Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury, innovation, and groundbreaking design in the automotive world. The introduction of the CLS-Class in 2003 marked a pivotal moment, birthing a new vehicle segment: the four-door coupe. This revolutionary concept merged the seductive styling and dynamic essence of a coupe with the practicality and comfort of a sedan. Building on this legacy, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2018 emerges as the third generation, further refining the iconic design and pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and opulence. This article delves into the key features, design philosophy, and technological advancements that make the 2018 CLS a standout model in the luxury car market, appealing to discerning drivers in the English-speaking world.
Evolution of an Icon: The 2018 CLS Design and Aesthetics
The Mercedes Benz Cls 2018 proudly carries the torch of its predecessors while embracing a new design language characterized by “Sensual Purity.” This philosophy translates into a form that is both emotionally engaging and remarkably clean. Sharp lines and superfluous ornamentation are minimized, allowing the pure, sculpted surfaces to speak for themselves. The result is a vehicle that exudes confidence and sophisticated sportiness.
The front fascia of the mercedes benz cls 2018 is particularly striking. The diamond radiator grille, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes, is present with a single louver, but now it widens towards the base, drawing a visual parallel to the powerful Mercedes-AMG GT. This inverted trapezoidal shape, combined with the forward-leaning front section, creates an assertive and dynamic stance. The hood is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding bodywork, contributing to the smooth, uncluttered aesthetic. Adding to the visual drama are the very flat, wide LED headlights that slant inwards, mirroring the grille’s contour and lending an air of focused intensity.
Moving along the flanks of the mercedes benz cls 2018, the signature high, arching waistline immediately identifies it as a CLS. Above this strong shoulder line sits a sporty, low greenhouse, framed by frameless side windows – a quintessential coupe detail. The front end, with its “shark nose” profile, appears elongated and purposeful, further emphasizing the car’s dynamic character. The design language of sensual purity is evident in the generously arched surfaces and the reduction of sharp creases.
The rear of the mercedes benz cls 2018 is equally distinctive. The muscular rear shoulder flows gracefully into the flat rear deck. Coupe design cues are prominent in the two-section LED taillights, the reflectors integrated into the rear bumper, the license plate recess in the bumper, and the centrally positioned Mercedes star on the trunk lid. The LED taillights themselves are not just visually appealing with their crystalline appearance and three-dimensional effect, but also functional, accentuating the car’s width and presence on the road.
Interior Elegance and Technological Sophistication
Stepping inside the mercedes benz cls 2018 reveals an interior that mirrors the exterior’s sensual and flowing design language. The cabin is characterized by clean lines, premium materials, and a focus on spaciousness and driver-centric technology. The high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship are immediately apparent, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury.
The cockpit of the mercedes benz cls 2018 is designed to be both sporty and expansive. The width-accentuated dashboard and carefully chosen color combinations contribute to a feeling of generous space. The wave-like design theme seamlessly flows from the front doors to the rear, creating a cohesive and enveloping interior environment. A striking new feature is the illuminated air vents, which are reminiscent of jet aircraft turbines and add a touch of modern flair to the ambient lighting system. The seats, with their hand-finished appearance, further enhance the sporty yet luxurious ambiance.
At the heart of the mercedes benz cls 2018‘s technological prowess is the optional widescreen digital instrument cluster. This system features two 12.3-inch displays merging seamlessly under a single glass cover, creating a panoramic cockpit experience. The driver can customize the information displayed according to their needs and preferences, choosing from three distinct display styles: Classic, Sport, or Progressive. This level of personalization ensures that the driver has access to the most relevant information at a glance.
The ambient lighting system in the mercedes benz cls 2018 is a standout feature, offering 64 individually adjustable colors, extending to the illuminated air vents. This allows for a truly personalized and mood-setting cabin environment. Furthermore, the ambient lighting is even integrated with the climate control system, briefly changing color (red for warmer, blue for cooler) when the temperature is adjusted, providing subtle yet intuitive feedback.
The seats in the mercedes benz cls 2018 are newly designed specifically for this model, featuring high-quality piping and offering exceptional comfort and support. Notably, for the first time, the CLS Coupe becomes a five-seater, enhancing its practicality. The rear outer seats mirror the design of the front seats, creating a sporty, individual seat appearance. For added versatility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split, expanding cargo space as needed.
Performance and Innovation: Under the Hood of the CLS 2018
The mercedes benz cls 2018 is not just about style and luxury; it also boasts cutting-edge engine technology. The CLS 450 models are equipped with a brand-new in-line six-cylinder engine, a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.
This advanced 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine in the CLS450 and CLS450 4MATIC delivers a robust 362 horsepower. However, the innovation doesn’t stop there. The engine is further enhanced by EQ Boost technology, an integrated starter-generator system that adds an additional 21 horsepower boost and a significant surge of torque on demand. This 48-volt technology not only enhances performance but also improves efficiency and comfort. The EQ Boost system enables features like “sailing” (engine-off coasting) and high-efficiency energy recuperation, contributing to fuel savings that were previously the domain of complex high-voltage hybrid systems. In essence, this new in-line six-cylinder engine delivers the performance of a larger eight-cylinder engine with significantly reduced fuel consumption.
The mercedes benz cls 2018 CLS450 achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in a brisk 5.1 seconds, while the CLS450 4MATIC, with its all-wheel-drive system, accomplishes this feat in an even quicker 4.8 seconds.
Comfort and Driving Dynamics: The CLS Experience
Beyond raw power, the mercedes benz cls 2018 excels in providing a refined and comfortable driving experience. The AIR BODY CONTROL suspension system, available as an option, further elevates ride comfort and handling. This air suspension system features adjustable and adaptive damping, allowing the driver to tailor the vehicle’s characteristics from plush comfort to engaging sportiness via the driving mode selector.
Standard features on the mercedes benz cls 2018 are extensive and luxurious, reflecting its premium positioning. Highlights include AMG body styling, newly designed LED headlamps and taillamps, substantial 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a high-resolution 12.3-inch COMAND® display, ambient lighting with illuminated air vents, Car-to-X Communication for enhanced connectivity, and Smartphone Integration for seamless device pairing.
For those seeking the ultimate in well-being on the road, the mercedes benz cls 2018 offers ENERGIZING Comfort. This innovative system links various vehicle comfort features, including climate control (with fragrancing), seats (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres. ENERGIZING Comfort allows drivers to select from six pre-programmed modes – Refresh, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort, and Training – each designed to enhance well-being and driver alertness based on mood and needs.
Intelligent Drive: S-Class Technology in the CLS 2018
The mercedes benz cls 2018 benefits from technology derived from the flagship S-Class, placing it at the forefront of automotive safety and driver assistance. The CLS is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, offering route-based speed adaptation and comprehensive driver support through the Driver Assistance Package.
Standard safety features are comprehensive, including Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. A newly standard feature is PRE-SAFE® Sound, which prepares occupants’ hearing for the anticipated noise of an accident if a collision risk is detected.
The optional Driver Assistance Package significantly expands the suite of safety and assistance features, including:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
- Active Speed Limit Assist: Automatically adjusts vehicle speed to posted speed limits.
- Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function: Enhances braking capabilities, especially in cross-traffic situations.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help the driver avoid obstacles in emergency situations.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: Warns the driver of vehicles in blind spots and can intervene to prevent lane changes into occupied lanes.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Monitors lane markings and can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Extends PRE-SAFE® functions to mitigate the effects of rear-end collisions.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side: Prepares occupants for a side impact by inflating the outer seat bolsters.
These advanced systems utilize improved camera and radar technology, providing the mercedes benz cls 2018 with an enhanced awareness of its surroundings. For the first time, map and navigation data are also used to proactively adjust driving behavior, further enhancing safety and comfort. The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument cluster provides a clear overview of activated assistance systems and their current operational status. Control of these systems is intuitively integrated into the steering wheel. In stop-and-go traffic, the system can now handle extended stops of up to 3 seconds, automatically resuming movement with the flow of traffic.
The optional LED Intelligent Light System takes lighting technology to the next level with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. The Ultra Wide Beams significantly widen the illuminated area, maximizing road and roadside visibility. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, also part of this system, enables drivers to use high beams continuously without dazzling other road users, intelligently adapting the light distribution based on traffic conditions.
Edition 1: An Exquisite Launch Edition
To mark the arrival of the new mercedes benz cls 2018, Mercedes-Benz offered the exclusive Edition 1 model. This special edition further elevates the CLS’s luxury and exclusivity with unique design elements and premium features.
The Edition 1 boasts the COPPER ART interior concept, featuring seats upholstered in black pearl nappa leather with diamond-patterned center sections and striking copper-colored accents. Copper-colored contrasting stitching adorns the center console, seats, armrests, dashboard, and door linings, creating a cohesive and opulent cabin ambiance. The unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and a copper-colored shimmer further distinguishes the Edition 1 externally.
Based on the AMG Line exterior, the Edition 1 includes LED Intelligent Light headlamps as standard and distinctive 19-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels finished in black with a high-sheen rim flange. “Edition 1” lettering on the front fenders clearly identifies this special model.
Interior highlights of the Edition 1 include a dashboard support lined in black nappa leather, trim elements in Natural grain black ash wood, an exclusive IWC analogue clock, a high-gloss black vehicle key with chrome surround, floor mats with “Edition 1” badging and copper-colored piping, and “Edition 1” lettering on the center console and welcome screen.
Conclusion: The Mercedes-Benz CLS 2018 – A New Benchmark
The mercedes benz cls 2018 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the four-door coupe. It seamlessly blends captivating design, innovative technology, and luxurious comfort to create a truly exceptional driving experience. From its striking exterior and opulent interior to its advanced engine technology and intelligent driver assistance systems, the CLS 2018 sets a new benchmark in its segment. For drivers seeking a vehicle that embodies both style and substance, the mercedes benz cls 2018 stands as a compelling choice, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in the luxury automotive landscape.
