SAMSSONZ

-BIGGER MIRRORS WITH LED ARROW
-TRAPEZOIDAL EXHAUST TIPS WITH NEW REAR APRON FOR NON AMG
-NEW STEERING WHEEL
-NEW LINGUTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM
-IN DASH MEMORY CARD SLOT
-REAR LED TAIL LIGHTS
-MODIFIED SILENCERS FOR AMG MODELS

The new-generation CLS: Fine-tuning for the design trendsetter
Mercedes-Benz is making the CLS even more irresistible. This one-of-a-kind four-door coupé – the pioneer of a whole new automotive segment – has now been fine-tuned to give it added appeal. The new entry-level model version, the CLS 280 with its sophisticated V6 power unit, develops 170 kW/231 hp. Meanwhile, the flagship model in the range – the CLS 63 AMG with its 378 kW/514 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine – now comes with 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels plus a new AMG sports exhaust system.

Understated but masterly neatly sums up the result of the restyling programme for the CLS. At the front, it is the modified radiator grille that stands out, with two louvres now instead of the previous four. The diamond-shaped, three-dimensional grilles painted in atlas grey that cover the air intakes project an even greater air of self-assurance as well as adding further emphasis to the vehicle's width. The exterior mirrors have also been given a new look. The LED side indicator lamps that are built into them are arranged in the form of an arrow to produce a most eye-catching effect, especially in the dark. The mirror surface has furthermore been enlarged by 32 per cent to afford a clearer view of the traffic behind and thereby boost active safety.

The side view is dominated by new, attractively styled light-alloy wheels, measuring either 17 inches (CLS 280, CLS 320 CDI and CLS 350 CGI) or 18 inches (CLS 500) in diameter. When viewed from the rear, the new-generation CLS makes its mark with a new rear apron, new tail lights, as well as modified tailpipes. The centre section of the rear bumper now drops down further, while the additional light-catching contour running along it adds to the impression of breadth. This is further emphasised by the exhaust tailpipes, which are trapezoidal in shape, and not oval as before. LED technology is now deployed for the tail lights: the brake lamps, tail lamps and indicator lamps all make use of the extra-fast-reacting light-emitting diodes. Just like the side indicators in the exterior mirrors, the rear indicators look like arrows when they light up, which is particularly striking in the dark. The same is true of the optical fibres at the side, which are always activated whenever the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
A new deactivation function for the low-beam headlamps when the ignition is switched off helps to optimise energy management.

The new bodywork details harmonise perfectly with the multi-award-winning design of the CLS and make the four-door Coupé always look as if it is about to dash off. Almost four years on from its world premiere, the electrifying, muscular lines of the trendsetter are as unique and as unmistakable as ever.

New inside: three-spoke steering wheel and new telematics generation
Great attention to detail was paid while updating the interior too: modifications include a restyled leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with multifunction buttons, as well as a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dials now contrast distinctly with the chased surface of the backplate. The previous matt laurel colour scheme has been replaced with new chestnut wood trim elements.

The CLS features the new NTG 2.5 telematics generation, whose high-performance componentry combines straightforward operation and logical menu navigation with flawless in-vehicle entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-compatible CD and DVD player, as well as a Bluetooth interface which can establish a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle's hands-free system.

The Audio 20, Audio 20 CD with CD changer, Audio 50 and Audio 50 APS with DVD changer and LINGUATRONIC voice control system have now been upgraded to a 5-inch colour screen. The COMAND APS comes with a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephone calls, a music register for storing audio files, plus an SD memory card slot.

CLS 280: new entry-level engine variant with 170 kW/231 hp
The CLS 280 is equipped with a new entry-level engine, a sophisticated V6 powerplant with a displacement of 2996 cc developing a peak output of 170 kW/231 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Newton metres. This propels the CLS 280 from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and gives it a top speed of 245 km/h. Combined fuel consumption on the NEDC driving cycle is 9.8 - 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The second V6 petrol model in the range is the CLS 350 CGI. Its advanced six-cylinder engine featuring piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion generates 215 kW/292 hp and returns impressively low fuel consumption figures of 9.1 to 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). Under the bonnet of the CLS 500 is a V8 drive unit with a displacement of 5.5 litres and a maximum output of 285 kW/388 hp. What makes the CLS 320 CDI with its 165 kW/224 hp V6 diesel engine especially thrilling is the formidable torque of 540 Newton metres on the one hand and, on the other, low fuel consumption of just 7.6 - 8.1 litres of diesel for every 100 km (NEDC combined).

All CLS models come fitted with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. In manual shift mode "M", the driver is able to shift through the gears using shift paddles on the steering wheel if desired. This shortens the 0-100 km/h acceleration time by 0.2 seconds.

CLS 63 AMG flagship model with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
The flagship model in the CLS range, the CLS 63 AMG, is powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with 378 kW/514 hp and 630 Newton metres of torque. The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine now makes its presence known in an even more distinctive fashion: the AMG sports exhaust system's redesigned rear silencers deliver an even more captivating soundtrack through the two sets of oval-shaped, chromed twin tailpipes. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission now incorporates a function which blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. This does more than just intensify the emotive driving experience - the virtually load-free downshift procedure also leads to a reduction in load-alteration effects, which is of particular benefit when braking ahead of corners on the race track. The CLS 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.

Also new is the black-painted radiator grille with two louvres instead of the previous three, which blends in perfectly with the AMG bodystyling. The AMG light-alloy wheels, with their new triple-spoke design and a titanium grey, high-sheen paint finish, now measure 19 inches in size instead of 18 as before, and are shod with tyres measuring 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Inside, the CLS 63 AMG boasts a new AMG sports steering wheel with a three-spoke design. The grip areas are specially contoured and trimmed in perforated leather. Gear selection can be performed manually by means of two aluminium AMG shift paddles.

Attractive optional extras from AMG
There is an exclusive choice of new optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio for the CLS 63 AMG: take the AMG performance steering wheel, for instance, with a smaller diameter, a rim that is flattened at the bottom and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. Or the titanium-grey painted AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design and a polished finish, which are manufactured using first-rate forging technology.

All CLS models can be embellished by the addition of the AMG bodystyling package: this comprises a prominent front apron with large air intakes, a beefy rear apron featuring a black insert, as well as side skirts. There is also the option of new AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a high-sheen finish with either 255/35 or 285/30 tyres.

Interested customers can place their orders for the new CLS now, with market launch commencing in March 2008. The gross purchase prices for the new CLS are as follows:

CLS 280: Euro 55,692.00
CLS 320 CDI: Euro 59,321.50
CLS 350 CGI: Euro 61,404.00
CLS 500: Euro 75,053.30
CLS 63 AMG: Euro 106,624.00

MB_Forever

Everything looks perfect except the huge mirrors

rbtronnie5

weird seems like the newer they get the more lines the grill loses....like the 04 sl had 4 lines going across...then the 07 style has 3....the cls had 3 in 07 now the new cls will have 2...

AMGLAB

Not much is new, and what is new is not very exciting.

Dogshine

what about the new nav system?

m_berman

Our cars are aging. Time for a trade in. What will the 2010 look like?

j_belll

the mirrors were perfectly sexy before the facelift!

AMGLAB

What is so new about it? MB claims the same current features today.

F_Porsche

Does your CLS seriously has a storage and an SD Card slot??

SAMSSONZ

I think the cls is a timeless work of art. I could tell you right now that I wouldnt be interested in a new one if they changed the look completely. I hope they take the same route as the G-class and keep it the same for the next 20 years. cept for the engine of course.

Goyard

Aren't 2008's already out?

When will this be released??

chutia

totally +1 w/ Samsonz re a timeless work of art.

vb26

I luv, want, need the LED tail lights. Group buy anyone? Kevin M. where are you?? I know you're already thinking of this.

SAMSSONZ

I've been waiting for those since I bought my car but I dont like how the LED's are only on the bottom red and blinker as opposed to the current model which has LED on the top part only. I think I'll wait till next year when the whole brake light is completely LED.

MB Fanatic

I plan on keeping my CLS 55 for quite a while. It was the 1st car IMO that truly took automotive design to the next level and now companies like VW are making carbon copies of the CLS.

chutia

VW making cc's of the CLS?? like which model??

auktane

you read my mind!!!

MB Fanatic

Check out their new concept they launched. There are pictures of it on the internet.

traumadoc

Samssonz,

This car captured my eye immediately and it was difficult to part with the car I had at the time. Like you, I think we have 2 timeless MBs. The CLS and the G.

SAMSSONZ

I Agree

m_berman

If you pay for Euro Dollars in US dollars the price tag is approx. $162,000.

I believe the pricing for the US market is far below the 106000 Euro Dollars as advertised.