ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS now features a sharpened design at the front end in particular, with new radiator grilles and bumpers which expresses the dynamism of the four-door coupe even more strongly. The interior has been upgraded with additional leather and trim combinations as well as a new generation of steering wheel. Thanks to a comprehensive refresh last summer with updates to the driving assistance systems, the MBUX multimedia system and ENERGIZING Comfort, the CLS was already up-to-date technologically.

As a coupe, the CLS, together with all roadsters and cabriolets, belongs to the category of so called dream cars at Mercedes-Benz and to date, more than four million examples have been sold to customers all over the world, including more than 450,000 CLS models since the launch of the first generation in 2004. China was the largest sales market for the CLS Coupe last year, followed by South Korea, the USA and Germany. According to Mercedes-Benz, the reason most frequently cited by customers for buying the CLS is its design, sportiness and true luxury in this customer segment. Many therefore, will welcome the sportier look and the entry-level model with Avantgarde exterior as standard features a new front apron with striking air intakes, two louvres at the sides, and a front splitter in silver chrome while the rear apron has a black diffuser-look insert and a silver-chrome trim strip.

Two new designs are available for the 19-inch light-alloy wheel: 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke rims. The AMG Line exterior signals its sportiness even more clearly with AMG styling components are fitted in this version, including an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, sporty, distinctive air intakes with vertical bars and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black. Other features include AMG sill trim on the side and AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid. All models, Avantgarde or AMG Line, receive a new radiator grille and special features of this grille are the Mercedes-Benz pattern (a three-dimensional star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces), a louvre in high-gloss black with chrome inlay and the integrated Mercedes star.

In addition to the more distinctive exterior, the interior has also been enhanced. Two new trim finishes, including for the centre console, are available in open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood. The range of leather seat upholstery has also been expanded: Neva grey/Magma grey and Sienna brown/black are the two new colour combinations.

Also, there is good news for diesel fans, a latest-generation diesel with integrated starter-generator expands the model range. There is an excellent diesel choice with the 220d, 300d 4MATIC and 400d 4 MATIC. If petrol power is your choice, then you have the 350, 450 4MATIC and 53 4MATIC+. In the best tradition of Mercedes-Benz, the CLS features a high level of safety and driving aids. Active Brake Assist is standard and a range of further Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance Package this includes Active Speed Limit Assist which reacts to speed limit changes using map data as well as input from Traffic Sign Assist. With the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Stop-and-Go Assist can take over the task of keeping in lane and maintaining the distance up to approx. 60kph (37mph) to a large extent and with high availability in motorway traffic jams when lane markings are detected. The CLS can restart automatically up to one minute after coming to a stop. Active Steering Assist can support the driver on multi-lane roads with the emergency corridor function, which prompts the vehicle to stay off-centre in the lane. On motorways, at speeds under 60 kph (37mph), the vehicle refers to detected lane markings and applies swarm intelligence to take its bearings from vehicles in the surrounding area. Finally, ENERGIZING Comfort networks various comfort systems in the vehicle and uses lighting and music moods as well as various massage programs for a wide variety of well-being programs. This function is based on an intelligent algorithm and recommends one or other of the programs depending on the situation and the individual concerned. If a Garmin wearable is integrated, personal values such as stress level or quality of sleep optimise the accuracy of the recommendation. The aim is to ensure that the driver feels well and relaxed even during demanding or monotonous journeys.

Ian Lynas