Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219)

Overview

Mercedes-Benz CLS (C219)

manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2003–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2010)
production	December 2003‡R1R‡ – August 2010
assembly	Germany: Sindelfingen
designer	Michael Fink (2001)‡R2R‡ Peter Arcadipane (initial)‡R3R‡
class	Executive (E)
body style	4-door coupe
layout	FR
related	Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)
engine	petrol: 3.0 L M272 V6 3.5 L M272 V6 5.0 L M113 V8 5.4 L M113 supercharged V8 5.5 L M273 V8 6.2 L M156 V8 diesel: 3.0 L OM642 turbo V6
transmission	5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
wheelbase	2854 mm
length	4913 mm 4917 mm (facelift)
width	1873 mm
height	1390 - 1403 mm 1415 - 1430 mm (facelift)
weight	1660 - 1870 kg
successor	Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218)
sp	uk

The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the first generation of the CLS-Class range of four-door coupe which features a fastback body style by Mercedes-Benz, and was produced between 2003 and 2010.[4] The CLS-Class has only four seats and is marketed by Mercedes as a four-door coupé.[5] It was the first model globally to introduce this four-door coupe style and VW followed with the Volkswagen CC model in 2008 and the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 in 2009.

The car is less practical than the W211 E-Class that it is based on, with less legroom, headroom, and boot space.[6][7] The CLS-Class is priced above the E-Class, but below the S-Class in the Mercedes model range.

Special models

CLS 55 AMG

The CLS 55 AMG is a high-performance variant of the CLS-Class featuring a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 producing 350 kW and 700 Nm, and was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2004.[22] Compared to the standard model, the CLS 55 AMG has larger 360 mm brake discs with eight-piston callipers from the SL55 AMG,[23] wider 18-inch alloy wheels, revised stiffer AirMATIC air suspension with multiple driving modes,[24] AMG bodywork, and a five-speed automatic transmission.[25]

CLS 63 AMG

The CLS 63 AMG was introduced in 2006, as the successor to the CLS 55 AMG. The car is powered by the then new Mercedes M156 engine that produces 383 kW and 630 Nm;[26] with less torque than before in order to accommodate the new AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed transmission, instead of the previous five-speed automatic.[27] The new transmission includes a comfort, sport, and manual mode that allows for the manual changing of gears.[28] Sport mode have shift speeds that are almost 30% faster than comfort and 50% faster than manual.[29][30] The car also features an updated instrument cluster and alloy-wheel design.[31]

The CLS 63 AMG had a 6208 cc V8 petrol engine, with 514 hp and 630 Nm of torque, and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.[32][33] The CLS 63 AMG was able to reach 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.[34] Its curb weight was 1870 kg.

CLS Grand Edition (2009)

The CLS Grand Edition was a special edition model of the CLS-Class, with only 560 units produced and sold in 2009.[35] The CLS Grand Edition was available with all non-AMG models at the time, and the CLS 350 CDI model received performance improvements of 38 kW and 50 Nm.[36] Standard equipment included: bi-xenon headlights, titanium grey 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, laurel wood interior trim, and 'Grand Edition' insignia.[37] Models were also offered with a choice of designo leather upholstery and four exclusive metallic exterior paint colours.[38]

CLS 55 AMG IWC Edition

The CLS 55 AMG IWC Edition is a limited-edition model of the CLS-Class produced in collaboration with the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen. Launched in 2006, it's based on the CLS 55 AMG and features IWC-inspired details, special badging, and an exclusive IWC Ingenieur watch. Only 55 units were produced.[39][40]

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219)

Development and launch

Equipment

Models

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Special models

CLS 55 AMG

CLS 63 AMG

CLS Grand Edition (2009)

CLS 55 AMG IWC Edition

Model year changes

2006

2008 facelift

2009

Sales figures

External links

References