View source for Mercedes-Benz CLS

{{Short description|Executive car series produced by Mercedes-Benz (2003-2023)}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Mercedes-Benz CLS
| image = Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 1X7A6800.jpg
| manufacturer = {{unbulleted list
  | [[DaimlerChrysler]] (2003–2007)
  | [[Daimler AG]] (2007–2022)
  | [[Mercedes-Benz Group]] (2022–2023)
  }}
| production = 2003–2023
| class = [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment|E]])
| body_style = {{unbulleted list
  | 4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]
  | 5-door [[shooting brake]] (X218)
  }}
| layout = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
  | [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, all-wheel-drive]] ([[4Matic]])
  }}
| caption = Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 (C257)
}}

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

The original model was a four-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]] based on the [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class|Mercedes E-Class]] platform, marketed as a four door [[coupé]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-09-11 |title=2010 Mercedes Benz CLS - Mercedes Benz Luxury Four Door Coupe - Automobile Magazine |language=en-US |work=Automobile Magazine |url=http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2010-mercedes-benz-cls-four-door-coupe/ |access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref> An [[Station wagon|estate]] (shooting brake) model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS.<ref>{{Cite news |title=2015 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Review @ Top Speed |language=en-US |work=Top Speed |url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2015-mercedes-cls63-amg/ |access-date=2018-05-31}}</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>{{Cite news |title=2015 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Review @ Top Speed |language=en-US |work=Top Speed |url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2015-mercedes-cls63-amg/ |access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref>

The CLS range is positioned between the E-Class and the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|S-Class]] within the Mercedes model range,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mercedes-Benz classes slot |url=http://images.car.bauercdn.com/upload/33560/images/opi/mercedes_names_2015.jpg |access-date=2018-06-11 |archive-date=2016-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219113656/http://images.car.bauercdn.com/upload/33560/images/opi/mercedes_names_2015.jpg |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class {{!}} Pricing, Ratings & Reviews {{!}} Kelley Blue Book |url=https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/cls-class/2008/ |access-date=2018-05-31 |website=Kbb.com |language=en}}</ref> and models tend to be less practical than the E-Class it is based on.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Limited |first=Listers Group |title='MERC'S CURVE BALL' - Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (2005-2010) Range Independent Used Review (Ref:806/208525) |url=https://listers.co.uk/reviews/mercedes-benz/cls/208525 |access-date=2018-05-31 |website=listers.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> It primarily competes with other fastback sedans like the [[BMW 6 Series (F06)|BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe]]/[[BMW 8 Series (G15)|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)]].{{TOC left}}
{{-}}

=={{anchor|C219|C219|C 219}} First generation (C219; 2004)==
{{Main|Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219)}}
[[File:2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 320 CDi Automatic 3.0 Front.jpg|thumb|C219 CLS]]
The first-generation CLS was designed by Michael Fink in 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2009-mercedes-benz-cls550-grand-edition-car-news|title=2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Grand Edition|last=Meiners|first=Jens|date=January 2009|work=Car and Driver|access-date=22 February 2012}}</ref> who also styled the first generation [[Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class#First generation (W208/C208; 1997–2003)|CLK]], the C-SportCoupé, and [[Maybach 57 and 62]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.formtrends.com/mercedes-benz-cls-2004/|title=Design Icons: Revisiting the Trend-Setting Mercedes-Benz CLS (2004)|date=2017-06-27|work=Form Trends|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotcars.com/2004-2010-mercedes-benz-cls-class-prices-specs-and-features/|title =2004-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Prices, Specs, And Features|last=Sokolovski|first=Marko|date=2023-03-16|access-date=2023-08-29}}</ref> The C219 CLS is based on the [[Mercedes-Benz W211|W211 E-Class]] platform, and shares major components including the engines, transmissions, and has an identical [[wheelbase]] of {{convert|2854|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fahrbericht/mercedes-cls-tiefstrahler/|title = Tests - Erlkönige - Autokauf - Formel 1|date = 4 May 2021|access-date = 10 June 2018|archive-date = 12 June 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140019/https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fahrbericht/mercedes-cls-tiefstrahler/|url-status = dead}}</ref> [[IVM Automotive]], a subsidiary of German roof system specialist [[Edscha]], developed the entire vehicle from the [[Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS|Vision CLS]] concept on which the CLS is based,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20050110/SUB/501100805/suppliers-to-the-new-mercedes-benz-cls-class|title=Suppliers to the new Mercedes-Benz CLS class|date=2005-01-10|website=Automotive News|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref> to the production version which debuted at the [[New York International Auto Show#2004|2004 New York International Auto Show]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/news/04-2004-new-york-auto-show/|title=2004 New York Auto Show|date=2004-04-02|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref>
{{clear}}

=={{anchor|C218}} Second generation (C218; 2010)==
[[File:Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition 1 (C 218) – Frontansicht (2), 16. April 2011, Düsseldorf.jpg|thumb|C218 CLS]]
{{Main|Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218)}}
The C218 CLS is the second generation model, and was sold from 2011 to 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.autotrader.ca/newsfeatures/20170810/depreciation-appreciation-2011-2017-mercedes-benz-cls-63-amg-w218/|title=Depreciation Appreciation: 2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG (C218)|work=autoTRADER.ca|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en}}</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|Shooting Brake]]'). The design of the CLS was based on the [[Mercedes-Benz F800|Mercedes F800 concept]] and featured design cues from other models including the [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG|Mercedes SLS AMG]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/20/geneva-preview-mercedes-benz-f800-style-previews-next-cls-class/|title=Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style a sneak peek at next CLS-Class|work=Autoblog|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en}}</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>{{Cite news|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2015-mercedes-cls63-amg/|title=2015 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Review @ Top Speed|work=Top Speed|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2014, the CLS underwent a facelift and featured design changes, engine enhancements, and the adoption of the Mercedes [[Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic transmission|9G-Tronic automatic transmission]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/mercedes-benz/mercedes-cls-facelift-2014-first-official-pics-/|title=Mercedes CLS facelift (2014) first official pics|work=CAR Magazine|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en}}</ref>{{clear}}

=={{anchor|C217}} Third generation (C257; 2018)==
{{Main|Mercedes-Benz CLS (C257)}}
[[File:Mercedes-Benz C257 at IAA 2019 IMG 0391.jpg|thumb|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|4MATIC]]) configuration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/la-motor-show/should-mercedes-make-new-cls-shooting-brake|title=Should Mercedes make a new CLS Shooting Brake?|date=2017-12-05|work=Top Gear|access-date=2018-06-01|language=en}}</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>{{Cite news|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-kills-the-shooting-brake-for-2018-mk3-cls/|title=Mercedes-Benz kills the Shooting Brake for 2018 Mk3 CLS|work=CAR Magazine|access-date=2018-06-01|language=en}}</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>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/18959/mercedes-give-details-on-the-new-third-gen-cls|title=Mercedes Give Details on the New Third-Gen CLS-Class|last=Bartosiak|first=Dave|work=The Drive|access-date=2018-06-01|language=en-US}}</ref> The latter equips the CLS 53 AMG with features such as a [[mild hybrid|mild hybrid system]] and an Panamericana [[radiator grille]], which pays tribute to [[Mercedes-Benz 300 SL|300 SL model]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mercteil.com/cls-53-amg-facelift-panamericana-grille-genuine-mercedes-amg-retrofit-0y6zP|title=Genuine Mercedes-AMG radiator grille|publisher=mercteil.com|access-date=27 October 2021}}</ref> The CLS is also now a five-seater car, instead of being a four-seater as with the previous two generations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mercedes-benz/cls-class/2019/2019-mercedes-benz-cls-first-look-review/|title=2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS First Look: Now a Five-Seater|date=2017-11-29|website=MotorTrend|access-date=2018-06-01|archive-date=2018-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606121707/http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mercedes-benz/cls-class/2019/2019-mercedes-benz-cls-first-look-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sales==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!Year!! Europe<ref>{{Cite news|title=Mercedes-Benz CLS European sales figures|language=en-US|work=carsalesbase.com|url=http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-cls/|access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref>!!U.S.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-08|title=Mercedes-Benz CLS US car sales figures|url=https://carsalesbase.com/us-mercedes-benz-cls/|access-date=2021-03-28|website=carsalesbase.com|language=en-US}}</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==
{{reflist|30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
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* {{MB-Typenkunde-2}}
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==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/cls-class/ Official site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531135142/https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/cls-class/ |date=2019-05-31 }}

{{Mercedes-Benz timeline 1990–2019}}
{{Mercedes-Benz timeline 2020 to date}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class}}
[[Category:Mercedes-Benz vehicles|CLS]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2004]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2023]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:2020s cars]]
[[Category:Executive cars]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]