Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218)

The C218 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the second generation of the Mercedes CLS-Class range of four-door coupé sedans. The model shares the chassis and most of the technology with the W212 E-Class and was produced from 2011 to 2017.[5]

Unlike its predecessor, the C218/X218 CLS can be optioned with all-wheel drive 4MATIC on all models including CLS 63 AMG variants.[6] Mercedes also introduced a new five-door estate version to the CLS lineup, called the CLS Shooting Brake.[7]

The C218 CLS-Class was succeeded by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C257) in 2018.[8]

Development and launch

The design of the C218 CLS is based on the F800 Style concept car unveiled by Mercedes-Benz at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.[9] It is a four-door coupé featuring a new COMAND interface utilizing a touchpad, design cues inspired by the Mercedes SLS AMG, and sliding rear doors.[10] The production version C218 CLS was publicly unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and as with the previous generation,[11] is based on the E-Class platform, utilising the same rear multi-link suspension setup.[12]

Body styles

Equipment

Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, and satellite navigation with a 10GB hard-drive.[18] Standard safety equipment consists of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, active head restraints, and 10 total front, side, and knee airbags.[19] CLS models also come with driver fatigue detection and lane departure warning system functions as standard.[20] Available options include Mercedes' AIRMATIC air suspension, traffic sign recognition, and a reversing camera in conjunction with the COMAND APS system.[21][22]

Models

CLS 63 AMG

The CLS 63 AMG is a high performance variant of the CLS and went on sale in March 2011.[23] It features a 5.5 L bi-turbo V8 rated at 386 kW and 700 Nm.[24] Standard equipment includes an AMG SpeedShift MCT 7-speed transmission, a 24 mm wider front track, larger 360 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs, an AMG sports exhaust system, and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with shift paddles.[25][26] The CLS 63 AMG is available in both sedan and Shooting Brake variants, as well as in rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations.[27]

Edition 1 models were available exclusively in the first year of its market launch, and featured power increases of 32 hp and 100 Nm.[28] Other additions include Edition 1 insignia, matte exterior paintwork, designo leather, and a choice of three AMG exclusive interior trim.[29] An AMG Performance Package was also offered separately, and featured a carbon-fiber spoiler lip, red brake calipers,[30] and increased performance gains of 24 kW and 100 Nm, resulting in a 0–60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.[31]

From April 2013, the CLS 63 AMG range was updated to now produce 410 kW and 720 Nm.[32] The Performance Package was also replaced by the new CLS 63 AMG S model,[33] featuring further performance and efficiency enhancements, all-wheel drive 4MATIC as standard, and a rear locking differential.[34] It is also available as a Shooting Brake variant and launched in June 2013.[35]

Sales figures

As with the previous generation, the CLS sedan and Shooting Brake models are produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.[42]

The following are the sales figures for the C218 CLS in Europe only:[43]

Awards

• 2010 Auto Bild 'Golden Steering Wheel Award'[44]
• 2010 Auto Zeitung 'Best Car of the Year' (luxury segment)[45]
• 2011 auto motor und sport 'Autonis Awards'[46]
• 2011 Automotive Brand Contest 'Best of Best' (exterior category)[47]
• 2013 Auto Zeitung Design Award for the CLS Shooting Brake[48]
• 2016 cars.com 'Luxury Car of the Year'[49]