The 2012 CLS-Class is a 4-door, 4-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the CLS550 to the CLS63 AMG.
Upon introduction, the CLS550 is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 402-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The CLS63 AMG is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 518-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
the proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.
What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.
Design brings high-tech features to life
Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.
The typical Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique “dropping line”, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of historic Mercedes sports cars.
A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.
The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology – a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.
