CLS 63
AMG flagship model with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS
7G-TRONIC
A 186-MPH Option
Topmodell CLS 63 AMG mit AMG
SPEEDHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
ZUR DEUTSCHEN
VERSION |
The new-generation CLS
Stuttgart -
Mercedes-Benz is making the CLS even more irresistible. This one-of-a-kind
four-door coupé - the pioneer of a whole new automotive segment -
has now been fine-tuned to give it added appeal.
The new entry-level model version, the CLS 280 with
its sophisticated V6 power unit, develops 170 kW/231 hp. Meanwhile, the flagship
model in the range - the CLS 63 AMG with its 378 kW/514 hp AMG 6.3-litre
V8 engine - now comes with 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels plus a new AMG
sports exhaust system. Understated but masterly neatly sums up the result
of the restyling programme for the CLS. At the front, it is the modified
radiator grille that stands out, with two louvres now instead of the previous
four. The diamond-shaped, three-dimensional grilles painted in atlas grey
that cover the air intakes project an even greater air of self-assurance
as well as adding further emphasis to the vehicle's width. The exterior mirrors
have also been given a new look. The LED side indicator lamps that are built
into them are arranged in the form of an arrow to produce a most eye-catching
effect, especially in the dark. The mirror surface has furthermore been enlarged
by 32 per cent to afford a clearer view of the traffic behind and thereby
boost active safety. The side view is dominated by new, attractively styled
light-alloy wheels, measuring either 17 inches (CLS 280, CLS 320 CDI and
CLS 350 CGI) or 18 inches (CLS 500) in diameter. When viewed from the rear,
the new-generation CLS makes its mark with a new rear apron, new tail lights,
as well as modified tailpipes. The centre section of the rear bumper now
drops down further, while the additional light-catching contour running along
it adds to the impression of breadth. This is further emphasised by the exhaust
tailpipes, which are trapezoidal in shape, and not oval as before. LED technology
is now deployed for the tail lights: the brake lamps, tail lamps and indicator
lamps all make use of the extra-fast-reacting light-emitting diodes. Just
like the side indicators in the exterior mirrors, the rear indicators look
like arrows when they light up, which is particularly striking in the dark.
The same is true of the optical fibres at the side, which are always activated
whenever the low-beam headlamps are switched on. A new deactivation function
for the low-beam headlamps when the ignition is switched off helps to optimise
energy management. The new bodywork details harmonise perfectly with the
multi-award-winning design of the CLS and make the four-door Coupé
always look as if it is about to dash off. Almost four years on from its
world premiere, the electrifying, muscular lines of the trendsetter are as
unique and as unmistakable as ever. |
New inside: three-spoke steering wheel and new
telematics generation
Great attention to detail was paid while updating
the interior too: modifications include a restyled leather steering wheel
in a three-spoke design with multifunction buttons, as well as a new-look
instrument cluster, whose white dials now contrast distinctly with the chased
surface of the backplate. The previous matt laurel colour scheme has been
replaced with new chestnut wood trim elements. The CLS features the new NTG
2.5 telematics generation, whose high-performance componentry combines
straightforward operation and logical menu navigation with flawless in-vehicle
entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad
for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-compatible CD
and DVD player, as well as a Bluetooth interface which can establish a wireless
connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle's hands-free system. The
Audio 20, Audio 20 CD with CD changer, Audio 50 and Audio 50 APS with DVD
changer and LINGUATRONIC voice control system have now been upgraded to a
5-inch colour screen. The COMAND APS comes with a high-resolution 6.5-inch
colour display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephone calls, a
music register for storing audio files, plus an SD memory card slot. |
CLS 280: new entry-level engine variant with
170 kW/231 hp
The CLS 280 is equipped with a new entry-level engine,
a sophisticated V6 powerplant with a displacement of 2996 cc developing a
peak output of 170 kW/231 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Newton metres. This
propels the CLS 280 from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and gives
it a top speed of 245 km/h. Combined fuel consumption on the NEDC driving
cycle is 9.8 - 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The second V6 petrol model
in the range is the CLS 350 CGI. Its advanced six-cylinder engine featuring
piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion generates 215
kW/292 hp and returns impressively low fuel consumption figures of 9.1 to
9.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). Under the bonnet of the CLS
500 is a V8 drive unit with a displacement of 5.5 litres and a maximum output
of 285 kW/388 hp. What makes the CLS 320 CDI with its 165 kW/224 hp V6 diesel
engine especially thrilling is the formidable torque of 540 Newton metres
on the one hand and, on the other, low fuel consumption of just 7.6 - 8.1
litres of diesel for every 100 km (NEDC combined). All CLS models come fitted
with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. In manual
shift mode "M", the driver is able to shift through the gears using shift
paddles on the steering wheel if desired. This shortens the 0-100 km/h
acceleration time by 0.2 seconds. |
CLS 63 AMG flagship model with AMG SPEEDSHIFT
PLUS 7G-TRONIC
The flagship model in the CLS range, the CLS 63 AMG, is powered by the AMG
6.3-litre V8 engine with 378 kW/514 hp and 630 Newton metres of torque. The
high-revving, naturally aspirated engine now makes its presence known in
an even more distinctive fashion: the AMG sports exhaust system's redesigned
rear silencers deliver an even more captivating soundtrack through the two
sets of oval-shaped, chromed twin tailpipes. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
transmission now incorporates a function which blips the throttle automatically
during downshifts. This does more than just intensify the emotive driving
experience - the virtually load-free downshift procedure also leads to a
reduction in load-alteration effects, which is of particular benefit when
braking ahead of corners on the race track. The CLS 63 AMG accelerates from
0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited electronically
to 250 km/h. Also new is the black-painted radiator grille with two louvres
instead of the previous three, which blends in perfectly with the AMG
bodystyling. The AMG light-alloy wheels, with their new triple-spoke design
and a titanium grey, high-sheen paint finish, now measure 19 inches in size
instead of 18 as before, and are shod with tyres measuring 255/35 R 19 at
the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Inside, the CLS 63 AMG boasts a new
AMG sports steering wheel with a three-spoke design. The grip areas are specially
contoured and trimmed in perforated leather. Gear selection can be performed
manually by means of two aluminium AMG shift paddles.
Attractive optional extras from AMG
There is an exclusive choice of new optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE
STUDIO for the CLS 63 AMG: take the AMG performance steering wheel, for instance,
with a smaller diameter, a rim that is flattened at the bottom and
silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. Or the titanium-grey painted AMG
19-inch light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design and a polished finish,
which are manufactured using first-rate forging technology. All CLS models
can be embellished by the addition of the AMG bodystyling package: this comprises
a prominent front apron with large air intakes, a beefy rear apron featuring
a black insert, as well as side skirts. There is also the option of new AMG
19-inch light-alloy wheels in a high-sheen finish with either 255/35 or 285/30
tyres. Interested customers can place their orders for the new CLS now, with
market launch commencing in March 2008.
The gross purchase prices for the new CLS are
as
follows:
CLS 280: 55,692.00
CLS 320 CDI: 59,321.50
CLS 350 CGI: 61,404.00
CLS 500: 75,053.30
CLS 63 AMG: 106,624.00
READER COMMENTS
Daimler Communications, 70546
Stuttgart, Germany
Mercedes-Benz A Daimler Brand, January 18, 2008 |
BACK TO TOP |