A long hood, compact greenhouse with frameless side windows, dramatic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear – these are the hallmarks of the CLS-Class. In 2003 the four-door Coupé was born and the Mercedes- Benz CLS immediately established itself as a new style icon. For 2012 the proportions remain the same but the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look. The 2012 CLS550 goes on-sale in the Ú.S. during the summer of 2011.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but is formed separately. This highlights the long, dramatic hood even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car’s relationship to the other coupes of the brand and strengthens the brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the optional LED High Performance Active headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside it is divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the highbeam function is switched on, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also offer a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating feature of the new model. The effect of the dramatic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure above the wheelwells slopes off towards the rear. This novel design feature, called the dropping line by designers, represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.

Interior

The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver’s door over the instrument cluster and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise an exciting mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights here also include matte galvanized air vents, for example, which form the ideal framework for a high-glosstrimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers or the sewn covering for the dashboard. The leather dashboard parts are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality foam. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

The refined sportiness of the interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements. They are located on the instrument panel support of the center console and on parts of the door linings. Customers can choose between two exclusive types of wood: high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain, as part of an elaborate selection process, to create a harmonized overall impression.

Exterior

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.

Design

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique ‘dropping line’, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of historic Mercedes sports cars. A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology — a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

Transmission

A significant proportion of the unparalleled fuel economy is due to the Mercedes- AMG exclusive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sport Transmission. In contrast to a conventional automatic gearbox, the MCT transmission operates without a torque converter, using instead a compact, wet start-up clutch. The stop/start function is standard equipment and is constantly active in the Controlled Efficiency (‘C’) transmission program, switching off the eight-cylinder when the vehicle is at a standstill. The Controlled Efficiency setting also provides smoother transmission mapping, delivering comfortable and early shifting, starting from rest in second gear. A green ‘ECO’ symbol on the AMG dash indicates to the driver that the stop/start function is active.

The ‘S’ (Sport), ‘S+’ (Sport Plus) and ‘M’ (Manual) programs offer a more agile engine and transmission setup, while the stop/start function is deactivated. In the ‘M’, ‘S’ and ‘S+’ modes, the engine management partially suppresses the cylinders – by interrupting ignition and injection for a very short and precisely defined period under full load, it makes shift times faster than ever. One highly appealing side effect of this exceptionally quick process is a stunningly emotional sound. Automatic revmatching and the RACE START function round out the comprehensive list of standard equipment.

Suspension

The suspension, §teering and braking system on the new CLS63 AMG are perfectly matched to the high-tech driveline. The AMG Adaptive Suspension with steel struts at the front and air suspension at the rear, as well as automatic ride-height control, is further refined with an electronic damping system. Depending on the situation, it automatically varies the damping characteristics and reduces body roll. The outcome is an incredibly fast correlation between optimum comfort and best-possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension settings ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport plus’ at the touch of a button.

The independent front axle setup has a 0.94 inch wider track and is paired perfectly with the electro-hydraulic AMG sports §teering. Not only does the level of power assistance vary in accordance with the suspension mode, it also delivers an improvement in fuel economy because it draws energy only when the §teering is actually in use. The 3-stage ESP® offers individual settings – and thus a distinct plus for driving fun with no restriction in safety.

Braking System

The AMG high-performance braking system provides perfect stopping power even under extreme driving conditions with 14.2-inch internally ventilated and crossdrilled brake discs at all four corners. The front axle features highly resilient, motorsport- tested composite technology. Contact with the road is maintained with titanium gray painted and polished AMG 19-inch triple 5-spoke alloy wheels clad in 255/35 R19 tires (front) and 285/30 R19 (rear).