Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218)

Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218/X218)
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler AG
ProductionJanuary 2010[1] – December 2017[2]
AssemblyGermany: Sindelfingen
DesignerGorden Wagener (2006)
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive (E)
Body style
Layout
RelatedMercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,874 mm (113.1 in)
Length
  • 4,937 mm (194.4 in) (C218)
  • 4,998 mm (196.8 in) (CLS63)[3]
  • 4,953 mm (195.0 in) (X218)
Width1,881 mm (74.1 in)
Height
  • 1,418 mm (55.8 in) (C218)
  • 1,419 mm (55.9 in) (X218)
Kerb weight1,660–1,950 kg (3,660–4,299 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219)
SuccessorMercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C257)

The C218 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the second generation of the Mercedes CLS-Class range of four-door coupé sedans. The model shares the chassis and most of the technology with the W212 E-Class and was produced from 2011 to 2017.[4]

Unlike its predecessor, the C218/X218 CLS can be optioned with all-wheel drive 4MATIC on all models including CLS 63 AMG variants.[5] Mercedes also introduced a new five-door estate version to the CLS lineup, called the CLS Shooting Brake.[6]

The C218 CLS-Class was succeeded by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C257) in 2018.[7]

Development and launch

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The design of the C218 CLS is based on the F800 Style concept car unveiled by Mercedes-Benz at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.[8] It is a four-door coupé featuring a new COMAND interface utilizing a touchpad, design cues inspired by the Mercedes SLS AMG, and sliding rear doors.[9] The production version C218 CLS was publicly unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and as with the previous generation,[10] is based on the E-Class platform, utilising the same rear multi-link suspension setup.[11]

Body styles

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Sedan (C218)

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Production started in January 2011, with 4MATIC model sales starting later in September.[12]

Shooting Brake (X218)

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The CLS Shooting Brake was announced in June 2012, and is an estate version of the CLS sedan.[13] It is based on the Concept Shooting Brake unveiled at Auto China 2010.[14] Shooting Brake models went on sale from October 2012, and are available alongside sedan models in all-wheel drive and AMG variants.[15] It is currently not sold in the United States.[16] It is the most expensive serial production station wagon in the world since year 1992.

Equipment

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Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, and satellite navigation with a 10GB hard-drive.[17] Standard safety equipment consists of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, active head restraints, and 10 total front, side, and knee airbags.[18] CLS models also come with driver fatigue detection and lane departure warning system functions as standard.[19] Available options include Mercedes' AIRMATIC air suspension, traffic sign recognition, and a reversing camera in conjunction with the COMAND APS system.[20][21]

Models

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Petrol engines

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Model Years Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
CLS 300[a] 02/2012–2018 M276 DE35
3.5 L V6
185 kW (252 PS; 248 hp)
at 6,500 rpm
340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft)
at 3,500–4,500 rpm
7.0 s
CLS 350
BlueEFFICIENCY
01/2011–08/2014 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp)
at 6,500 rpm
370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft)
at 3,500–5,250 rpm
6.1 s
CLS 400 2014–2017 M276 DE35 AL
3.5 L V6 twin-turbo
245 kW (333 PS; 329 hp)
at 5,250–6,000 rpm
480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft)
at 1,200–4,000 rpm
5.3 s
CLS 500
BlueEFFICIENCY
2011–2014 M278 DE46
4.7 L V8 twin-turbo
300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp)
at 5,000–5,750 rpm
600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft)
at 1,600–4,750 rpm
5.2 s
CLS 500 2014–2017 4.8 s
CLS 63 AMG (after 2013 also available with AWD) 2011–2013 M157 DE55
5.5 L V8 twin-turbo
386 kW (525 PS; 518 hp)
at 5,250–5,750 rpm
700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft)
at 1,700–5,000 rpm
4.4 s
2013–2018 410 kW (557 PS; 550 hp)
at 5,250–5,750 rpm
720 N⋅m (531 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750–5,000 rpm
4.2 s
CLS 63 AMG
Performance Package
2011–2013 410 kW (557 PS; 550 hp)
at 5,750 rpm
800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)
at 2,000–4,500 rpm
4.3 s
CLS 63 AMG S

4MATIC

2013–2018 430 kW (585 PS; 577 hp)
at 5,500 rpm
3.6 s
  1. ^ Chinese market only

Diesel engines

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Model Years Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
CLS 220 BlueTEC* 2014–2017 OM651 DE22
2.1 L twin-turbo I4
125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)
at 3,000–4,200 rpm
400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
at 1,400–2,800 rpm
8.3 s
CLS 250 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
2011–2014 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp)
at 4,200 rpm
500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft)
at 1,600–1,800 rpm
7.5 s
CLS 250 BlueTEC* 2014–2017
CLS 350 CDI

BlueEFFICIENCY

2011–2014 OM642 DE30
3.0 L turbo V6
195 kW (265 PS; 261 hp)
at 3,800 rpm
620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft)
at 1,600–2,400 rpm
6.2 s
CLS 350 BlueTEC* 2014–2017 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp)
at 3,400 rpm
6.5 s

*The designation "d" replaces "BlueTEC" for the 2015 model year

CLS 63 AMG

[edit]
CLS 63 AMG sedan
CLS 63 AMG sedan

The CLS 63 AMG is a high performance variant of the CLS and went on sale in March 2011.[22] It features a 5.5 L bi-turbo V8 rated at 386 kW (518 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft).[23] Standard equipment includes an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission, a 24 mm (1 in) wider front track, larger 360 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs, an AMG sports exhaust system, and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with shift paddles.[24][25] The CLS 63 AMG is available in both sedan and Shooting Brake variants, as well as in rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations.[26]

Edition 1 models were available exclusively in the first year of its market launch, and featured minor power increases of 29 kW (39 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft).[27] Other additions include Edition 1 insignia, matte exterior paintwork, designo leather, and a choice of three AMG exclusive interior trim.[28] An AMG Performance Package was also offered separately, and featured a carbon-fiber spoiler lip, red brake calipers,[29] and increased performance gains of 24 kW (32 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft), resulting in a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.1 s.[30]

From April 2013, the CLS 63 AMG range was updated to now produce 410 kW (550 hp) and 720 N⋅m (531 lb⋅ft).[31] The Performance Package was also replaced by the new CLS 63 AMG S model,[32] featuring further performance and efficiency enhancements, all-wheel drive 4MATIC as standard, and a rear locking differential.[33] It is also available as a Shooting Brake variant and launched in June 2013.[34]

Model year changes

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Facelift C218 CLS sedan

2014 facelift

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A facelift was introduced for the CLS model range in 2014.[35]

The major changes are:

  • A redesigned front fascia with a diamond-patterned radiator grille (for AMG package models) and new anti-dazzle MULTIBEAM LED headlights[36][37]
  • Tail lights in slightly darker shade of red
  • Interior changes including a new steering wheel design and a larger free standing 8-inch COMAND APS display[38]
  • New model naming scheme for diesel engines (CLS 350 BlueTEC now called CLS 350d)
  • Introduction of CLS 400 and CLS 220d models, and updated CLS 350d engine[39]
  • Introduction of 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission on all models (excluding the CLS 400)[40]

2016

[edit]
  • CLS 400 receives 9-speed automatic transmission

CLS 500 receives iron lined cylinder bores instead of plasma honed aluminium.

Sales figures

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As with the previous generation, the CLS sedan and Shooting Brake models are produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.[41]

The following are the sales figures for the C218 CLS in Europe only:[42]

Year Total
2011 17,414
2012 12,797
2013 15,139
2014 10,289
2015 12,600
2016 7,803
2017 5,116
Total: 81,158

Awards

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References

[edit]
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