After a host of teasers, Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the new generation of the CLS at the LA Auto Show. It's been 15 years since the CLS made its global debut and the new model comes with a host of upgrades which includes an all new cabin, latest driver assistance system and even the new inline six-cylinder engines. In its third generation, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS is more in line with the company's current design language. It gets a more aggressive face and the longer bonnet looks imposing now. The new LED DRLs and the slimmer grille draw inspiration from the AMG GT Coupe.
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What it hasn't lost out on is the design which made it unique. The CLS still comes with the swooping coupe-like roofline that extends into the fastback boot lid. You can't help but notice the new tail lamps too which are slightly different, however, the pronounced shoulder line blends well into the flat rear end of the car and that's very typically a CLS.
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(The biggest talking points are the new driver-assistance technologies on the CLS)
Mercedes-Benz says the CLS's split tail-lights, rear bumper reflectors, registration plate location at the rear and the logo at the centre of the boot-lid are design elements shared with all coupe models. The cabin takes inspiration the E and S-Class with a dual 12.3-inch display for the driver's instruments and infotainment system dominating the dashboard while the turbine-like air vents, along with lashings of leather, wood and metal up the luxury quotient on the car.
There's also LED ambient interior lighting that can be adjusted in 64 different colours, including backlighting for the air vents. Mercedes-Benz says the seats in the CLS were designed specifically for this model series, and can be configured with contrasting piping or transverse seams.
But the biggest talking points are the new driver-assistance technologies on the CLS, all of which trickle down from the S-Class flagship. So standard across the range are autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, speed limit assist and the Pre-Safe occupant protection system. Pre-Safe Sound technology is also standard for the first time, preparing passengers' hearing for the sensory assault of an accident when a collision is imminent. Customers can also opt for Driving Assistance Package for adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist and active lane-keeping assist. The folks at Mercedes-Benz say that the upgraded radar and camera systems mean the new CLS has a better 'view' of surrounding traffic, while using map and navigation data to calculate driving behaviour. The CLS also features Vehicle-to-X communication equipment.
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Buyers can then opt for the Driving Assistance Package for adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist and active lane-keeping assist. There are three different suspension systems on offer on the CLS - the first two being steel-sprung and the third air suspension.
(The new-gen CLS comes with three new inline six-cylinder engines- two diesels and petrol)
The new-gen CLS comes with three new inline six-cylinder engines- two diesels and petrol. A range of four-cylinder engines will join the range later on. The CLS350d and CLS400d both feature a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with 282 bhp and 335 bhp respectively. Both will be equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, sprinting from 0-100 kmph in 5.7 and 5.0 seconds respectively.
Sitting atop the range is the CLS450 4Matic, which features a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six mated to a 48V on-board electrical system. The petrol mill churns out 362 bhp and there's 500 Nm of torque while the EQ Boost' mild-hybrid setup contributes an extra 21 bhp and 250Nm of torque over short periods. The petrol will sprint from 0-100 kmph in 4.8 seconds.
