In a move that’s sure to keep Hollywood bagman Ray Donavon happy, the Los Angeles Motor Show has hosted the reveal of the new third-generation 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
It’s hard to believe the CLS has been available since 2003. It’s the car that should accept the majority of the blame for the coupe-styled sedan segment.
In terms of appearance, the styling of the new-generation CLS takes an evolutionary approach, while incorporating the current Mercedes-Benz design language. The arching waistline and flat side window lines have not been tampered with though sharp edges and lines have been reduced in keeping with the Sensual Purity design influences.
Mercedes-Benz states the CLS will continue to enjoy a long list of standard appointments such as LED high-performance headlamps, 18‑inch light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, a 12.3‑inch media display, and ambience lighting including illuminated air vents.
The 2018 CLS will feature the latest generation of driving assistance systems, with route-based driver support provided by the Driving Assistance Package as found on the flagship S-Class.
Three six-cylinder engines will be available when the new CLS launches, comprising of two types of diesel, the CLS350d and CLS400d producing 210kW/600Nm and 250kW700Nm respectively, and one petrol version, the CLS450 capable of developing 270kW/500Nm. All variants utilise the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
ENERGIZING comfort control will use various comfort systems in the vehicle to provide enhanced performance as well.
Britta Seeger, Member of the Daimler Board of Management for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, said, “For the first time, the CLS is a five-seater. It comes with a completely new engine lineup featuring our latest-generation four- and six-cylinder units. In addition to that, we are the only manufacturer to equip our engine with an Integrated Starter Generator, as in our six-cylinder gas version. This technology allows for a host of advantages you can normally only find in hybrids.”
A range of four-cylinder engine options are set to join the line-up sometime after launch.
The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is set to launch in Australia around the second quarter of next year.
Buyers looking for something extra special can look forward to the CLS Edition 1, which will be available for around one year after the market launch.
The Edition 1 will be differentiated for the rest of the CLS range by Multibeam LED headlamps, 20‑inch multi-spoke AMG light alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen rim flange and "Edition 1" lettering on the front wings.
On the inside, the CLS Edition 1 gets a premium COPPER ART interior concept with seats in black pearl Nappa leather with centre sections in a diamond design and copper-coloured accents, copper-coloured contrasting topstitching on the centre console, seats, armrests, dashboard and door linings, and a unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and louvre with a copper-coloured shimmer. The Edition 1 is available with all engine variants.
The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is set to launch in Australia around the second quarter of next year, local specs and pricing will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
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