Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been completely redesigned for 2012 with bold new styling, an upgraded cabin, and a twin-turbo V8.
Design
One look at the long hood, frameless side windows, and flowing roofline reveals how it pays homage to the coupes of Mercedes-Benz past. Yet the transformed front end - sporting an aggressive, upright grille with integrated three-pointed-star -- emphatically points to the road ahead. Powerful contours slope rearward from the front wheel wells with newfound swagger, while flared wheel arches and massive air inlets with black grilles add further definition to its muscular appearance.
Exterior
The all-new 2012 CLS-Class also boasts the world's first headlamps to offer full LED capability for all of its dynamic light functions--71 LEDs in all. Wraparound tail lights featuring LED technology close the luminously redesigned circle. One that extends inward, as well.
Interior
The exclusive, stitched dashboard now stretches all the way across the cockpit -- from the driver's door to that of the front passenger. Satin and high-gloss finishes join details such as a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock. Painstaking details, that is, like hand-stitched and hand-fitted leather seat covers.
Performance
A new 402-hp 4.6-liter V-8 combines numerous advances and twin turbos to deliver noticeably more low-end torque. New rapid-multispark ignition can fire up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection microscopically tunes the fuel spray to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and noise. A lightweight diecast-alloy block, quicker and more widely variable valve timing, reduced friction, and clever "on-demand" ancillary components like the alternator further boost efficiency.
The industry's first 7-speed automatic has been made even smoother, more responsive and more efficient. A wide range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for relaxed cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic monitors adjusts the shift points to match your driving style, while paddle shifters on the steering wheel let you enjoy manual-style control anytime you wish.
In any season or road condition, optional 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive adds to your confidence and control. Always engaged and optimizing torque to every wheel, 4MATIC integrates with our Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for maximum effectiveness in corners and slippery conditions. It also incorporates our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS).
Safety
An advanced system of 10 air bags offers 12-way occupant protection. Dual two-stage front air bags, front side-impact air bags, front pelvic air bags, dual front knee air bags, and window curtain air bags for both seating rows are standard.
Above approximately 20 mph, the optional Active Blind Spot Assist can alert you to some unseen vehicles in the next lane. If radar sensors in the rear bumper detect a vehicle in the "blind spot" area to either side, an indicator lights up in the appropriate side mirror. If you activate a turn signal while a vehicle is detected, a warning sounds. And if you disregard the alerts and begin changing lanes, advanced active technology can apply the brake to a single rear wheel, to help guide the car back into its lane.