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 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
C218 sedan
X218 Shooting Brake
Interior CLS 2014
Interior CLS 2014
Sedan (C218)
Production started in January 2011, with 4MATIC model sales starting later in September.[12]
Shooting Brake (X218)
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.
*The designation "d" replaces "BlueTEC" for the 2015 model year
CLS 63 AMG
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
2014 facelift
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]
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^Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style a sneak peek at next CLS-Class
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^"China auto show: Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept previews new CLS". Autoweek. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
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^2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is bringing sexy-functional back
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^AMG V8 biturbo engine consuming 9.9 litres per 100 km: CLS 63 AMG – the benchmark in design, performance and efficiency
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^"Effortlessly fast AMG saddled with slow tech". Roadshow. 5 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
^Adams, Lawrence (22 April 2013). "First Drive: Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG - GTspirit". GTspirit. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
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