Mercedes-Benz New CLS-Class Car Review in India

Mercedes Benz India has launched the new generation sedan, Mercedes-Benz CLS Class in India and the car has been christened as Mercedes Benz CLS 350 Blue Efficiency Avantgrade. The executive-size sedan was originally launched in 2004, based on the W211 E-Class platform. The second generation CLS-Class was introduced in September 2010 with its production getting flagged off in early 2011. The car has got a major facelift as it has entered into the second generation, having incorporated the Blue Efficiency technology. The boomerang headlights of the old CLS have now been replaced by a more angular headlight design, ushering a new stylish and sporty four-door saloon into India. The use of high powered engines makes the new CLS Class to stand out as a high-performance coupe with the comfort of a sporty saloon.

The CLS-Class offers a choice of four interior colours, three types of leather and two kinds of wood finish. Leather interiors are a standard feature and the leather colours have options of black, Basalt Gray, Sunset Red and Cashmere.

The premium four door coupe in India will be available in one variant, The New Mercedes Benz CLS Class 350 BE. One would need to place an prior order to acquire the other variant, the most powerful New Mercedes Benz CLS Class 63 AMG. Both the variants are powered by V series engines which produce the highest power and torque with AIRMATIC compression technology and a 7-speed automatic transmission gearbox which provides more efficient and responsive performance.

The 350 BE is powered by a 3498 CC V6 petrol engine which produces an output of 306 bhp @6000 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm. The car delivers a mileage of 8.8 kmpl on the city roads and 9.9 kmpl on the highways. The car can sprint from 0-100 kmpl in 6.1 seconds attaining top speed of 250 kmph. The 7-speed automatic transmission gear box ensures moderate fuel consumption and enhances mileage.

The CLS Class 63 AMG is powered by a 5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with a displacement of 5461 cc, which produces an output of 514 bhp and an impressive torque of 630 Nm. The car can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds, touching a top speed of 250 kmph. The car delivers a fuel efficiency of 6.3 kmpl on the highways and 5.6 kmpl on the city roads.

The Mercedes Benz CLS Class has been kept lightweight, with extensive use of lightweight aluminium. The frameless doors, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf and a few components of the suspension are made of aluminium.

The CLS-Class is admired for its classy and compelling looks, fascinating exteriors and superior technology. The car features a V-shaped radiator grille, with matte paint, placed distinctly apart from the bonnet. The sedan has various attractions including aerodynamic optimization with large and central air intakes with a centrally placed Mercedes logo. The C-shaped bi-xenon headlamps which house the parking lights and locator lighting are enabled with LED technology, which functions even during the day time.

The long sides of the CLS Class are well sculpted to give it a sensual appearance. A chrome trim strip on the flat roofline and beltline, gives the car a bright finish and an aggressive appeal. The exterior mirrors, painted with the same colour as the body and have LED indicators. You will also find LED featured on the tail lamps, coupled with bright brake light and a dominant shoulder line which complements the heavily contoured wheel arches. The rear bumper with centrally positioned LED fog lamps and clear-glass lenses look amazing on the sloping rear portion. The new CLS Class has been designed with aerodynamic features to reduce the wind resistance by 10 percent.

Three manual dials with central 10.9 cm TFT display for full colour images, takes the driver to a new level of driving pleasure! A multifunction 3-spoke tilt steering wheel with twelve trapezoid buttons allows the driver to shift between neutral, solar and polar ambient lighting colours. The console offers ample space with storage compartments with lid and 12V socket.

An electrically operating tilting/sliding remote glass sunroof gives one the convenience of automatic opening and closing. The headliner can be controlled from the inside, providing protection from the sunlight. A unique Parktronic system ensures easy maneuvering of the car to ensure easy parking while the Automatic climate control or THERMATIC automatic climate control function creates and maintains the desired temperature, irrespective of the weather outside. Standard Air conditioner with two AC vents on the dash, two on the sides and two on the rear with rear controls, would be an added attraction.

The New CLS can comfortably accommodate four passengers with plenty of luggage space in the rear, though the coupe like slanting roof could be claustrophobic in the rear seats for tall people. The CLS-Class features an integrated Bluetooth which allows one to make hands-free phone calls while The 350 BE has an optional COMAND APS which enables easy control of radio and DVD players, navigation system and phone.

Micro-computers on the improved sedan ensure an accurate braking system, enhancing the safety of the inhabitants. The system works in tandem with the anti-lock braking system and Brake Assist System. The hard disk navigation is assisted by a GPS based navigation system.