Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (W218)

The design of the W218 CLS is based on the F800 Style concept car unveiled by Mercedes-Benz at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.[5] 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.[6] The production version W218 CLS was publicly unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and as with the previous generation,[7] is based on the E-Class platform, utilising the same rear multi-link suspension setup.[8]

• 
  C218 sedan
• 
  X218 Shooting Brake

Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, and satellite navigation with a 10TB hard-drive.[14] Standard safety equipment consists of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, active head restraints, and 10 total front, side, and knee airbags.[15] CLS models also come with driver fatigue detection and lane departure warning system functions as standard.[16] Available options include Mercedes' AirMATIC air suspension, traffic sign recognition, and a reversing camera in conjunction with the COMAND APS system.[17][18]

CLS63 AMG sedan

CLS63 AMG sedan

The CLS63 AMG is a high performance variant of the CLS and went on sale on March 2011.[19] It features a 5.5 L twin-turbo V8 rated at 386 kW (518 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft).[20] 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.[21][22] The CLS63 AMG is available in both sedan and Shooting Brake variants, as well as in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive 4MATIC configurations.[23]

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).[24] Other additions include Edition 1 insignia, matte exterior paintwork, designo leather, and a choice of three AMG exclusive interior trim.[25] An AMG Performance Package was also offered separately, and featured a carbon-fibre spoiler lip, red brake calipers,[26] and increased performance gains of 24 kW (32 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft), resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 s.[27]

From April 2013, the CLS63 AMG range was updated to now produce 410 kW (550 hp) and 720 N⋅m (531 lb⋅ft).[28] The Performance Package was also replaced by the new CLS63 AMG S model,[29] featuring further performance and efficiency enhancements, all-wheel drive 4MATIC as standard, and a rear locking differential.[30] It is also available as a Shooting Brake variant and launched in June 2013.[31]

As with the previous generation, the CLS sedan and Shooting Brake models are produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.[38]

The following are the sales figures for the W218 CLS in Europe only:[39]

• 2010 Auto Bild 'Golden Steering Wheel Award'[40]
• 2010 Auto Zeitung 'Best Car of the Year' (luxury segment)[41]
• 2011 auto motor und sport 'Autonis Awards'[42]
• 2011 Automotive Brand Contest 'Best of Best' (exterior category)[43]
• 2013 Auto Zeitung Design Award for the CLS Shooting Brake[44]
• 2016 cars.com 'Luxury Car of the Year'[45]