Cars - Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

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	Cars - Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a series of automobile models assembled by DaimlerChrysler in Sindelfingen, Germany. The class was first offered for sale in Europe in autumn 2004. The model uses the Mercedes-Benz W219 designation, and borrows the platform of the contemporary E-Class sedan. It is three inches (76 mm) shorter than the E-Class.

Marketed as a 'four door coupe,' the CLS recalls the fastback sedan designs of Robert Opron in the 1970's. According to a Mercedes-Benz press release, the CLS-class was produced to combine the "strong, emotive charisma" of a coupe with the "comfort and practicality" of a sedan. This new concept will probably popularise among German manufactures: Audi will release a 4-door coupé-looking A5, Volkwsagen will do the same with the Volkwsagen Passat, and BMW may launch similar cars.

The CLS-class was first displayed as the Vision CLS concept at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The production version CLS 500 made its debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. A new AMG model was introduced at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the CLS 55 AMG. Only 1,500 CLS 55 AMG cars will be built each year.

The CLS was first offered for sale in the United States in January 2005; only the CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG are sold in the United States. The CLS 500 has a base price of US$65,620, with the CLS 55 starting at US$87,320.

The CLS 350 and CLS 500 have a 7-speed automatic transmission. The CLS 55 has a five-speed gearbox that can be shifted manually or automatically.

IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision concept to the production version. More than 150 IVM engineers were involved, making the CLS the largest vehicle development project in the company's history.

Mercedes-Benz has planned a yearly production of 30,000 units worldwide, of which about 8,000 will be allocated to the U.S market.

Features

Mercedes-Benz has put all of its latest safety features into the CLS-class. In addition to front airbags, there are side-impact airbags in the front seats and side curtain airbags throughout. The car features a "smart" sensor system for the seatbelts and airbags that can detect and react to accident severity. An optional Pre-Safe system predicts an impending collision; when the system is activated, the seatbelts tighten, the front passenger seat adjusts to crash positioning, and the sunroof closes automatically. Mercedes-Benz engineers describe the feature as a human-like reflex system.

The air suspension has three settings. The default setting, "Comfort," is ideal under normal driving conditions, stiffening as the car's speed increases. "Sport 1" and "Sport 2" settings give the car more agility on winding and bumpy roads. The car can also be raised three inches, if needed.

The CLS-class comes with a choice of four interior colors, three types of leather and two kinds of wood. Leather interior comes standard, with Nappa leather upholstery available on designo models. Burl walnut and dark laurel wood interior trim are available in either a high-gloss or silk matte finish. Leather colors include Black, Basalt Gray, Sunset Red and Cashmere. New scratch-resistant exterior paint is three times as durable as past exterior finishes.

There are 33 inches (838 mm) of rear legroom, which is not quite as accommodating as the 35.6 inches (904 mm) available in the E-Class. Elbow room is generous at 57 inches (1448 mm). The trunk can hold 16 cubic feet (453 L) of cargo.

The following features are standard in all models: heated auto-dimming mirrors, outside temperature gauge, rain-sensing wipers and projector-beam headlights. Also standard is a Thermatic automatic climate control system; this system assesses and adjusts interior temperature and humidity levels and filters the air in the cabin. There are dual controls in both the front and rear seats.

Other available features include: self-cleaning bi-xenon headlights, distronic laser-guided cruise control, power sunroof, keyless go, drive authorization system and Parktronic parking sensors. Available electronics include: command control system, GPS navigation and surround sound audio.

The CLS 55 AMG is a modified version of the CLS produced by Mercedes-AMG. Features exclusive to the CLS 55 include: perforated sport seats, 18 inch (457 mm) light-alloy wheels with wider tires, large air inlets and two chromed, oval exhaust pipes.

Specifications

Powertrain

In the 2005 model year, the CLS-Class' powertrains include one of the following gasoline- engines:

CLS 350 - A 3.5 L V6, generating 200 kW (272 hp DIN), and 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) at 2,400 rpm
CLS 500 - A 5.0 L V8, generating 225 kW (306 hp DIN), and 460 N·m (340 ft·lbf) at 2,700 rpm
CLS 55 AMG - A 5.5 L V8, generating 350 kW (476 hp DIN), and 700 N m (516 ft lbf)
CLS 320 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Diesel

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