MERCEDES
BENZ CLS----Daily:
$450.00
..------
RESERVE TODAY
--305.513.9711
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Engine
5.5L V8 Transmission 7 Speed Automatic Horsepower
@ RPM382@6000Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy15 / 22Combined
Fuel Economy18 EPA Class Compact Torque @ RPM391@2800
(foot-lbs)Fuel Type/SystemGas Engine / Sequential
Electronic Fuel Injected Compression10.7 Displacement
5461 / 333
Vehicle
Overview
Mercedes-Benz
is adding safety and power to its CLS —
the sedan it says looks like a coupe. The automaker's
Pre-Safe system, which reacts to a collision
and adjusts the interior to protect its occupants,
is now standard across all CLS models. The power
comes in the form of bigger engines for the
CLS500 and CLS55 AMG, now known as the CLS550
and CLS63 AMG. Beneath the hood of the CLS550
is a V-8 rated at 382 horsepower. Stepping up
a notch, the CLS63 AMG features a 507-hp, 5.5-liter
V-8. The CLS550 includes such features as Airmatic
DC air suspension and four-zone climate control
for comfort levels comparable to the automaker's
S-Class sedan. Safety features include adaptive
front airbags, side-impact airbags and side
curtain airbags.
Exterior
Dubbed
a four-door coupe, the CLS-Class was derived
from a coupe study that appeared at the 2003
Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. It features
a high belt line and short side glass. A distinctive
body crease rises from the front wheel arch,
extends across the bodyside and continues through
the contoured rear light cluster into the back
bumper. The roofline forms a sweeping arc above
the body before smoothly transitioning into
the C-pillar, which appears pulled toward the
rear of the car. Aluminum is used for the front
and rear subframes, parcel shelf and other components.
The car has a coefficient of drag of 0.30. Built
on a 112.4-inch wheelbase, the CLS-Class is
slightly more than 193 inches long overall and
nearly 74 inches wide. Projector-type headlights
are standard, and bi-xenon headlights are optional.
An automatic cornering light function with the
bi-xenon units switches on the cornering lights
during a turn, and the adaptive headlights pivot
to follow the driver's steering movements.
Interior
Up
to four occupants can fit inside the CLS-Class.
The instrument panel's central speedometer is
flanked by a tachometer and clock. Black dials
have chrome surrounds. Bar-chart displays show
the fuel level and coolant temperature. The
four-door layout of the CLS-Class permits easy
entry and exit. Power front seats are standard
and may be equipped with optional active ventilation.
Massaging front seats are also optional.
Under
the Hood
The
CLS550 gets a 382-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 that works
with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The
CLS63 AMG has a 507-hp supercharged V-8 that's
connected to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Both transmissions have manual-shift provisions.
Safety
Mercedes'
Pre-Safe system is standard. The system pre-tensions
seat belts, moves the seats into a safer position
and closes the sunroof if it senses an impending
collision. Electronic Stability Program, antilock
brakes, front and rear side-impact airbags,
and side curtain airbags are standard.
Driving
Impressions
This
CLS sedan doesn't look like a typical Mercedes-Benz.
Relatively light steering detracts from the
sporty feel even though handling capabilities
rank high. This is a big car, yet it maneuvers
like a smaller model.
The
automaker's mighty V-8 delivers plenty of power
in a wholly refined and civilized manner. Shifts
are more noticeable in the CLS than in some
other luxury automobiles, but they're reasonably
crisp and quick. However, the automatic transmission's
operation tends to be intrusive while braking;
it sometimes feels like an anchor ratcheting
you down yet another notch. Occasional downshifts
get awkward when rolling to a halt — and
more so if you then step on the gas.
Expect
a comfortable ride in the true luxury sense.
The suspension might be taut, but its operation
is largely concealed as you drive on smooth
surfaces. On the downside, backseat headroom
is scant, though legroom and foot space suffice.
Getting into the backseat is difficult.
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