New AMG special model & lifting: Mercedes CLS (2021)!

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Photos by Mercedes-Benz

With a sharpened design, the CLS will be launched in April 2021. The front section in particular, with its new radiator grilles and bumpers, expresses the dynamism of the four-door coupé even more strongly. At the same time, the interior has been upgraded with additional leather and trim combinations as well as a new generation of steering wheels. A diesel of the latest generation with an integrated starter generator extends the model range. A strictly limited special model of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC + (combined fuel consumption 9,0-8,7 l / 100 km; CO₂Emissions combined 206-199 g / km)^[1] forms the sporty, exclusive spearhead. The modernized CLS will celebrate its world premiere in April, and the first models will hit European dealers in July. Thanks to an extensive update last summer with updates to the driver assistance systems, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system and ENERGIZING Komfort, the CLS was already technologically up to date.

Mercedes CLS (C 257/2021)

As a coupé, the CLS, together with all roadsters and convertibles, belongs to the category of dream cars at Mercedes-Benz. To date, more than four million of these have been sold to customers around the world, including more than 2004 CLS since the first generation was introduced in 450.000. In 2020, China was the largest sales market for the CLS Coupé, followed by South Korea, the USA and Germany. The reason for buying the car most frequently mentioned by customers is the design of the CLS: Sportiness is the real luxury in this customer segment.

Now the CLS has an even sportier look. The entry-level model with the standard AVANTGARDE exterior has a new front apron with distinctive air inlets, two side slats and a front splitter in silver chrome. The rear apron has a black diffuser look insert and a silver chrome trim strip. There are two new designs to choose from for the 19-inch alloy wheel: 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke.

If the CLS is equipped with the AMG Line Exterior, it signals its sportiness even more clearly: AMG bodystyling components are installed in this version. These include an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, sporty, striking air inlets with vertical struts and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black. Further features are AMG rocker panels on the side and AMG spoiler lip on the trunk lid. In combination with AMG Line Exterior, two new colors can be selected for the 20-inch, high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheel in multi-spoke design and two-tone look: tremolite gray or high-gloss black.

AVANTGARDE & AMG Line with new radiator cowling

All models with AVANTGARDE exterior or AMG Line exterior receive a new radiator grille. Special features of this grill are the Mercedes-Benz pattern (a three-dimensional star pattern with shiny chrome surfaces), a slat in black high-gloss with chrome insert and the integrated Mercedes star. The new paint color for the CLS is spectral blue metallic.

In addition to the more striking external appearance, the interior has been upgraded. With open-pored brown walnut wood and high-gloss gray wood, there are two new trim designs to choose from, also for the center console. The range of leather seat covers has also been expanded: Neva gray / magma gray and sienna brown / black are the names of the two new color combinations.

As part of the update, the CLS is getting a redesigned multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather. The spokes are in high-gloss black with a silver chrome surround, the shift paddles in silver chrome. With the Driving Assistance package (special equipment), the driver is supported by Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist. Here the steering wheel uses the capacitive principle to recognize the driver's hands. There is a two-zone sensor mat in the steering wheel rim. The sensors on the front and back of the rim register whether the steering wheel is being grasped. A steering movement is no longer required to signal the assistance systems that the vehicle is being controlled. This increases the ease of use in partially automated driving.

Greater customization possible with designo

The 250 experts from Mercedes-Benz designo in Sindelfingen transform the CLS into a very personal one-off on request. The selection has also been increased for these special options: for example, the special paints jupiter red, cashmere white magno and emerald green are new. These are available for all equipment versions.

The two-tone designo interior with Nappa Exclusive is available in five new combinations: classic red / black, saddle brown / black, tartufo brown / black, deep white / black and yacht blue / black.

Sharpened in many details: the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC +

Mercedes-AMG has updated the sporty top model in the series with numerous visual highlights and attractive equipment packages. The standard innovations on the CLS 53 4MATIC + include the newly designed front section with the sporty AMG bumper in A-wing shape with black flics and visible air curtains as well as the AMG signature grill with vertical struts. The bezels of the window frames are made of polished aluminum or, in combination with the Night package, in high-gloss black. The exterior mirrors are painted in the same color as the car. Here, too, models with the AMG Night Package or AMG Exterior Carbon Package II are an exception: there the mirrors are high-gloss black or have a carbon fiber housing. Mercedes-AMG drivers also control the CLS with the latest-generation steering wheel, here in nappa leather and with the familiar AMG steering wheel buttons with display.

In terms of optional equipment, two new packages allow the coupé to be even sportier: the AMG Night Package II, available in combination with the AMG Night Package, includes a radiator grille, Mercedes star on the rear and typography in darkened chrome.

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package increases dynamism in several ways. The red painted brake callipers with black AMG lettering add a visual accent to the exterior. In the interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather / DINAMICA microfiber or alternatively in nappa leather rounds off the sporty and elegant package. A performance suitable for the race track with a sporty character can be experienced in the additional "RACE" drive program with drift mode.

The CLS 53 4MATIC + combines a powerful 320 kW (435 hp) output with sporty style and high efficiency. The integrated starter generator briefly supplies an additional 16 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque and feeds the 48-volt electrical system. It combines the starter and alternator in one electric motor and is integrated between the engine and the gearbox. This as well as the intelligent charging with an electric auxiliary compressor (eZV) and exhaust gas turbocharger pursue the same goal: to offer the typical AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing consumption and emissions. The extremely fast shifting AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC + all-wheel drive and the AMG RIDE CONTROL + air suspension also contribute to the dynamic driving experience.

Performance for individualists: the limited edition model from Mercedes-AMG

Only 300 pieces of the new limited edition are planned. When it comes to painting, the customer can choose between cashmere white magno and selenite gray magno. Racing stripes are attached over the side skirts. The edition model in cashmere white magno has a dark gray metallic gloss finish. If the CLS is painted in selenite gray magno, the stripes are glossy black. Both stripe variants have accents in glossy red.

20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted black and with a high-sheen rim flange, are just as standard as the AMG Night Package and the AMG Night Package II (see above for details). In the AMG Night package, selected exterior elements are finished in high-gloss black. These include the front splitter of the AMG front apron, the housings of the exterior mirrors and the surrounds of the side windows. From the B-pillar, this CLS has heat-insulating, dark-tinted glass.

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package (scope of equipment see above) is also part of the standard scope of this edition model. When the front doors are opened, the AMG crest is projected onto the floor next to the vehicle in 3D using LED technology.

The interior features of the sporty special model: AMG nappa leather in two-tone black / silver gray pearl, AMG carbon trim, steering wheel in nappa leather and DINAMICA with red contrasting stitching, as well as AMG steering wheel buttons and the AMG lettering on the center console.

The drives of the CLS: powerful and efficient

In addition to the well-known petrol models, the CLS 2021 d 300MATIC introduced in March 4 (combined fuel consumption 5,8-5,5 l / 100 km; CO₂-Emissions combined: 153-144 g / km)^[2] via a mild hybrid drive. Its four-cylinder diesel engine (OM 654 M) comes with an integrated second-generation starter generator and a 48-volt sub-electrical system. The output is 195 kW plus 15 kW electrical boost. Thanks to recuperation and the ability to “sail” with the engine switched off, this drive is very efficient. The electrification also enables the use of an electric refrigerant compressor for the air conditioning system. Here are the most important properties at a glance:

• A new crankshaft increases the stroke to 94 mm and the displacement to 1.993 cm³ (previously: 92,3 and 1.950).
• The injection pressure rises to 2.700 bar (instead of 2.500).
• Particularly quick response and even power delivery thanks to two water-cooled turbochargers, both of which now have variable turbine geometry.
• Sodium-filled cooling channel in the steel piston. This means that temperature peaks in the piston bowl are dissipated even better.
• Electric refrigerant compressor

The most powerful four-cylinder diesel is also taking the next step in exhaust aftertreatment. Its components include

• a close-coupled NOX storage catalytic converter to reduce nitrogen oxides
• a DPF (diesel particulate filter with a special coating to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides)
• an SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction; with a dosed amount of AdBlue injected) and
• an additional SCR catalytic converter in the underbody of the vehicle with a separately metered amount of AdBlue injected.

The four-cylinder diesel without ISG in the CLS 220 d (combined fuel consumption 5,1-4,8 l / 100 km; CO₂-Emissions combined: 135-128 g / km)^[3].

The diesel models at a glance:

The consumption values ​​according to WLTP:

The petrol models at a glance:

The consumption values ​​according to WLTP:

What happened so far: extensive technology update in summer 2020

The focus of the refreshment of the CLS in summer 2020 was the updating of the driver assistance systems for cooperative support of the driver. This results in a particularly high level of active safety.

Active braking assistant

The CLS has Active Brake Assist as standard, which in many situations can use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or reduce its severity. The system can also brake stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even avoid collisions depending on the situation. As part of the driver assistance package, this is also possible when turning on the opposite lane.

Active speed limit assistant

A number of other Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be ordered in the driver assistance package. This includes Active Speed ​​Limit Assist, which reacts to changes in the speed limit with the aid of map data as well as input from Traffic Sign Assist. A route-based speed adjustment before recognized bends, roundabouts, toll booths, T-junctions and before turning / exiting motorways / expressways is also included in the scope of delivery. If the driver switches on the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment, the CLS can even react to data from Live Traffic Information.

Active traffic jam assistant

With the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Traffic Jam Assist can largely take over the task of maintaining lane and distance up to approx. 60 km / h with high availability in motorway traffic jams when lane markings are detected. The vehicle can start up again automatically for up to one minute after a standstill. Active Steering Assist can support the driver on multi-lane roads with the emergency lane function, which causes the vehicle to steer off-center. On motorways, the vehicle orients itself in swarms at speeds below 60 km / h on surrounding vehicles and recognized lane markings.

Automatic parking in and out

The Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and 360 ° camera enables automatic parking and exiting. The system facilitates the search for and selection of a parking space as well as parking in and out (if parking is automatic) in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces or garages. The CLS is now also able to recognize and use parking areas that are only marked as areas in larger spaces, for example. The 360 ​​° camera transmits an even more realistic image to the multimedia display, including an extended side view. When pulling out of a parking space, the system can warn of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and, if in doubt, brake.

MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)

The infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) was also significantly upgraded for the CLS in 2020. The CLS has two large 10,25 inch / 26 cm screens as standard, which are arranged side by side for a widescreen look. Two screens in the format 12,3 inches / 31,2 cm are available on request. The displays for the driver and central display can be easily read on the large, high-resolution screens. The optional MBUX interior assistant allows the intuitive operation of various comfort and MBUX functions, also by recognizing movements.

Unique to MBUX is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. With the prediction functions, for example, MBUX anticipates what the user would like next, if desired. For example, if you often phone a certain person on Tuesday on the way home, their phone number will be suggested on the display on that weekday. Other highlights include the standard touchscreen operation of the media display and the navigation display with augmented reality technology with active navigation.

ENERGIZING comfort

ENERGIZING Komfort networks various comfort systems in the vehicle and uses lighting and music moods as well as various massage programs for a wide variety of wellness programs. The ENERGIZING COACH started in the CLS in summer 2020. It is based on an intelligent algorithm and recommends one of the programs depending on the situation and individually. Is a compatible Garmin^® Integrated in wearables, personal values ​​such as stress level or sleep quality optimize the accuracy of the recommendation. The aim is to feel good and to arrive relaxed even on demanding or rather monotonous journeys.

[1] The stated values ​​are the determined "NEDC CO2 values" in accordance with Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values. The WLTP value is decisive for the assessment of the vehicle tax.
[2] The stated values ​​are the determined "NEDC CO2 values" in accordance with Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values. The WLTP value is decisive for the assessment of the vehicle tax.
[3] The stated values ​​are the determined "NEDC CO2 values" in accordance with Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values. The WLTP value is decisive for the assessment of the vehicle tax.
[4] Integrated starter generator
[5] The stated values ​​are the determined "WLTP-CO2 values ​​according to Art. 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values.
[6] The stated values ​​are the determined "NEDC CO2 values" in accordance with Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values. The WLTP value is decisive for the assessment of the vehicle tax.
[7] Electronically governed, with AMG Driver's Package 270 km / h
[8] The stated values ​​are the determined "WLTP-CO2 values ​​according to Art. 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values.

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