Mercedes' new CLS gets global debut

By Ross Pinnock

September 2010

Mercedes gave the new CLS its world debut in Paris. The new four-door coupé will hit showrooms early next year and comes packed with the latest technology to boost safety and slash fuel consumption.

The next generation car looks like a cross between the outgoing model and the firm’s SLS flagship, with a bold front grille and muscular rear wheelarches. It will also be the first production car in the world available with the option of dynamic LED headlamps.

They comprise no fewer than 71 LEDs and Mercedes claims they set new safety standards when driving at night. Inside there’s a high quality cabin and four seats. Initially a pair of six cylinder powerplants will be available, including the 261bhp 350 CDI and 302bhp 350 petrol – the latter featuring ECO start/stop as standard.

These will be joined by a 201bhp 250 CDI - promising combined economy of more than 55mpg - and the CLS 500. It is powered by a 402bhp V8. Both of these engines also feature stop-start technology.

The extensive use of aluminium for items like the doors, bonnet, bootlid and front wings helps to cut weight while sleek aerodynamics minimise drag – the new CLS has a low drag coefficient of 0.26.

And the fuel-saving tricks don’t end there, as the new CLS is the first car in the Mercedes line-up to feature Direct-Steer technology. Its finely tuned electromechanical set-up is designed to improve driver appeal. And as it only uses energy when the wheels are turned, it helps to cut CO2 emissions by up to 7g/km.

More than a dozen driver aids boost safety, including new Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The clever technology can intervene when it detects the risk of a collision, or if the car drifts across a solid white line, by applying the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the car. This has the effect of the pulling the car away from the threat or keeping it within its lane.

Prices for the new car are yet to be confirmed.