Mercedes Benz Cls :Everything you want to know about ADV News, Photos & Exclusive stories.

Stuttgart's iconic four-door coupé&nbsp;has been refreshed for 2021 with an array of cosmetic updates, both inside &amp; out, a limited edition of the full-fat&nbsp;CLS 53&nbsp;AMG and a new mild-hybrid diesel powertrain.

The base models of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS&nbsp;now come with the 'Avantgarde&nbsp;Exterior' package as standard that&nbsp;brings along&nbsp;a new front apron with striking air intakes, two side louvres and a chrome-finish front splitter. The rear apron, meanwhile, gets a&nbsp;black faux-diffuser&nbsp;insert and a silver chrome strip. Two new designs are also on offer&nbsp;for the 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Of course, those who're after a sportier look can opt for the optional&nbsp;'AMG Line Exterior' package that brings along an AMG-spec&nbsp;body kit, with much more aggressively styled trim bits.

<img alt="2021 Mercedes Benz CLS Facelift And CLS 53 AMG Static" height="720" src="/uploads/2021/04/2021-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-Facelift-and-CLS-53-AMG-Static.jpg" width="1280" />

With either exterior package, the CLS&nbsp;facelift will roll out with a new front grille that features a new 3-D&nbsp;star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces, a louvre in high-gloss black with chrome inlay and the integrated Mercedes star. The new Spectral Blue colour seen&nbsp;here also joins the standard paint palette.

<img alt="2021 Mercedes Benz CLS Facelift Interior" height="720" src="/uploads/2021/04/2021-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-Facelift-Interior.jpg" width="1280" />

Inside, a new &amp; redesigned multifunction steering wheel wrapped&nbsp;in Nappa leather, two new trim finishes –&nbsp;open-pore Brown Walnut &amp;&nbsp;high-gloss Grey Wood – and two new leather upholstery colour combinations headline the key changes.

<img alt="2021 Mercedes Benz CLS Facelift And CLS 53 AMG" height="720" src="/uploads/2021/04/2021-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-Facelift-and-CLS-53-AMG.jpg" width="1280" />

As for the new mild-hybrid diesel powertrain, the 2021 CLS facelift benefits from the addition of a new 300d 4MATIC variant. It's powered by Mercedes' OM 654 M 2.0-litre (1,993cc) diesel unit&nbsp;that develops 262bhp and 550Nm of torque, with assistance from a 20bhp integrated starter-generator. The non-hybrid diesel line-up consists of&nbsp;the four-cylinder CLS 220d&nbsp; and the six-cylinder CLS 400d.

<img alt="2021 Mercedes AMG CLS 53 Rear View" height="720" src="/uploads/2021/04/2021-Mercedes-AMG-CLS-53-Rear-View.jpg" width="1280" />

Only 300 units&nbsp;of the aforementioned limited-edition&nbsp;of the 429bhp CLS 53 AMG will be up for grabs. The special treatment on it comes courtesy of&nbsp;20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels (finished in Black),&nbsp;high-gloss black exterior trim elements, racing stripes, two exclusive exterior colour options – Cashmere White &amp;&nbsp;Selenite Grey – and the&nbsp;AMG Dynamic Plus package that's fitted as standard.

Read more:

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<a href="https://www.autox.com/track-test/mercedes-benz-cls-track-test-106838/">Mercedes-Benz CLS, Track Test</a>

Mercedes-Benz CLS refreshed for 2021

The Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupé has been refreshed for 2021 with an array of cosmetic updates, both inside & out, a limited edition of the full-fat CLS 53 AMG and a new mild-hybrid diesel powertrain.

The <a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/2018-mercedes-benz-cls-review-first-drive-105444/">CLS</a> has always been a bit of an acquired taste. The first generation was simply stunning, with its coupe-like flowing, low slung silhouette. This, the third generation, may not be quite as svelte as the original CLS, but it’s still a looker. But what truly emphasises the luxury car roots of the <a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/new-mercedes-benz-cls-launched-at-rs-8470-lakh-104947/">CLS</a> is its cabin – which is an absolutely delightful place to find yourself. It’s certainly one of the nicest cabins I’ve ever sat in.

The quality levels are simply incredible. The seats are superbly comfortable, and, the way the mood lighting works at night, it immerses you into a whole new world of luxury. Because the CLS is designed as a four-door coupe you can’t expect much room in the rear, but the front two seats are extraordinary.

Besides the ultra-luxurious interior, the CLS is also a wonderful car to drive. The refinement levels and the ride quality of the car are outstanding, and the engine is a masterpiece. The engine and transmission setup in the CLS are among the best out there.

<img alt="Mercedes Benz CLS Parameters" height="269" src="/uploads/2019/11/Mercedes-Benz-CLS-Parameters.jpg" style=" margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline;" width="283" />

The overall driving dynamics are actually very impressive for such a big car. In fact, the CLS was just a few tenths off the time set by the very athletic BMW 330i, which is really impressive. Mercedes has taken a big step forward in recent years, not only in terms of design and brand image&nbsp;but also in terms of the driving dynamics of their cars. With the CLS, we were amazed at just how agile it actually felt when pushed to the limit.&nbsp;

The downside, though, is that the CLS isn’t the most practical car. And, of course, it’s by no means affordable either. If budget isn’t a concern though, and you want a machine that will not only stand out&nbsp;but also one that’s great to drive, the CLS could very well be the car for you. From the driver’s seat, this is certainly a very enjoyable luxury car indeed.

<a href="https://www.autox.com/best-of-2019/">Best of&nbsp;2019</a> &lt;&lt; BACKNEXT&gt;&gt; : <a href="https://www.autox.com/track-test/mercedes-benz-c300-cabriolet-track-test-106839/">Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMFAhYbVX4w

Mercedes-Benz CLS, Track Test

The CLS has always been a bit of an acquired taste. The first generation was simply stunning, with its coupe-like flowing, low slung silhouette. This, the third generation, may not be quite as svelte as the original CLS, but it’s still a looker.

Sure, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS looks the part – but can it justify its hefty price tag?

It was 1886 when Karl Benz developed the first gasoline-powered automobile. Since then, the German manufacturer with the three-pointed star has been at the forefront of innovation in terms of engineering and design.

In fact, Mercedes Benz has a lot of firsts to its credit – the first diesel-powered passenger car, first production car with a fuel-injection system, first vehicle with ABS, and the list goes on-and-on. But technology is not the only field in which Mercedes-Benz has made its presence felt. You see, Mercedes not only revolutionised the automobile industry in terms of technology but also design – and the CLS is the perfect example of this.

With the launch of the CLS in 2004, Mercedes became the first manufacturer to conceptualise the idea of the four-door coupe. The idea was to combine the sporty profile of a coupe with the four-door convenience of a sedan. Suffice to say, the launch of the CLS heralded a whole new segment. Now, almost fourteen years later, the CLS is now in its third generation.&nbsp;

<img alt="2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Side Profile" src="/uploads/2019/02/mercedes-benz-cls-side-profile.jpg" />

Seductive design 
While driving the CLS, you can’t help but notice that it turns a lot of heads. I wouldn’t say that it’s a particularly beautiful car, I’d rather describe it as a sporty amalgamation of elegance and seductiveness. The new car’s design, however, still has a few familiar hallmarks of previous CLS generations – an arching waistline, a sloping roof and a lack of hard edges.

It has, however, gone through a few changes in terms of design. It now gets more angular headlamps and a sporty front-end that seems to take its inspiration from Merc’s AMG models. It also has slim, attractive-looking tail-lights that extend all the way from the fenders towards the centre of the boot. Suffice to say, with its slender lines it certainly looks like a coupe in silhouette.&nbsp;

<img alt="Mercedes-Benz CLS Interior" src="/uploads/2019/02/mercedes-benz-cls-interiors.jpg" />

Interior &amp; tech 
Based on the same underpinnings as the latest Merc E-Class, the CLS also borrows a lot of tech from the S-Class. It’s also the first CLS coupe to feature five seats instead of four.

There’s a lovely 12.3-inch digital display, as well as a widescreen cockpit display. You also get ambient lighting that can switch between 64 colours. There’s leather splashed all over the cabin, with nice silver-wood accents. Overall, the quality of craftsmanship is second to none. 
It also gets a parking package (including an HD reversing camera), Agility Control suspension and intelligent lighting. Other features include keyless go, electric seats, a Burmester stereo and an electric sunroof.

The illuminated air vents shaped like jet turbines are my favourite part of the dash. The backlighting changes from red to purple to blue, depending on your temperature setting – it’s perhaps the best interior setup in any luxury car at present.&nbsp;

Passengers at the back may feel a bit cramped in terms of space, owing to the sloping roofline that leaves very little headroom. The rear seats are also not the best, but you can’t expect anything else from a car that wants to be a coupe. Even though Mercedes claims it to be a five-seater, I wouldn’t call it that at all.

Being whisked around&nbsp; 
Now, because the car is imported to India, and not built or assembled here, it carries a very high price tag. So, to control the price, Mercedes has decided to offer the smallest engine variant for the Indian market. This means that what you get for `85 lakh is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel. But, before you dismiss it, let me assure you that the engine does have a healthy output of 242bhp and 500Nm of torque. And, as you’d expect from Mercedes, it’s really smooth and refined – so-much-so that it almost feels like a 6-cylinder unit.

As a result, the performance is remarkably good. It responds quickly to even gentle throttle inputs, and the 9-speed auto reacts smoothly to make the most of the available torque. The car offers four-driving modes – Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Eco. There’s also an ‘Individual’ mode that allows you to customise the way the engine, suspension, steering and traction function. In Sport+, flat-out acceleration is quite impressive, and the CLS 300d can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. The E 350d does it in 7 seconds.

The air suspension is so great that it makes the car glide over broken tarmac. But its low ground clearance means that you need to be careful, especially over big speed-breakers.

This isn’t a vehicle that you can chuck around though. Instead, it’s a car suitable for relaxed driving. The coupe design might make it look sporty, but the CLS is all about taking it easy! It’s still a luxury car that you can use to commute in every day, and it certainly offers you that feeling of being whisked around in total comfort.

<img alt="2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Rear View" src="/uploads/2019/02/mercedes-benz-cls-review.jpg" />

Should you buy one?

So, is it worth spending the extra premium on this attractive four-door coupe? Or does the E-Class do the job just fine?

Well, if you’re a Beemer fan, you could opt for the chunkier looking BMW 6GT in the M-Sport variant, which costs around `10 lakh less. Personally, I’d simply go for the E. It’s way more comfortable and just as relaxing and fun to drive. In the CLS, what you’re essentially paying for is the extensive list of equipment – some of which you’ll never use – and, of course, that stylish coupe-like stance that will ensure that all eyes are on you. &nbsp;

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[tab title="Mercedes-Benz CLS"]

Engine:&nbsp;1,950cc / 4-Cylinders / Turbo Charged

Fuel:&nbsp;Diesel

Transmission:&nbsp;9-Speed AT / Rear Wheel Drive

Power:&nbsp;245bhp @ 4,200rpm

Torque:&nbsp;500Nm @ 1,600 – 2,400rpm

Price: ₹ 84.7 lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

X-Factor:&nbsp;A seductive coupe that can actually accommodate four people.&nbsp;

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Pros &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
			•&nbsp;Looks good 
			•&nbsp;Rides beautifully
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			Cons 
			• Not the best rear seat 
			•&nbsp;Expensive
			</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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Mercedes-Benz CLS Review: First Drive

With the new Mercedes-Benz CLS, the German automaker has created a practical amalgamation of elegance and seductiveness. It seamlessly blends the sporty profile of a coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan. So, how well is the new Merc behind the wheel? Find out here.

The third-gen model of Mercedes' iconic four-door coupe, the CLS, is now on sale in India. It's offered only in a single diesel variant, CLS 300d.&nbsp;

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the third-generation CLS in India. Priced at Rs 84.70 lakh (ex-showroom), the stylish new four-door coupe gets&nbsp;the company’s new design language and comes with a BS-VI diesel engine. Competition for the new CLS will include the BMW 6 GT in India as of now, while both of these will be joined by the new Audi A7 soon.

<img alt="2019 Mercedes Benz CLS 1" height="336" src="/uploads/2018/11/2019-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-1.jpg" width="642" />

In its latest avatar, the four-door coupe dons a striking new front-fascia that features sleek LED headlamps and a very flat and forward slanting nose. The side profile is reminiscent of the old model with its prominent shoulder line and a flat rear end. The tail lamps are new and have a triangular split design.

The biggest update in the CLS is its all-new cabin. The overall design and layout is near identical to the E-Class, which is a good thing. The dashboard is headlined by two giant 12.3-inch display screens – one for instrumentation and other for infotainment. Other than that, it has unique turbine-style air-vents and 64 colour ambient lighting. This is also the first time that the CLS is offered with a three-seat layout at the back. Among other highlights, the new CLS comes equipped with Multibeam LED headlamps, a sunroof, a 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester sound system and more.

<img alt="Mercedes Benz Cls Interior" height="336" src="/uploads/2018/11/mercedes-benz-cls-interior.jpg" width="642" />

Powering the new CLS in India is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It’s the same engine that does duty in the recently launched C300d sedan. The engine is BS-VI approved and has a peak power output of 242bhp along with 500Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the rear&nbsp;wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. 0-100km/h is done in 6.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250km/h.

New Mercedes-Benz CLS launched at Rs 84.70 lakh

The third-gen model of Mercedes' iconic four-door coupe, the CLS, is now on sale in India. It's offered only in a single diesel variant, CLS 300d. Mercedes-Benz India has launched the third-generation CLS in India.

Here's a look at what you can expect from the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLS which is just a few days away from its launch in India.&nbsp;

With the four-door coupe now in its third-generation, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS is all set to make its India debut on 16th November 2018. With an all-new design language and body styling, the CLS is once again ready to attack the niche segment of four-door coupes and will compete directly with the likes of the Audi A5 and the BMW 6-GT. Interestingly, despite the fact that the CLS has not been a volume-driver for Mercedes-Benz in India, the German marque has introduced all three generations of the car here as it does appeal quite a lot to niche buyers who wish to break the regular sedan barrier and opt for something sportier. In the model line-up, the CLS will sit between the E-Class and the S-Class.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Powertrain

Expect Mercedes-Benz to offer the new CLS with the '300d' badge which would mean that the car will come fitted with the brand's tested 2-litre&nbsp;four-cylinder motor which already powers the E-Class and the facelifted C-Class.&nbsp;The BS-VI compliant motor produces 241bhp and 500Nm of torque and is mated to a new 9-speed automatic gearbox which sends the power to the rear wheels. However, there is no clear image of a petrol offering yet. While the earlier generations of the CLS also featured a CLS63 AMG version, the third-generation is expected to offer a CLS53 AMG version, with a six-cylinder motor working in a hybrid setup.&nbsp;

Features and equipment

While the CLS borrows its underpinnings from the E-Class, on the inside, however, the CLS derives a few of its features from the&nbsp;S-Class.&nbsp;The overall cockpit design will be a&nbsp;spruced up version of the E-Class.&nbsp;The dashboard consists of Mercedes’ 'Widescreen Cockpit' with two 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The steering wheel, with its multi-function layout, seems to be borrowed from the S-Class. The CLS is also expected to feature the brand's new MBUX user interface system.

Exterior design and dimensions

Keeping in line with the styling of the current-generation lineup, the third-gen CLS features a slanting front section highlighted by a wide, single chrome slat front grille carrying the three-pointed star. The two-section tail lamps&nbsp;help in&nbsp;giving the&nbsp;rear section a&nbsp;sharper&nbsp;look. In terms of dimensions, the new CLS is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. It measures 4,940mm in length, 1,880mm in width and 1,420mm in height. The wheelbase is a remarkable 61mm longer than the outgoing model.

Expected price

The new, third-gen CLS is expected to bear an ex-showroom price tag of&nbsp;₹75-80 lakh since it will sit between the E-Class and the S-Class.

New Mercedes-Benz CLS: A few salient highlights

Here's a look at what you can expect from the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLS which is just a few days away from its launch in India. 
With the four-door coupe now in its third-generation, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS is all set to make its India debut on 16th November 2018.

<a href="https://www.quattroruote.it/" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12538" height="375" src="/uploads/2013/04/quattroruote2.jpg" title="Quattroruote" width="700" /></a>

The CLS gets sharper, but also more spacious and comfortable. A proper E-Class with attitude, then!

There are those who begin trends, and those who follow them. The world of automobiles is no exception to this dictum. Consider, for instance, the Mercedes-Benz CLS – the first and ‘original’ four-door coupe. Back in 2004, when Mercedes invented this segment, they couldn’t have known that there’ll come a time when swanky four-door coupes will swarm the market. But given that it’s happened, we can safely say that the CLS indeed was a trendsetter, and will always be known for its unique and out-of-the-box design. After 14 years and 357,000 units, the CLS is now ready to begin the third chapter of its life. Sure, it’s not revolutionary, like the original, but it does manage to bring a lot to the table. The first and the most obvious aspect of this new-gen coupe is its styling – a clean design with taut and unmistakable lines. Overall, the new CLS has a more athletic demeanour than its previous iterations. Its sharply raked front-end specifically drew our attention. It seems like a shark prepared to pounce on its prey.&nbsp;

Un-diesel like&nbsp;

There’s no doubt that this latest iteration of the CLS springs quite a few surprises, but biggest of all is what’s hidden under the bonnet – a brand-new 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder, diesel engine. It’s available in two trims – 350d and 400d. The test car that we drove is the latter – the performance of which is brisk, thanks to the availability of 335bhp and 700Nm on tap. Even though these figures aren’t stratospheric, they do yield a certain amount of excitement. The acceleration is powerful, to say the least. It’s capable of achieving 100km/h in five seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. Considering its weight of 2 tonnes, these figures are nothing short of impressive. The calmness with which it picks up speed is another aspect of its acceleration that draws praise. The 9-speed torque converter is always alert and engaging, while the 4Matic all-wheel drive transfers power to front wheels only when needed. Besides being fast and extremely quiet – at times it’s impossible to decipher that you’re driving a diesel – the CLS 400d faithfully retains virtues typical of a Mercedes. This means that the new CLS favours maximum comfort, even in the sportiest driving mode. This is clearly evident around bends, as the load transfer is not very aggressive. The well-weighed steering is precise, but it’s not quick.&nbsp;

The CLS is ideal for those with a desire for a sportier variant of the E-Class, which is to say that you must be willing to sacrifice some space at the rear – especially headroom. However, we must add that it can actually seat three people in the back, which is certainly an achievement for a car of this shape and a significant improvement over past iterations.

<img alt="Mercedes Benz CLS 400d 4Matic Rear Three Quarter1" height="336" src="/uploads/2018/05/Mercedes-Benz-CLS-400d-4Matic-rear-three-quarter1.jpg" width="642" />

<div class="img-caption">The steeply raked roof, slightly but discernibly, limits the accessibility to the rear seat – which, unlike previous iterations, now offers enough space for three passengers.</div>

&nbsp;

<hr />
AMG CLS 53 4MATIC + 
AFFALTERBACH’S TOUCH

<img alt="Mercedes Benz AMG CLS 53 4MATIC 1" height="336" src="/uploads/2018/05/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-CLS-53-4MATIC-1.jpg" width="642" />

The specialists from Affalterbach couldn’t resist the temptation of lending a helping hand to the folks at Mercedes-Benz. And that’s why there’s a high-performance CLS 53 AMG available from the get-go. The engine used in this variant is the tuning-house’s new 3.0-litre, in-line six petrol that develops 429bhp and 520Nm. What’s more, the powertrain also has an EQ Boost mode – which is basically a 48V mild-hybrid system that recovers energy during braking and deceleration and sends it back, if necessary, in the form of a temporary boost of over 21bhp and 250Nm.

 
[tabs]

[tab title="Mercedes-Benz CLS 400d 4Matic"]

Engine: 2,925cc / In-line 6-cylinders / Turbocharged

Fuel: Diesel

Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic / All-Wheel Drive

Power: 335bhp @ 4,400rpm

Torque: 700Nm @ 1,200-3,200rpm

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© Riproduzione riservata

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 400d: First Impressions

The CLS gets sharper, but also more spacious and comfortable. A proper E-Class with attitude, then! There are those who begin trends, and those who follow them. The world of automobiles is no exception to this dictum. Consider, for instance, the Mercedes-Benz CLS – the first and ‘original’ four-door coupe. 

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is the more aesthetically appealing alternative to the ever so popular E-Class. &nbsp;

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Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the all-new CLS at the ongoing LA Auto Show, 2017.

The four-door coupe, in its latest iteration, pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz - which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. The most striking design feature up front are the very flat and wide headlamps with inward-slanting flanks. Much like the AMG GT, the the front end of the new CLS is forward slanting.

The characteristic coupe silhouette meets the car’s muscular rear shoulder line, which further blends into the flat rear end. The tail lamps feature a new triangular design, a pleasant departure from the rectangular ones seen on most new Merc coupes and SUVs.

<img alt="mercedes benz cls rear" src="/uploads/2017/11/mercedes-benz-cls-rear.jpg" />

Inside, the new CLS, much like all the latest Mercedes-Benz cars - features a very contemporary cockpit that blends sporty and luxurious elements. In fact, the cabin of the car is a refreshed version of that found on the latest E-Class, which isn’t a bad thing. You have those unique turbine-style aircon vents, dual high-resolution 12.3-inch displays, a generous treatment of wood &amp; leather, and 64 colour ambient lighting. As a bonus, the CLS is, for the first time, designed to seat three people at the back.

Powering the new CLS is Merc’s new generation of petrol and diesel engines. The only petrol available at launch is a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder unit with EQ Boost. The engine churns out 362bhp and 500Nm, and comes paired to a new 48V electric motor that allows for extended coasting at certain speeds. The diesel option includes a 2.9-litre unit in two states of tune.

<img alt="mercedes benz cls interior" src="/uploads/2017/11/mercedes-benz-cls-interior.jpg" />

More engines are set to join the CLS lineup in future, which include more mainstream diesels and insanely powerful petrols for the AMG versions. Irrespective of the engine chosen, all CLS models come paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that feeds power to all the four wheels via Merc’s 4MATIC AWD system.

Additionally, you also get a raft of standard or optional autonomous tech from the flagship S-Class. The new CLS will gon sale in key markets globally in March, 2018. Prices for the base model start from around £57,000 in the UK. Expect India launch to happen sometime in mid-2018. The outgoing Mercedes-Benz CLS starts at Rs. 73.54 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

Third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed

The four-door coupe, in its latest iteration, pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz - which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. The most striking design feature up front are the very flat and wide headlamps with inward-slanting flanks.

Mercedes-Benz will unveil the third-gen CLS on November 28, 2017, at the LA Motor Show.&nbsp;

Mercedes-Benz has dropped the first teaser of the next-gen CLS. The all-new four-door coupe will be officially revealed at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show that kicks off on November 27.

As is with most of the first teasers, there isn’t much that’s been revealed about the car as yet. Mercedes has just shared a picture, saying “The Original Perfected”, which is a reminder that it was Mercedes that kick-started the trend of these fast and swanky four-door coupes back in 2005. Coming back to the picture, it only reveals the front end of the car, but since it’s supposedly a teaser, the lights in the room have been turned off. You can’t really see the shape of the bonnet or anything else, but you’ll notice that it gets all-new inverted L-shaped LED headlights and a single-bar grille.

The next-gen CLS will be based on the same MRA platform that underpins the new E-Class. However, as compared to the sedan, the CLS will sit lower, longer and wider than the E-Class. Four doors or not, it’s a coupe after all. Powertrain options are expected to be same as the E-Class, meaning it’ll have four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines on offer, developing power output in the range of 240bhp to 360bhp.

The AMG division will supply engines for the performance versions, of course. Expect the range-topping CLS 63 versions to have the 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol, while rumour has it that there’ll be a new CLS 53 version as well. The CLS 53 will use a six-cylinder engine.

Expect the new CLS to come with a raft of new features and equipment along with an all-new cabin design. Stay tuned for more details as the car gets unveiled at the motor show in a week’s time.

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLS teased

Mercedes-Benz has dropped the first teaser of the next-gen CLS. The all-new four-door coupe will be officially revealed at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show that kicks off on November 27.

Mercedes puts a diesel engine in its design icon, the CLS. We take it for a spin to see if the engine matches the sensuous looks.

The Mercedes CLS is a product that appeals to the heart. After all, there’s no logical reason for the existence of a four-door coupe – other than the fact that it’s a study in design. Well, another reason could be that it makes even fat, bald, and old men like me look good when we’re driving one. It is actually that good. Wherever I went in our Cavansite Blue CLS test car, it turned heads.

Personally, I think the last-generation CLS was a better design. The current model isn’t exactly bad to look at though. The swooping roofline, vast front end, and the drooping rear are styling elements that combine to make the car look terrific.

And it gets better when you step inside. The interiors are truly a stunning place to spend time in when stuck in traffic, or even when on long journeys. The quality of the leather, the lovely matt finished wood, and the stately interior design are definite highlights of the car. And adding to the appeal is the long standard equipment list, which includes a 14-speaker Harman Kardon music system that’s very impressive indeed. Also standard are eight airbags, along with the usual bevy of safety technology – including ABS, ESP, and more. If you’re looking for practicality, though, I would suggest something more mainstream. The centre console runs the entire length of the cabin, and effectively turns the CLS into a four-seater. The good thing is that headroom, despite the swooping roofline, is actually quite good. In fact, as a place for serenity and comfort, the cabin of the CLS could rival the best spas in the country.

<img alt="Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI Interior" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-49754" src="/uploads/2015/05/driven-mecdes-benz-cls-250-may-2015-pic4.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" />

The CLS 250 that we tested comes fitted with Mercedes’ 2.2-litre diesel engine – which, in this state of tune, produces 201bhp and 500Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It also comes fitted as standard with AIRMATIC air suspension, which offers excellent ride quality. And given that it has just over 200bhp, the CLS is quite nice for everyday driving. During spirited sprints, however, the tone of engine gets mildly gruff. And while this engine moves a C-Class quite nicely down the road, in a CLS you do expect a little more power and refinement. Clearly, this isn’t a sports car then!

But it isn’t meant to be. It’s meant to be extremely comfortable and stylish in equal measure. And the suspension is the highlight here. Even on our roads, the CLS always retains its composure. The ride is not only comfortable, but also unflappable. And this adds to the appeal to the car to no end. The steering is also insulated, but lifeless. The steering-mounted paddles are useful, but a little on the lazy side.

There are some additional goodies on this car as well though. It gets LED headlamps as standard. And while these are truly brilliant, as they light up the road incredibly well, I hate driving test cars fitted with them. The reason for that is very simple – when the car is returned and I have to go back to driving more meagre machines fitted with regular headlamps, or even xenons, it’s hard to take that step back into relative poverty. The CLS also has a 360-degree camera fitted as standard, which makes parking and manoeuvring this quite sizable machine an easy task.

<img alt="New Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI Wheel" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-49750" src="/uploads/2015/05/driven-mecdes-benz-cls-250-may-2015-pic8.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" />

The CLS will never be a volume seller – it’s targeted at a niche customer after all. The buyer of a CLS is someone who’s acutely aware of design. He or she will also be well aware of the statement that a car such as this makes. After all, it does confer a subliminal tag of ‘connoisseur’ to its owner. The CLS, then, will never be the logical choice. Objectively, this car has no place in the market. It exists purely on the basis of design and aesthetics. And if you look at it like that, then the fact that its performance doesn’t make your hair stand on end doesn’t really matter.

The key to the CLS is the fact that it makes you look good. When you drive a CLS, people look at you with an underlying reverence. I would buy one purely for the fact that it makes me visually tolerable. One change though, I’d have mine fitted with 19-inch wheels.

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[tab title="Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI"]

Engine: 2,143cc / Inline 4-Cylinder / Common-Rail

Fuel: Diesel

Power: 201bhp @ 3,800rpm

Torque: 500Nm @1,600-1,800rpm

Transmission: 7G-Tronic plus

Price: Rs. 76.5 lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

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Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI Review, Test Drive

With the new update, the iconic Mercedes-Benz CLS gets the 250 CDI powertrain upgrade. We take the svelte Mercedes on a spin to find out how it performs amidst the streets of Delhi. Read on.

An alternative to the regular luxury barges, here are a suave trio that take the business of looking good very seriously indeed.

Being successful in life is very important. Different people define success in their own ways. For instance, a typical middle-class family would be very glad to own a 2,000 square-feet apartment in a properly respected township. On the other hand, a business owner would call mingling with Page-3 celebs a regular affair, and would own a fancy mansion somewhere posh. Those under the poverty line would kiss your feet if you so much as even gave them a proper roof to protect them from the elements.

These different factions of society play different games – I would be glad at hitting a cricket ball out of the field, or scoring a goal in a friendly match, while the lowest segment would be at their beaming best if they got a cycle tyre and a stick to roll it with. The elite would go for a walk on a lush green lawn, and, if they felt like, hit a small ball into a hole in the ground with a very expensive rod of carbon fibre. They call it golf.

Golf is often referred to as the sport for the ‘influential’ man. I’m a motorsport fanatic, and I understand the rule of dressing up in either a tight leather suit or overalls made of Nomex. Racing requires going at speed, and, though now bleak, there are chances of an occasional fire breaking out. In such cases, Nomex would prevent me from gaining a fire-induced tan and the leather suit would avoid my silly blood vessels from oozing massive amounts of the red stuff when I have that inevitable fall. But, I just don’t understand the obsession with the dress code in golf. Collared tees, properly tucked into either a knee-length pair of shorts or tailored trousers. And what’s with those golf shoes? You guys walk on what I call grass – why do you need specially designed shoes for something so mundane? I know you have reasons, but I have my reservations. And thank you, I’m better off sawing my leg off than hearing your explanation.

No matter how unappreciative I am of golf (and those who play it), it is usually the right place to spot the cream of the crop when it comes to cars. The culture of golf is catching on massively in India, and so is the need for automobiles that would look good in the parking lot of a golf facility – if you can forgive me for calling it that.

One of the benefits of being in the media space is that you get to meet quite a few privileged people. And most of them also have memberships to golf courses. So, you can say that I’ve had my quota of visiting golf clubs – heck, my wedding reception happened at one. Blimey!

It’s here that you see the usual collection of BMWs, Merc’s, Jag’s and Audi’s. But, annoyingly, most of these folks tend to have the same sort of cars. And now they’re beginning to feel the pain. They feel the need to own something that’s a bit different from the others. So, here are three cars that answer their call – the Mercedes CLS, Audi’s A7, and the spanking new 6 Series Gran Coupe from BMW. So, there’s plenty of choice then. Sure, but we considered one more car as well – the much loved Jaguar XJ. Why? Well, it’s got that imperial shape, brand novelty (still), and also the richness needed to really make a statement. Sadly, Audi didn’t manage to give us the A7, so our projected 4-car list was down to three. All the better for it, though, in hindsight.

You must understand that almost all the guys who own such luxo-barges don’t quite buy them for their mechanical abilities – they buy them for all the shine-and-shimmer, and their lavish cabins. Oh, and to massage their own egos as well. So, there’s no surprise that the three vehicles in question are all massively equipped with features that you won’t need in an ordinary world. There are all the features that you can imagine, and then some. Even mentioning ordinary items such as ABS, airbags, and climate control is an insult to cars of such brilliance. So let’s just say that you’d be more than eager to spend time in one of these than your home. And going by the way these cars, er, go, you’d be eager to actually spend time driving these cars, rather than sitting at the back listening to your missus describe the bejeweled necklace that she’s just set her heart on.

With the CLS, Mercedes created the stylized 4-door sedan segment – the 4-door coupe, if you like. The BMW is the newest to come to the party with the Gran Coupe, and what a banging start I must say. And since it’s the newest, I’ll focus more on the BMW and compare it against its most formidable rivals. What a grand life! 
From the front, the Gran Coupe looks like any other BMW, but look at it in profile and you’ll notice the pronounced sporty stance. A walk around to the rear would have you nod in agreement for it does look plenty saucy. It’s easily the sportiest car here. Though the wheelbase is the same as the 5 Series – on which it’s based – the 6 Series is actually 4 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider than the 5, while also being noticeable lower.

I found one thing really amusing in the Gran Coupe – its seating configuration is a 4+1 layout, which, BMW says, “can carry up to five passengers on short trips.” That basically means you need to have the flexibility levels of a circus acrobat to fit in as the 5th, and you’d have to be an acrobat (not to mention a fool) to go for long drives in the Gran Coupe agreeing to be the 5th passenger. Ingress and egress is actually the toughest part in the BMW – watching a tall-ish chap get out of the back is like watching a Giraffe being born.

But get over the niggling issues and this is, in my mind, the best car that BMW makes today. It’s not squishy under cornering, it’s quite comfortable with its massaging seats, and it goes like no one’s business. Redlining at 5,200rpm, the straight-6, common-rail mill operates at 2,000bar pressure and employs two variable geometry turbochargers to develop 308bhp and 630Nm – those are serious numbers. It helps in dismissing the sprint to 100 in a shade under five-and-a-half seconds, and the Gran Coupe will go on to hit an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

It’s not, however, entirely about the ferocious power – it’s about the way it dances on twisting roads, and the way all that power is consumed. The 640d is a heavy thing, but the way it responds to steering inputs earns it huge respect. The steering itself is electric, and though it doesn’t quite give you the mechanical feel of a hydraulic unit, it is quite accurate – and the 640 changes direction with surprising agility. The chassis is beautifully balanced with all the electric assistance turned on. And with the driver turned on, it’s always eager to bring out its naughty side. Switch off the traction control, set everything to sport, and the massive torque compels the rear to step out of line at the slightest contact of your foot with the accelerator. The resulting act of counter steering in almost all the corners is so winning that you really wouldn’t want to be in any other machine at that point – especially not in the CLS.

I don’t quite understand how some scribes call the CLS a beautiful car. I think it’s pretty ungainly. No, it’s not boring by any measure. It’s actually a very stand-out design that turns heads everywhere it goes. For me, it’s just too ostentatious though. I’ve written in a previous report of the CLS that the original one looked like a supermodel, and this new one looks like an ageing woman trying to turn heads by wearing excess makeup and a revealing cocktail dress. About a year on, the CLS hasn’t won me over and things are much the same.

The CLS also feels the least luxurious of the trio – but that might just be because of the dark interior colour scheme of our test car. Mind you, the quality is impressive and the CLS pampers with a very supple suspension setup. It’s definitely more pliant than the BMW’s and, since I’ve driven the A7 quite extensively, I’m qualified to say that the CLS scores over the Audi too in ride comfort. The Audi is a tad too stiffly setup for a luxury car, and you can feel the odd pothole filter down into the cabin. In the CLS, there’s no such thing to worry about. It almost manages to make the Jag teary eyed – it’s that good.

The 3.5 litre, 302bhp V6 that snarls under the bonnet was substantially changed from the 3.5 litre engine that was found in the original CLS. The cylinders are now arranged in a 60-degree ‘V’ formation as against the 90-degree angle on its predecessor. The 60-degree arrangement improves refinement, and eliminates the need for a balancer shaft – which is quite apt, as this colossal Merc is more about refinement than anything else. It does make for a very comfortable mile-munching machine, but show it the same bend that the Gran Coupe managed to power-slide through and it would get nervous and clueless about what to do. The warning lights flicker in the instrument cluster, and you get that predictable, yet annoying, understeer that kills the joy of spirited driving almost instantly. That, surprisingly, isn’t the case with the XJ.

The XJ is, bluntly put, an enormous car. It’s also the most surprising. Why do I say surprising? Well, because you don’t expect a castle to handle as brilliantly as this does. Sadly, though, in the company of these new-age style heroes, the XJ looks a bit like Michael Gambon. Individually, however, it still looks quite stunning and suave, and is definitely the best looking luxury car when compared to the 7 Series or the A8. The XJ feels the most special as well. Yes, the quality of materials used aren’t up there at Audi levels, but the thought and passion that has gone into making the cabin a special place is worth a mention. Just watching the drive selector rise up is an act of seduction in itself.

And you’ll be further charmed by the way the XJ drives. The 271bhp that the 3.0 litre V6 diesel is capable of may not sound like much, but the aerospace-inspired aluminium construction helps keep the weight down – and that, coupled with the colossal 600Nm of torque, results in rapid progress down the road. The XJ moves with brilliant agility, and responds to steering inputs immediately. There’s noticeably more body roll as compared to the 640d, but there’s just so much grip and such predictable handling at your disposal that you don’t feel threatened in any way. Astonishingly, I felt more confident throwing the XJ around bends than the CLS. It’s a fluid experience – very progressive, and the supply of power doesn’t kill you with an overdose. It feels perfect to clinical levels.

We (Kapil, Ameya and I) had taken these cars to the back-of-beyond – a remote town just outside Maharashtra. It was an anesthetized setting – laid back, unhurried, and the soft wind was singing a pleasant tune against the backdrop of the waves riding over the soft sand. With the sun gradually setting, we had our legs stretched out on the sandy beach and eyes gazing into the endless unknown, as we reflected on the time we’d spent with these three magnificent machines. With the sunset reflecting off their shapely bodies, they looked glorious – each one proud of its own personality. So, I won’t be the one to judge – just this one time.

BMW Gran Coupe vs Jaguar XJ vs Mercedes Benz CLS Comparison

If suave luxury saloons are on your bucket list, here's an extensive comparison of the BMW Gran Coupe, Jaguar XJ, and Mercedes-Benz CLS lined up on the beautiful stretches of Mumbai.

Mercedes Benz Cls