219 series CLS Coupés, 2008 - 2010

Four years after their successful market launch, the 4-door coupés of the C 219 model series underwent a comprehensive facelift in spring 2008. Targeted fine-tuning in both visual and technical terms was intended to further strengthen the individuality of the CLS-Class vehicles and keep them up to date.

As the exciting design of the coupé was still unmistakable, the stylistic updates to the exterior were deliberately kept discreet. The modified radiator grille, which now had two louvres instead of the previous four, was particularly striking from the front. Detail retouching affected the diamond-shaped, now grey-painted grille in the front air vent and the modified outside mirrors. These were presented in a new form and with a mirror surface that had been enlarged by a third. Arrow-shaped LED side indicators were integrated into the housing.

The light-alloy wheels were also redesigned and, depending on the model and equipment, came in 17-inch or 18-inch format to freshen up the look of the vehicle flanks. Viewed from behind, the first thing that caught the eye was a new rear apron. It was lowered in the centre area and emphasised the width of the vehicle together with the additional lightline. In addition, there were now LED rear lights and trapezoidal tailpipe trims instead of the previous oval ones.

The interior design of the 4-door coupé was also revised with a more detail-orientated approach. Among other things, a redesigned three-spoke leather steering wheel now equipped with multifunction buttons, a new-look instrument cluster with white dials and new wood applications in a chestnut finish were on board. 

In terms of infotainment, the updated CLS models benefited from the introduction of the latest NTG 2.5 telematics generation. The corresponding devices offered simplified operation with logical menu navigation and had, among other things, speed-dependent volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-capable CD and DVD player, and a Bluetooth interface that could be used to connect the mobile phone to the hands-free system. The Audio 20, Audio 20 CD, Audio 50 and Audio 50 APS devices with LINGUATRONIC voice control, some of which were optional, featured a 5-inch colour display, while the top-of-the-range COMAND APS equipment came with a high-resolution 6.5-inch display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephony, a music register for storing audio files, and an SD memory card slot.

On the drive side, the CLS Coupé range was extended to include an entry-level version as part of the facelift. The new CLS 280 featured a 3.0-litre version of the M 272 V6 petrol engine, still equipped with intake manifold injection, which was tuned to 170 kW/231 hp and provided a maximum torque of 300 Nm. This enabled the CLS 280 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 245 km/h. Its average standard fuel consumption was 9.8 to 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres. 

The second six-cylinder petrol engine available for the CLS 350 CGI continued to be the 3.5-litre version of the M 272, featuring advanced piezo direct injection and a spray-guided combustion process. With 215 kW/292 hp and a maximum torque of 365 Nm, the 90° V6 engine had the same performance data as before and continued to impress with its low fuel consumption of 9.1 to 9.3 litres per 100 km on average. The 5.5-litre V8 engine with a maximum output of 285 kW/388 hp used in the CLS 500 and the 3.0-litre V6 from the OM 642 engine family used in the CLS 320 CDI, which remained the only diesel model, were also carried over from the previous models. As before, the diesel engine delivered 165 kW/224 hp and a maximum torque of a full 540 Nm, which ensured powerful pulling power combined with favourable standard fuel consumption values of 7.6 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

As before, all CLS models were equipped with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard. 

The range of gross list prices for the coupés with facelift now started at 55,692.00 euros for the new CLS 280. The only diesel model in the programme, the CLS 320 CDI, was priced at 60,035.50 euros. At 61,404.00 euros, the CLS 350 CGI direct-injection petrol engine ranked just above this, while the V8-engined CLS 500, with a gross list price of 75,267.50 euros, was in a significantly higher price segment.

The CLS 63 AMG continued its prominent position as a performance model in the CLS-Class even after the facelift. The already familiar AMG high-revving V8 with a displacement of 6.2 litres was again used for the drive. The 378 kW/514 hp engine, which delivered a maximum torque of 630 Nm, was now characterised by even more striking acoustics: Newly designed rear silencers from the AMG sports exhaust system created a particularly characterful sound, which was emitted via two chrome-plated twin tailpipes with an oval cross-section. 

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission used in the CLS 63 AMG now had an automatic double-declutching function when downshifting. In addition to virtually load-free downshifts, this also enhanced the emotionality of the driving experience. With a time of 4.5 seconds for the acceleration sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h, the performance data corresponded to the version offered to date. 

On the exterior, the visual retouching of the facelift was particularly evident in a black-painted radiator grille with two instead of the previous three louvres and a new wheel/tyre combination. There were now 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a 5-triple-spoke design and a high-sheen finish, fitted with 255/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 tyres at the rear. Inside, the CLS 63 AMG featured a new AMG three-spoke sports steering wheel with a specially moulded grip area covered in perforated leather. Two aluminium AMG gearshift paddles enabled manual gear selection. 

At the time of its market launch in March 2008, the gross list price of the Performance version was 106,624.00 euros.

In spring 2009, Mercedes-Benz launched the extremely exclusive CLS Grand Edition special model. It was instantly recognisable, especially in the standard palladium silver matt "designo magno platinum" paint finish, which emphasised the individual lines of the 4-door coupé. Exclusive 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 245/40 tyres at the front and 275/35 tyres at the rear, also characterised the exterior appearance of the edition models. Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp housing, Active Light System, dynamic headlamp range control, cornering light function and the obligatory headlamp cleaning system were also fitted as standard. 

The interior of the edition models also stood out with selected equipment features. These included, for example, the designo leather upholstery included in the scope of delivery, which was available in six colours, the roof lining in anthracite Alcantara and the trim elements in "Laurel" wood, optionally with a matt or high-gloss surface. The latter material was also used for the selector lever and the wood/leather steering wheel. The glass sliding sunroof and the sports pedals made of brushed stainless steel with rubber studs set further accents in the interior of the CLS Grand Edition. The special equipment package also included elements such as the COMAND APS Multimedia control and display system, Convenience Telephony, PARKTRONIC and velour floor mats with Edition lettering.

Apart from the AMG version, the special equipment package could be combined with all available engine versions. The gross list prices were between 9,282.00 and 11,305.00 euros, depending on the model and choice of paintwork.

During the period leading up to the production stop, which was planned for summer 2010, only two further changes were made to the C 219 model series vehicles.Firstly, two model designations within the CLS-Class were changed, also in spring 2009. In line with a partial adjustment of the nomenclature, the CLS 320 CDI became the CLS 350 CDI and, similarly, the CLS 280 became the CLS 300 – in both cases without affecting the technical specifications.

The second innovation concerned the CLS 63 AMG from October of that year. Here, the AMG Performance Package available in the AMG Performance Studio's special equipment portfolio now included an AMG Driver's Package – also available individually – which provided for an increase in the top speed, otherwise limited to 250 km/h, to 300 km/h (also electronically governed). This feature was combined with participation in an AMG Basic Training course organised by the AMG Driving Academy. Ordered separately, a gross list price of 3,213.00 euros was charged for the Driver's Package.

Although the number of units produced in the second production cycle, which started in spring 2008, up until the end of production of the 4-door coupés was lower than usual for the industry, the overall figures for the C 219 model series from the market launch in autumn 2004 were very respectable. A total of almost 174,000 units had been delivered to customers by this time. Looking at the popularity of the individual model versions, the CLS 500 with V8 engine took the top spot with a total of more than 58,000 vehicles built, equivalent to a share of almost exactly 30%. The CLS 320 CDI, later renamed the CLS 350 CDI, and the petrol CLS 350, which was also offered with a modernised drive system as the CLS 350 CGI, took second and third place in the rankings, separated by just a few hundred units. A good 48,000 vehicles of both models were produced in the respective period. The entry-level CLS 280 model, which was only added to the range after the facelift and was renamed the CLS 300, was a distant second with around 6,500 units. In contrast, almost twice as many vehicles of the performance version of the coupé were produced: Together, around 11,500 units of the CLS 55 AMG and CLS 63 AMG were built – a remarkably high figure given their elevated market positioning.