Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218)

The design of the W218 CLS is based on the F800 Style concept car unveiled by Mercedes-Benz at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.[10] It is a four-door coupé featuring a new COMAND interface utilizing a touchpad, design cues inspired by the Mercedes SLS AMG, and sliding rear doors.[11] The production version C218 CLS was publicly unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and as with the previous generation,[12] is based on the E-Class platform, utilising the same rear multi-link suspension setup.[13]

• 
  W218 sedan
• 
  X218 Shooting Brake
• 
  Interior CLS 2014
• 
  Interior CLS 2014

Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, and satellite navigation with a 10GB hard-drive.[19] Standard safety equipment consists of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, active head restraints, and 10 total front, side, and knee airbags.[20] CLS models also come with driver fatigue detection and lane departure warning system functions as standard.[21] Available options include Mercedes' AIRMATIC air suspension, traffic sign recognition, and a reversing camera in conjunction with the COMAND APS system.[22][23]

CLS 63 AMG sedan

CLS 63 AMG sedan

The CLS 63 AMG is a high performance variant of the CLS and went on sale in March 2011.[24] It features a 5.5 L bi-turbo V8 rated at 386 kW (518 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft).[25] Standard equipment includes an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission, a 24 mm (1 in) wider front track, larger 360 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs, an AMG sports exhaust system, and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with shift paddles.[26][27] The CLS 63 AMG is available in both sedan and Shooting Brake variants, as well as in rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations.[28]

Edition 1 models were available exclusively in the first year of its market launch, and featured minor power increases of 29 kW (39 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft).[29] Other additions include Edition 1 insignia, matte exterior paintwork, designo leather, and a choice of three AMG exclusive interior trim.[30] An AMG Performance Package was also offered separately, and featured a carbon-fiber spoiler lip, red brake calipers,[31] and increased performance gains of 24 kW (32 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft), resulting in a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.1 s.[32]

From April 2013, the CLS 63 AMG range was updated to now produce 410 kW (550 hp) and 720 N⋅m (531 lb⋅ft).[33] The Performance Package was also replaced by the new CLS 63 AMG S model,[34] featuring further performance and efficiency enhancements, all-wheel drive 4MATIC as standard, and a rear locking differential.[35] It is also available as a Shooting Brake variant and launched in June 2013.[36]

As with the previous generation, the CLS sedan and Shooting Brake models are produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.[43]

The following are the sales figures for the C218 CLS in Europe only:[44]

• 2010 Auto Bild 'Golden Steering Wheel Award'[45]
• 2010 Auto Zeitung 'Best Car of the Year' (luxury segment)[46]
• 2011 auto motor und sport 'Autonis Awards'[47]
• 2011 Automotive Brand Contest 'Best of Best' (exterior category)[48]
• 2013 Auto Zeitung Design Award for the CLS Shooting Brake[49]
• 2016 cars.com 'Luxury Car of the Year'[50]