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2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview

What Happens When "What If" Meets "Why Not"

The Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS was a concept car that from day one was destined to be a production car. The idea behind it was to create a four door coupe, a car that features all the desirable styling of a sleek two-door while still retaining the practicality and comfort of a regular four door sedan. Simply said, it was an idea that was begging to become a reality.

Never has a Benz been so eagerly wanted by the public; it seemingly quenches the thirst for a new automotive trend. From its concept car phase, which was first seen in September of 2003 at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany, it has taken a mere six months to turn it into a production

A concept car destined to become reality, the production Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

car. The Benz CLS-Class was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, and is slated to arrive in showrooms autumn 2004.

Aside from the most minor changes, the production version of the CLS-Class differs only slightly from the concept car. Some may consider the L-shaped xenon headlamps with adaptive beams for improved visibility slightly

The production version of the CLS-Class is almost identical to the Vision CLS concept car. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

odd looking, but to me they seem to enhance the cars appearance. The Benz grille, with its massive center-mounted three-pointed star, melds the brands traditional coupe and sedan styling language.

Overall the shape of the concept has been retained, a three-box design smoothed over from the E-Class that it is based off of. Sharp lines, such as where the trunk meets the rear C-pillars, are now flowing, before the shape tapers off towards the tail end of the car. It could be seen as an E-Class with

The shape of the CLS-Class is much more flowing and rounded than the sharper lines of the current E-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

a special "coach builder" body. To help provide easy access to the cars interior, the rear doors have been enlarged. Entry and exit shouldnt be a chore for those who ride in back, despite the sloping roofline.

As the CLS-Class is both a coupe and a luxury sedan thats positioned higher than the E-Class, its only obvious that it will be equipped and finished to the best of Benzs capabilities. The cars rear seats reportedly provide ample room for shoulders, hips and heads. Up front, driver and passenger are treated like royalty with leather-trimmed bucket seats that are ventilated, heated and fully adjustable.

Positioned above the E-Class, the CLS-Class will be equipped and finished to the best of Benzs capabilities. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Both steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in glove-soft leather, while the dashboard and console take the same shape and woodgrain patterning as the concept car. Although the original vanilla-crème colored leather seats with the diamond pattern are not available, buyers will be able select from three different types of leather with matching wood to suit their tastes.

To go along with these luxurious appointments is a long line of comfort and safety features. A multi-function steering wheel with controls for the cars audio system are standard, while a COMMAND system that includes navigation, hands-free telephone and audio is optional, as is the Keyless-Go system. The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe safety feature,

Two engines will be offered in the CLS, the base 272-hp 3.5 liter V6 and the upper-class 306-hp 5.0 liter V8. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

which constantly analyzes the driving situation and is able to decide the best way to protect the cars passengers with the adaptive seat and dual-stage airbags, will be available soon after the vehicle becomes available for an extra cost. SBC brake control as well as ABC stability control are both standard to the CLS. Adaptive front airbags, side airbags, and window bags are standard, as are seatbelt pretensioners on all seats.

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