment also included chrome-plated door sill panels with AMG logo.
The gross list price of the performance model was initially set at 96,164.00 euros.
From spring 2005, the newly developed NECK-PRO head restraints were included as standard in all CLS-Class models. Connected to an electronic control unit, these made a further contribution to occupant safety. If the sensor system detected a rear-end collision with a defined impact severity, the head restraints were immediately moved into a position that provided the best possible support for the heads of the front passengers at an early stage.
In the summer of that year, a first diesel engine was added to the range of engines available for the four-door coupés. The CLS 320 CDI was fitted with a newly developed V6 compression-ignition engine from the OM 642 model series. The state-of-the-art six-cylinder engine featured a cylinder bank angle of 72°, common-rail direct injection, four-valve technology and four overhead camshafts. Its maximum output was 165 kW/224 hp, and the maximum torque of 510 Nm was already available from 1600 rpm. The high-torque drive unit also offered powerful acceleration with a time of 7.0 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of 246 km/h. The fact that standard fuel consumption settled at an average of between 7.6 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres was equally impressive. In addition, thanks to state-of-the-art injection technology and precise combustion control, the diesel V6 met the Euro 4 emissions standard in force at the time, even without an additional diesel particulate filter. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz fitted the CLS 320 CDI in Germany and some other countries with such a filter as standard in order to significantly reduce soot emissions even further.
The new diesel engine version was initially offered for a gross list price of 55,622.00 euros.
The CLS 63 AMG, the successor to the previous performance model, celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2006. The four-door coupé was powered by a 6.2-litre V8 developed entirely by AMG, which was assigned the M 156 model series code. Designed as a high-revving engine, the power unit featured design elements such as four-valve technology and four overhead camshafts and produced a massive 378 kW/514 hp at a rated speed of 6800 rpm, supplemented by a maximum torque value of 630 Nm. This made it the world's most powerful and highest-torque naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine in series production at the time. Despite its enormous displacement, the extremely agile V8 accelerated the four-door coupé to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h, as before.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC was specified as the transmission to match this high-performance engine. Equipped with seven gears and shorter shift times, this automatic transmission allowed the driver to choose between fully automatic gear changes and manual gear changes. These could be selected either via the gear selector lever or, as in motorsport, with the aid of aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
The suspension specification of the CLS 63 AMG matched the performance potential of this unique drivetrain design. The new AMG sports suspension based on the AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension with updated ADS II Adaptive Damping System was used. The braking system was also further optimised to meet even higher requirements: The new AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all round was now fitted as standard. The front discs, which were subject to particularly high loads, were designed using costly composite technology.
The change of drive unit in the CLS 63 AMG did not result in any significant changes to the AMG Bodystyling already familiar from its predecessor. In the interior, for example, detailed modifications such as new aluminium AMG gearshift paddles were visible at most.
Despite its high-specification, significantly more powerful engine and numerous other upgrades, the gross list price of the new CLS 63 AMG was only marginally higher than that of its predecessor – although it was now over the threshold of 100,000 euros: At the market launch, a gross list price of 101,094.00 euros was initially announced for the revised performance model.
Following intensive development work, Mercedes-Benz presented the world's first petrol engine with piezo direct injection and a spray-guided combustion process in the CLS 350 CGI in summer 2006. This pioneering technology enabled far better fuel utilisation and thus higher thermodynamic efficiency than previous direct injection processes. The CGI engine (Stratified Charged Gasoline Injection) offered the decisive advantage in the so-called stratified-charge mode, when the engine operated with a high excess of air and thus very favourable fuel consumption. Thanks to the use of multiple injection, this "lean-burn operation" was also possible for the first time in higher speed and load ranges.
Equipped with such innovative injection technology, the output of the 3.5-litre V6 from the M 272 engine series used in the CLS 350 CGI increased to 215 kW/292 hp. Above all, however, there were further considerable reductions in fuel consumption. With an anticipatory driving style at an almost constant speed, the CGI engine undercut the consumption values of the six-cylinder engine equipped with conventional injection technology by up to 1.5 litres per 100 kilometres on country roads and motorways. According to the European standard driving cycle, the fuel saving was around 10 %. An average fuel consumption of between 9.1 and 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres was specified for the 350 CGI. Mercedes-Benz initially offered the direct-injection petrol engine in Western Europe and kept the previous CLS 350 in the production programme for other markets until further notice.
However, the CLS-Class not only started the 2007 model year with the newly powered AMG version and the innovative CGI engine in the V6 petrol engine; the CLS 500 was also modernised on the drive side: With a view to the targeted increases in efficiency, the 5.0-litre V8 from the M 113 engine family, which had been tried and tested for many years, was now replaced by an eight-cylinder engine from the M 273 model series with a displacement of just under 5.5 litres, which celebrated its premiere in the S-Class in 2005. With four-valve technology and a total of four overhead camshafts, it represented state-of-the-art engine technology and boasted correspondingly impressive performance data. From then on, 285 kW/388 hp was available at 6000 rpm, 26 per cent more than before, as well as a maximum torque of 530 Nm, 15 per cent higher than the previous engine. The CLS 500 now completed the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
The diesel engine CLS 320 CDI with the newly developed 3.0-litre V6 also started the 2007 model year with further optimised torque. The maximum value had increased from 510 to 540 Nm and was now available over an engine speed range from 1600 to 2400 rpm.
The already exemplary safety level of the four-door CLS Coupés was also further improved. The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system was now part of the standard equipment. It reflexively prepared passengers and vehicle for an impending accident by tightening the driver and front passenger seat belts as a precaution, moving the front passenger seat into a favourable position and automatically closing the side windows and sunroof if there was a risk of skidding. In addition, Mercedes-Benz fitted the CLS-Class vehicles with flashing brake lights as standard to warn following drivers in the event of an emergency braking manoeuvre. From the 2007 model year, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system developed for the S-Class was also included as standard, offering an even greater margin of safety thanks to the integration of electronic assistance functions in emergency braking situations or in wet conditions.
The gross list prices of the revised models were initially 56,898.00 euros for the CLS 320 CDI, 58,232.00 euros for the direct-injection petrol CLS 350 CGI and 71,746.00 euros for the upgraded CLS 500; the CLS 63 AMG was priced in even higher spheres at 101,558.00 euros.
For the sporty refinement of the AMG versions available in the various passenger car model series, Mercedes-AMG also offered customised "Performance Packages" for the first time – also from autumn 2006 – which were put together with a view to further enhancing driving dynamics. In the case of the CLS 63 AMG, the special equipment package included enlarged front composite brake discs, AMG Performance suspension with rear axle limited slip differential and 19-inch multi-piece AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design with 255/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 tyres at the rear. It was available for a gross list price of 8,236.00 euros.
After no further significant modifications had been made to the vehicles of the C 219 model series, the coupés of the C 219 model series benefited from the regular facelift in March 2008, four years after their market launch. This made the four-door CLS Coupé models even more attractive as pioneers of a particularly individual vehicle segment.
In terms of the production figures achieved in the first production cycle, the CLS models proved to be by no means niche vehicles, but quite the opposite: In view of their quite independent position in the Mercedes-Benz type hierarchy and their location in the upper to upper price range, the figures shown in the statistics could be considered very respectable. A total of around 130,000 units had left the production facilities. Relatively similar proportions were found for the individual models: The most popular model was the CLS 500, of which a total of around 46,000 vehicles were produced in the given period, including both engine versions. It was followed by the CLS 320 CDI diesel model with just under 38,000 units and the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, of which around 36,000 units were produced as the CLS 350 and CLS 350 CGI.
As always, the AMG versions played a supporting role. The CLS 55 AMG, which was only offered until 2006, did remarkably well with around 6,600 vehicles, while its successor, the CLS 63 AMG, with around 3,500 units built until the facelift, had a somewhat more difficult time from the outset.
