Mercedes announced it as their brand-new four-door coupe. It fuses a non-traditional sedan design with its category and elegance. Its market segment will be between the class E and S models. It is a new product for a new market.
Buyer expectations have changed radically over the past 20 years. Since the Chrysler Minivan in the 1980s, the minivans of the 90s and the SUVs of the new millennium, trends between market segments have been very promiscuous.
Many people want the car to buy to look like a coupe sport, compact in appearance like a minivan, with the interior comfort of an SUV and the interior equipment of a high-end sedan. And one particular detail: the vehicle must be multipurpose.
From all these longings there have been answers from manufacturers. Examples of this are Mercedes A-class, BMW X5 sports 4x4 and Chrysler PT Cruiser (among others). Now, with the CLS, it is Mercedes's turn to bet big, to encourage itself to be the precursor of a moving market segment. As it will also soon with Class B. And they have announced more news for the next 3 years.
But the Mercedes CLS has no defined category yet. Despite German optimism, their presence in Europe is almost occasional. The house of Stuttgart insists that it is a coupe with 4 doors, a coupe -sedan. The concept is born from the concern caused by the lack of interest aroused in the young market by the sedan, associated with a car for “older gentlemen”.
The purpose is to achieve a renewed product that manages to maintain the tradition and elegance typical of Mercedes. The study of the psychology of the buyer indicates that the acquisition of a sedan arises as a result of a reflection and evaluation of the advantages obtained.
At the other end, buying a coupe is a passionate decision. There is no great concern about factors taken into account in other cases, such as baggage carrying capacity, interior habitability, etc.
With genetic heritage from the 1930s, when elegant coupe showcases interior space and luxury, CLS rescues that essence. It is based on the E-Class platform and is even longer, reaching 4,910 mm. The lines that define the exterior have been articulated in such a way that its appearance overcomes dynamism, elasticity and sport spirit. The windshield lying down merges with a large capo, like in a coupe. The short, downward trunk recalls luxurious sedans of yesteryear. The prospect of this Mercedes is refreshing. It has remarkable dynamism.
Walnut root, chrome details and leather add austere elegance to the CLS interior. It has everything you need without being an exhibition of antiquated ornaments. The passenger compartment is bright with the optional glass roof. But visibility is not so admirable, as happens in many sports coupe.
The high waist line makes the side windows very high but very short. The capacity of the trunk is very good, 505 dm3. It is interesting, though uncomfortable, that it only accommodates 2 (independent) rear seats.
A very negative aspect is how low the roof remains for almost any passenger. A properly seated, 1.8 m tall subject rubs his head against the ceiling. It also doesn't give a sense of safety in case of an accident... it's relieved to know you have six airbags.
As far as performance is concerned, there are two motorizations available. A 270 HP 3,500 cm3 V6 that accelerates the CLS from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds and a 300 HP V8 5,000 cm3. Both allow for an electronically self-limited maximum speed at 250 km/h. V8 speeds up 2,000 kg of weight from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Both models transmit their power through a 7G Tronic 7-speed automatic gearbox. The manual variant with steering wheel controls is optional.
Electronics takes a leading role in safety systems such as the Comand APS handling system, Airmatic suspension, Parktronic (parking) and Sensotronic and ABS for the brakes. Other useful options include the Thermatic climate control system, Keyless-GO electronic card for interior access, bixenon headlights (allows for curved lighting) and 18-inch wheels.
In Europe the Mercedes CLS is around 62,000 euros for the base model. It is cheaper than class C. A reasonable price only for those who share the design criteria.
© Adrián Blanco 2005 - Reproduction in whole or in part without explicit consent of the author is prohibited. —