2015 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS (US)
June 19, 2014 – Stuttgart — Mercedes-Benz has extensively revised the four-door CLS Coupe. This design icon now features a honed front section and a further upgraded interior that boasts lots of new, perfectly handcrafted details, combining contemporary luxury with passionate sportiness. In addition, it also brings ground-breaking technical innovations to the road. The futuristic MULTIBEAM LED headlamps open up new dimensions in lighting systems. High-performance, precision LED modules automatically provide the best possible illumination, whatever the road and traffic conditions. The cutting-edge technology on-board includes a 9-speed automatic transmission, a new powerful and fuel efficient engine, and an intelligently networked driver assistance and safety systems.
Mercedes-Benz founded the four-door coupe segment ten years ago with the CLS, thus underlining its leading role in automotive design. The CLS combined for the first time the elegance of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. It was also the first vehicle to offer dynamic LED High Performance headlamps as an option, turning it into the lighting icon. The CLS Coupe has long since established itself as a style icon with particular charisma, and will also continue to be unique in its segment.
Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: “With the CLS Coupe and the CLS Shooting Brake we have built design icons which also set the pulse racing faster in their latest incarnation courtesy of their enthralling lines. With new high-tech ingredients such as the innovative MULTIBEAM LED headlamps which start a new chapter in lighting design, the nine-speed automatic transmission or the progressive multimedia system, both models also define new cutting-edge technology.”
The scintillating design of the CLS-Class with its exciting proportions has been subtly adapted to high-tech aspirations. It steadfastly remains a compelling proposition with its long hood, narrow window line with frameless side windows and dynamically downwards sloping roof.
Overall the design of the latest generation of the CLS Coupe comes across even more dynamic. This is thanks to a new, expressive chrome diamond radiator grille, a striking front bumper with large air intakes and slightly darkened tail lights.
New dimensions in lighting systems
Both models now come as standard with all-LED headlamps in a new design. Alternatively both vehicle models are available as an option with the new MULTIBEAM LED headlamps as designed and developed by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in lighting systems with this innovation. Since the MULTIBEAM LED technology combines the very best of today’s lighting technologies and can optimally adjust the light distribution instantly and automatically to virtually any traffic situation, it always ensures thus far unrivalled broad and bright illumination of the road surface and edge of the roadway for high performance and precision without dazzling other car drivers.
In addition to the camera on the windshield, this new lighting system uses four control units per vehicle, which calculate the ideal light pattern 100 times per second and control all 24 high-performance LEDs in each precision LED
module quickly and individually. Each LED is dimmable in 255 stages.
New MULTIBEAM LED headlamps provide exceptionally fast and precise, anti- dazzle continuous main beam and light up the road surface and its edges much more brightly in many situations.
Best visibility on bends and in curves
As well as the high-performance, precision LED module, each MULTIBEAM LED headlamp also features a module for the low-beam headlamp, which can be swivelled outwards by up to twelve degrees. This provides an active light function, which is also camera-controlled, with unprecedented characteristics. For instance, it offers a preview function which already swivels the active light function when the driver has yet not turned the wheels. Thus it provides optimum illumination of the bend early on. The active light function already swivels back to the straight-ahead position before the end of the bend
according to the particular situation. This allows the driver to identify dangers earlier when entering and exiting bends. The anticipatory control allows an additional range of between 30 and 60 metres depending on the traffic situation.
The curve light is also unique, which activates the cornering light function modules on the left and right before entering a roundabout in order to provide the best visibility on all sides at an early stage. The navigation system provides the headlamps with details of the locations of roundabouts along the route.
Sporty interior with contemporary luxury
Ample space, unadorned, sporty elegance, perfect craftsmanship and high- quality materials exert the stylistic influence on the interior of the CLS family. The new generation reinforces this impression by emphasising sportiness, exclusivity and functionality even more.
The new color display in the head unit with its 8 inch (20.3 cm) screen adds to the state-of-the-art feel and will help define the dashboard’s contemporary looks. Other new features include a redesigned three-spoke sports steering wheel and a host of exquisite details which underscore the interior’s high quality both in visual and tactile terms. The central control panel in the center console has four instead of the previous two buttons, thus requiring fewer operating steps in many cases. Five attractive interior colors and six trim finishes will be available and offer a host of potential individualization options.
Efficient, sporty engines
The CLS400 houses a new 3.0L V6 bi-turbo engine which delivers an impressive 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The CLS550 has a 4.6L bi-turbo V8 engine with power outputs of 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
New automatic transmission with nine gears
Cutting-edge technology also comes in the shape of the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission with hydrodynamic torque converter in the premium segment. This innovation builds on the strengths of the previous 7-speed automatic transmission which set the benchmark in terms of efficiency, comfort and dynamism. With nine forward gears this new transmission reduces fuel consumption while further enhancing shift comfort and agility. The CLS550 rear-wheel drive will be the first to offer this new transmission, with the other models receiving it later.
Hallmark Mercedes high level of safety
To make top-class safety available for everyone, the CLS-Class will in future be fitted with a host of new assistance systems along with existing systems with upgraded functionality. Standard-fit features include the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which can help prevent rear-end collisions – if necessary through autonomous braking.
The state-of-the-art assistance systems from the E-Class and S-Class can also be fitted as an option. These include DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC including lateral parking manoeuvers and a 360° camera.
Optimum connectivity
A completely new multimedia generation will offer intuitive operation in the CLS Coupe, including elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner.
The Audio 20 CD or optional COMAND Online infotainment systems are available in combination with the new 8-inch color display in the head unit. Both enable the internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. The prerequisite is a Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with data option. Also standard is an integrated media interface to connect an iPod® and iPhone®.
In conjunction with COMAND Online, Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather, GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and Panoramio, destination/route download and Facebook are now all offered. Audio and video playback is possible from various sources, e.g. via Bluetooth®, from the Apple iPod® and iPhone®, from SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD.
Modern-style navigation
Another new offering with the CLS facelift is the user-friendly Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation system, which comes standard on the CLS400. Its strengths include 3D views with exact representation of streets and buildings and photo- realistic junction and lane assistants. The navigation software and the map data are stored on an SD card, which is simply inserted in the dedicated slot of the Audio 20 CD with preparation for the Garmin® MAP PILOT.
Standard on the CLS550 is the COMAND Online with fast 3D hard-disc navigation, topographical map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and 3D map rotations as well as display of NASA satellite images provides a decidedly sensuous experience. System features include an animated compass and display of Google Maps on the head unit. The navigation system can also provide real-time information about the situation on the roads when it receives its traffic data in COMAND Online via the internet by means of the Live Traffic Information service.
Telephony via Bluetooth® with HD Voice capability as standard
The basic Audio 20 CD system and COMAND Online both support HD Voice- capable basic telephony, which connects the mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardized Bluetooth® interface. HD Voice provides much better voice quality. In conjunction with convenience telephony the high-speed LTE network can also be used in future if a compatible smartphone with a relevant contract is used.
The US market will launch with the following 2015 models in the fall of 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
- CLS400
- CLS400 4MATIC
- CLS550
- CLS550 4MATIC
- CLS63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS (UK)
- CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake feature a new look, new technology, a lower starting price and even more performance from the AMG variants
- CLS 63 AMG S model is introduced – replacing the standard car. Power is up 28 hp and torque rises by 80 NM to peak at 585 hp and 800 NM – all accompanied by a limited slip differential as standard
- New CLS 400 V6 petrol engine is introduced
- COMAND Online is now standard across the CLS range
- New 220 BlueTEC engine replaces 250 BlueTEC – brings with it lower CO2 output of 129 g/km
- Prices start from £46,500 RRP OTR for the CLS 220 BlueTEC and £48,080 RRP OTR for the Shooting Brake variant
The new generation CLS Coupé and Shooting Brake are set to arrive in the UK in September – featuring a new look and packed with new technology which is fitted as standard the new car promises to deliver even better value and lower emissions, as well as being the fastest and most efficient generation of CLS yet.
The range now starts with a new engine – the CLS 220 BlueTEC. Powered by a 2.1-litre diesel engine, the new addition generates 177 hp and 129 g/km of CO2. The second diesel model is the six-cylinder 350 BlueTEC – producing 258 hp and emitting 142 g/km. The CLS 350 BlueTEC engine is linked, for the first time, to an all-new nine-speed gearbox as standard – lowering CO2 by 18 g/km.
A new petrol six-cylinder engine has also been fitted to the CLS Coupé – the CLS 400 – taking the form of a 333 hp, 3,498cc V6. Topping the range is the mighty CLS 63 AMG S – now producing 585 hp (up 28 hp) and 800 NM of torque (up 80 NM) and it is equipped with a limited slip differential as standard. The changes bring down the 0-62 mph time from 4.2-seconds to 4.1-seconds (Shooting Brake: 4.2-seconds).
Across the new CLS range there are significant upgrades in the technologies fitted, with AMG Line now becoming the default specification of the car. This means COMAND Online, heated front seats and the ambient lighting system are all fitted as standard (helping towards a saving of £5,695 over the model it replaces). Two option packs are available – Premium Pack (comprising an electric sunroof, a seat memory package, a reversing camera and split/folding seats) and a Premium Plus Pack, featuring the same equipment as the Premium Pack but adding a Harman Kardon sound system and Keyless Go. The Premium Pack costs £2,395 and £2,095 respectively for the Coupé and Shooting Brake and the Premium Plus Pack costs £3,595 and £3,195.
The equipment line-up on the CLS 63 AMG S is even more comprehensive – with an electric sunroof, Keyless Go, the ambient lighting system, a Harmon Kardon sound system, a reversing camera, split folding rear seats and a powered tailgate being fitted as standard, saving a total of £4,115.
Likewise, on every CLS a new eight-inch tablet-style screen is fitted as standard, running the latest ‘NTG 5’ software allowing new Mercedes-Benz apps, including the Mercedes Me system, to be downloaded and used in the car. LED Multibeam headlights are also fitted to the new CLS as standard – allowing benchmark visibility at night without dazzling other road users.
The new generation CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake are available to order from July with the first deliveries taking place in September.
UK pricing:
CLS Coupé:
| Model | Transmission | Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Economy (MPG) |
CO2 (g/km) |
Price (RRP OTR) |
| CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,143 cc, four-cylinder | 7G-Tronic Plus | 177 | 400 | 56.5 | 129 | £46,500 |
| CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,987 cc, six-cylinder |
9G-Tronic Plus | 258 | 620 | 52.3 | 142 | £49,950 |
| CLS 400, petrol, 3,498 cc, six-cylinder |
7G-Tronic Plus | 333 | 480 | 38.7 | 170 | £55,850 |
| CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461 cc, eight-cylinder |
AMG MCT 7-speed | 585 | 800 | 28.5 | 231 | £86,500 |
CLS Shooting Brake:
| Model | Transmission | Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Economy (MPG) |
CO2 (g/km) |
Price (RRP OTR) |
| CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,143 cc, four-cylinder | 7G-Tronic Plus | 177 | 400 | 56.5 | 132 | £48,080 |
| CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,987 cc, six-cylinder |
9G-Tronic Plus | 258 | 620 | 49.6 | 149 | £51,400 |
| CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461 cc, eight-cylinder |
AMG MCT 7-speed | 585 | 800 | 28.0 | 235 | £87,000 |