New Mercedes-Benz CLS: official images and data

My colleague Daniel was telling you yesterday about the LED optics for all functions, as well as the optional Multibeam LED technology, which the new Mercedes-Benz CLS was going to debut. Today the German manufacturer has finally published all the information about the rest of the changes the saloon body and the Shooting Brake receive. The commercial launch of the facelift will take place in autumn of this year.

In addition to the new headlights, the exterior of the new CLS is characterised by the modified lines it adopts with the new optional AMG Line Plus package, which includes more options to personalise its look. The specific design that the front bumper receives with this package resembles the equivalent offered on the other current Mercedes-Benz saloons.

The same applies to this bumper on the CLS 63 AMG, whose air intakes have been altered so that they are identical to those of the E 63 AMG and S 63/65 AMG saloon and coupé. Another detail it shares with this latter model is the AMG badge that now sits on the central bar of the front grille.

Inside the cabin, the novelties are limited to the eight-inch colour screen on the centre console, the three-spoke sports steering wheel, the two additional buttons on the central controls and the new range of colours, finishes and upholstery with which to configure the interior.

The mechanical offer includes a new, more affordable version called the CLS 220 BlueTEC, whose four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine with two-stage turbocharging produces 170 CV and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. Likewise, the CLS 350 is replaced by the new CLS 400 with a 3.5 twin-turbo petrol engine producing 333 CV (the previous one had 306 CV) and a maximum torque of 480 Nm (110 Nm more than before).

Mercedes-Benz has also increased the number of versions that can be fitted with 4MATIC four-wheel drive. The CLS 250 BlueTEC and the new CLS 400 will be the ones with this available in the range. A final novelty in the mechanical section is the introduction of the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, which will be offered on all BlueTEC versions and on the CLS 500. Mercedes-Benz states that this transmission will reduce fuel consumption and deliver smoother and more agile gear changes compared with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS.

Although they will initially not be part of the new CLS’s technological equipment when it goes on sale, the manufacturer has announced that this equipment will be complemented by the new collision prevention with automatic braking system and the safety and assistance technology debuted by the new S-Class.

Connectivity remains guaranteed thanks to the internet navigation enabled by the two available infotainment systems, the new interface fitted as standard for connecting an iPod or an iPhone, and the various applications for both online services and music and video playback through the COMAND Online system.

Finally, Mercedes-Benz is taking advantage of the CLS launch to announce its “Mercedes connect me” programme. Through this service, users will be able to call from the vehicle in case of emergency or breakdown and connect to the internet to remotely check data such as how much fuel is left in the tank in order to plan journeys.

Source | Mercedes-Benz