Mercedes-Benz CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS (initially called the CLS-Class) is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from December 2003 to August 2023.

The original model was a four-door sedan based on the Mercedes E-Class platform, marketed as a four door coupé.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> An estate (shooting brake) model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The CLS range is positioned between the E-Class and the S-Class within the Mercedes model range,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and models tend to be less practical than the E-Class it is based on.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It primarily competes with other fastback sedans like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe/BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7. Production of the CLS ended on 31 August 2023 to prepare for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214).Template:TOC left Template:-

Template:Anchor First generation (C219; 2004)

C219 CLS

The first-generation CLS was designed by Michael Fink in 2001<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> who also styled the first generation CLK, the C-SportCoupé, and Maybach 57 and 62.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In Europe, the CLS is recognized as a four-seat coupé and justly named the C219, while in the US, it is commonly referred to as the W219.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision CLS concept on which the CLS is based,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to the production version which debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Clear

Template:Anchor Second generation (C218; 2010)

C218 CLS

Template:Main The C218 CLS is the second generation model, and was sold from 2011 to 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The body styles of the range are a 4-door coupé (C218 model code for Europe/ W218 for US market), and a 5-door estate (X218 model code, marketed as 'Shooting Brake'). The design of the CLS was based on the Mercedes F800 concept and featured design cues from other models including the Mercedes SLS AMG.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Unlike its predecessor, the C218 CLS is available with all-wheel drive and can be optionally configured on CLS 63 AMG models as well.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2014, the CLS underwent a facelift and featured design changes, engine enhancements, and the adoption of the Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>Template:Clear

Template:Anchor Third generation (C257; 2018)

C257 CLS

The C257 CLS is the third-generation model and was previously available only as a four-door sedan and in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configuration.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Shooting Brake body style was in development and the final design had been approved for the C257 CLS, but was discontinued prior to commencing production due to poor and declining demand overseas for the last generation 5-door estate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The range of engines consist of a 2.9-litre straight six turbocharged diesel engine and a 3.0-litre straight six turbocharged petrol engine.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The latter equips the CLS 53 AMG with features such as a mild hybrid system and an Panamericana radiator grille, which pays tribute to 300 SL model.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The CLS is also now a five-seater car, instead of being a four-seater as with the previous two generations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Sales

Year	Europe<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	U.S.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2004	5,543
2005	20,147	14,835
2006	20,262	10,763
2007	17,098	7,906
2008	12,224	5,775
2009	6,083	2,527
2010	3,975	2,135
2011	17,414	5,665
2012	12,797	8,065
2013	15,139	8,032
2014	10,289	6,981
2015	12,600	6,152
2016	7,803	4,156
2017	5,116	1,839
2018	9,113	943
2019	8,428	941
2020	3,895	1,206

References

Bibliography

• Template:MB-Typenkunde-2

External links

• Official site Template:Webarchive