Engineering:Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2004–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present)
Production	2004–present
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door shooting brake (X218)
Layout	FR / 4WD (4matic)

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2004.

The original model was a four-door fastback sedan based on the Mercedes E-Class platform, marketed as a four door coupé. An estate (Shooting Brake) model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS. All models are available as a high performance AMG variant, although it wasn't until the second generation CLS that 4MATIC all-wheel drive was offered.

The CLS range is positioned between the E-Class and the S-Class within the Mercedes model range, and models tend to be less practical than the E-Class it is based on. It primarily competes with other fastback sedans like the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7.

First generation (C219; 2004)

C219 CLS-Class

Marketed from Mercedes as a four-door coupé, the CLS was designed by Michael Fink in 2001 who also styled the first generation CLK, the C-SportCoupé, and Maybach 57 and 62. In Europe the model name is C219 while in US the CLS is more commonly named. The C219 CLS is based on the W211 E-Class platform, and shares major components including the engines, transmissions, and has an identical wheelbase of 2,854 mm (112 in). IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision CLS concept on which the CLS is based on, to the production version which debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.

Second generation (C218; 2010)

C218 CLS-Class

The C218 CLS is the second generation model, and was sold from 2011 to 2018. The body styles of the range are a 4-door coupé (C218 model code for Europe/ W218 for US market), and a 5-door estate (X218 model code, marketed as Shooting Brake). The design of the CLS was based on the Mercedes F800 concept and featured design cues from other models including the Mercedes SLS AMG. Unlike its predecessor, the C218 CLS is available with all-wheel drive and can be optionally configured on CLS 63 AMG models as well. In 2014, the CLS underwent a facelift and featured design changes, engine enhancements, and the adoption of the Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Third generation (C257; 2018)

C257 CLS-Class

The C257 CLS is the third model and was previously available only as a four-door sedan and in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configuration. The Shooting Brake body style was in development for the C257 CLS, but was shortly discontinued due to poor and declining demand overseas for the last generation model. The range of engines consist of a 2.9-litre straight six turbocharged diesel engine and a 3.0-litre straight six turbocharged petrol engine. The latter equips the CLS 53 AMG with features such as a mild hybrid system and an Panamericana radiator grille, which pays tribute to 300 SL model. The CLS is also now a five-seater car, instead of being a four-seater as with the previous two generations.

Sales

Year	Europe	U.S.
2004	5,543
2005	20,147	14,835
2006	20,262	10,763
2007	17,098	7,906
2008	12,224	5,775
2009	6,083	2,527
2010	3,975	2,135
2011	17,414	5,665
2012	12,797	8,065
2013	15,139	8,032
2014	10,289	6,981
2015	12,600	6,152
2016	7,803	4,156
2017	5,116	1,839
2018	9,113	943
2019	8,428	941
2020	3,895	1,206

External links

• Official site