The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2004. The original model was a four-door fastback based on the Mercedes E-Class platform, marketed as a four door coupé. An estate model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS. All models are available as a high performance AMG variant, although it wasn't until the second generation CLS that 4MATIC all-wheel drive was offered. The CLS range is positioned between the E-Class and the S-Class within the Mercedes model range, and models tend to be less practical than the E-Class it is based on. It primarily competes with BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A7.
Marketed from Mercedes as a four-door coupé, the CLS was designed by Michael Fink in 2001 who also styled the first generationCLK, the C-SportCoupé, and Maybach 57 and 62. In Germany and in whole Europe the model name is C219 while in US the CLS is more commonly named as W219 model. The C219 CLS is based on the W211 E-Class platform, and shares major components including the engines, transmissions, and has an identical wheelbase of. IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the CLS Vision concept on which the CLS is based on, to the production version which debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.
The C218 CLS is the second generation model, and was sold from 2011 to 2018. The body styles of the range are a 4-door coupé, and a 5-door estate. The design of the CLS was based on the Mercedes F800 concept and featured design cues from other models including the Mercedes SLS AMG. Unlike its predecessor, the C218 CLS is available with all-wheel drive and can be optionally configured on CLS63 AMG models as well. In 2014, the CLS underwent a facelift and featured design changes, engine enhancements, and the adoption of the Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Third generation (C257; 2018–present)
The C257 CLS is the third and current generation model, and is only available as a 4-door sedan and in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration. The Shooting Brake body style was in development for the C257 CLS, but was shortly discontinued due to poor and declining demand overseas for the last generation model. The range of engines consist of a 3.0-litre straight six turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.9-litre straight six turbocharged diesel engine.
Sales figures
The following are the sales figures of the CLS in Europe and in the United States:
