Mercedes-Benz CLS
Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 (C257)
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2004–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–2023)
Production	2004–2023
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car ( E)
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door shooting brake (X218)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive ( 4Matic)

The Mercedes-Benz CLS (initially called the CLS-Class) is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from October 2004 to August 2023.

The original model was a four-door sedan based on the Mercedes E-Class platform, marketed as a four door coupé. ^[1] An estate (shooting brake) model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS. ^[2] All models are available as a high performance AMG variant, although it wasn't until the second generation CLS that 4MATIC all-wheel drive was offered. ^[3]

The CLS range is positioned between the E-Class and the S-Class within the Mercedes model range, ^{[4] [5]} and models tend to be less practical than the E-Class it is based on. ^[6] It primarily competes with other fastback sedans like the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7. Production of the CLS ended on 31 August 2023 to prepare for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214).

First generation (C219; 2004)

Marketed from Mercedes as a four-door coupé, the CLS was designed by Michael Fink in 2001 ^[7] who also styled the first generation CLK, the C-SportCoupé, and Maybach 57 and 62. ^[8] In Europe, the CLS is recognized as a four-seat coupé and justly named the C219, while in the US, it is commonly referred to as the W219. ^[9] The C219 CLS is based on the W211 E-Class platform, and shares major components including the engines, transmissions, and has an identical wheelbase of 2,854 mm (112 in). ^[10] IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision CLS concept on which the CLS is based, ^[11] to the production version which debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. ^[12]

Second generation (C218; 2010)

The C218 CLS is the second generation model, and was sold from 2011 to 2018. ^[13] The body styles of the range are a 4-door coupé (C218 model code for Europe/ W218 for US market), and a 5-door estate (X218 model code, marketed as ' Shooting Brake'). The design of the CLS was based on the Mercedes F800 concept and featured design cues from other models including the Mercedes SLS AMG. ^[14] Unlike its predecessor, the C218 CLS is available with all-wheel drive and can be optionally configured on CLS 63 AMG models as well. ^[15] In 2014, the CLS underwent a facelift and featured design changes, engine enhancements, and the adoption of the Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. ^[16]

Third generation (C257; 2018)

The C257 CLS is the third model and was previously available only as a four-door coupe and in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configuration. ^[17] The Shooting Brake body style was in development for the C257 CLS, but was shortly discontinued due to poor and declining demand overseas for the last generation model. ^[18] The range of engines consist of a 2.9-litre straight six turbocharged diesel engine and a 3.0-litre straight six turbocharged petrol engine. ^[19] The latter equips the CLS 53 AMG with features such as a mild hybrid system and an Panamericana radiator grille, which pays tribute to 300 SL model. ^[20] The CLS is also now a five-seater car, instead of being a four-seater as with the previous two generations. ^[21]

Sales

References

Bibliography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

• Official site