MERCEDES CLS IS THE INDEPENDENT MODEL RANGE OF THE GERMAN CAR MERCEDES CONCERN, WHICH COMBINES IN ONE BODY AT ONCE TWO DIFFERENT CHARACTERS. THIS CAR STRESSES THE STYLIST GIANT AND CHARISM, WHICH ARE ATTACHED TO THE COUPE, AND ALSO NOT SHAPED BY COMFORTABILITY AND ADVANCED FUNCTIONALITY.
The development of the new model lasted about three years, during which time the company changed the board in the design department. Changes have come to benefit or not, we saw this in the new Mercedes CLS 2012 model, the presentation of which was solemnly held in Dubai.
The appearance of the novelty was designed by designer Hubert Lee, a graduate of the California College of Art. I must say that the appearance of the new CLS turned out to be very expressive, it seems that when designing, they adhered to the lines of the latest C-Class in the back of the W204. But this is only a small similarity, speaking only about the belonging of two cars to the same brand.
If you put next to the new Mercedes CLS 2012 and, more than successful in terms of design, the C-Class, then the difference will be visible immediately and from afar. The new CLS coupe simply suppresses all other cars with its power and German article. This class is not positioned as a "vehicle", it is a car for those who have a passion for beauty, strength and speed.
The first Mercedes CLS car, which introduced the concept of a “four-door coupe” to the masses in 2004 and captivated the souls of many fans with its freshness and originality, alas, is a thing of the past. And while competitors were considering the feasibility of fresh forms of the new CLS, Daimler AG has already managed to sell more than 170 thousand copies of this truly revolutionary car model 2011.
About appearance
Mercedes-Benz CLS 2012 model year has something in common with the prototype Mercedes-Benz F800 Style, from it borrowed the "frowning" eyebrows of the headlights and surround grille, although many elements migrated to the CLS and the concept car Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break.
Mercedes CLS also received new headlamps, an integral grille and a three-section bumper with built-in LED "running" lights. The hallmark of the novelty was bloated relief wings and a signature slope of the roof. Unlike the first generation, the new Mercedes CLS received a more aggressive appearance, reminiscent of a seasoned beast. The 2012 Mercedes CLS did not put on weight (the weight is the same 1735 kg), but slightly increased in size, its length increased by 27 mm (to 4940 mm), the wheelbase by 20 mm (2874 mm).
The use of aluminum, which was chosen as the material for the manufacture of the hood, trunk lid, doors, front fenders and parts of the suspension elements, made it possible to save weight under new proportions.
In the cabin
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz CLS echoes the E-class interior, because they have a common base. The architecture of the front panel, the steering column, the location of the instruments, the control of the comfort functions of the passenger compartment are all perfectly arranged, pleasant to the hands and joyful to the eye. In the decoration, the principle of luxury is implemented, and for those who like to stand out (although much more), the possibilities of individual choice of materials are provided. The back row is designed for two and will give passengers no less comfort than a front landing. Interestingly, unlike the first model, the CLS 2012 automotive dude with a 520-liter boot is not deprived of practicality - the rear seats are folded in it, which increases the loading volume.
Under the hood
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS first received a 4-cylinder engine, it will be equipped with a diesel version of the 2.1-liter (204 hp, 500 Nm torque) CLS 250 CDI. The petrol 3.6-liter “six” (306 hp, torque 370 Nm) CLS 350 CGI accelerates to 100 km / h in 6.1 seconds and is capable of reaching speeds of 250 km / h. The diesel V6 on the CLS 350 CDI (265 hp, torque 620 Nm) has almost the same features and is more economical. And finally, an 8-cylinder 4.7-liter (with exorbitant 435 hp at a torque of 700 Nm, already available from 1800 rpm) engine on the top-end configuration CLS 500, which does not need any comments . And there will also be a CLS version from AMG ... All trim levels of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS are paired with a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. The car can be front-wheel or all-wheel drive (4Matic transmission is responsible for all-wheel drive).
It is clear that the new Mercedes CLS to the eyeballs is packed with the most modern equipment. For example, such as multi-contour front seats, air suspension, an exclusive audio system from Harman Kardon. And things like dual-zone climate control for front and rear passengers may not even deserve a mention. Because the new CLS has a number of really interesting options. Among them are modern electronic security systems, LED head optics, a system for keeping the car in a lane and tracking the area of dead zones. And nine more airbags are already in the basic configuration, an infrared camera (for night vision), automatic parking systems, high beam control, a PRE-SAFE complex with "active" brakes and the implementation of technology to help control driver fatigue. All options will be equipped with Start Stop function and active safety systems like PreSafe, lane change and dead angle control as standard.
How does it all go? The question is rhetorical. The results of the test drive of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2012 predictably showed impressive results, but for real buyers of this masterpiece they will not become decisive information - when deciding to buy a new CLS coupe, most of them are guided by completely different incentives. Good luck on the road!
