Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its updated CLS four-door coupe. First launched in 2004, the CLS has proven to be a sales success for Mercedes, so the refresh for 2008 isn’t to extreme. Although subtle, the update includes a new grille — with two bars instead of four — and new taillights.
The next-generation CLS also features larger side view mirrors, new trapezoidal exhaust outlets and new wheels measuring 17 and 18 inches.
The interior remains largely unchanged, but does feature a new three-spoke steering wheel and a black-on-white gauge cluster.
Like past CLS models, the newest four-door coupe from M-B will be available with a range of engines. The base CLS 280 will come with a 231 horsepower 3.0L V6, which is good for a 7.7 second 0-60 time. The CLS 350 CGI will feature a 292 horsepower 3.5L V6 and the up-level CLS 500 uses a 388 horsepower 5.5L V8. The lone diesel option will be found in the CLS 320 CDI, a V6 producing 224 horsepower and nearly 400 lb-ft of torque.
A range-topping AMG model will once again be available — in the form of the CLS 63 AMG — and will use 6.3L V8, good for 514 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The CLS 63 AMG is capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just under 4.5 seconds.
Prices for the CLS 280 will start at €55,692.00, and continue on up to the top-level CLS 63 AMG at €106,624.00.
01/18, 12:44 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
So sick of the Germans always copying the Americans with low tech big displacement V8. Cant they do anything high tech like the Japanese?
01/18, 12:47 PM
posted by:
F451
I like most Mercedes models, but this one has always reminded me of a turd—tapered at both ends. At least they are trying to take the taper out of the front end.
01/18, 12:51 PM
posted by:
purdue
If yours are tapered, lower the meat intake, and up the grains. Kashi is your friend.
01/18, 1:18 PM
posted by:
atourya
I like it. It’s one of my favorite interiors, although the steering wheel is a little odd.
And SwerveEarly… The CDI is a more advanced technology than most of the Japanese motors here in the US. The 3.5 is almost identical technology to the japs…
And I don’t think you’ve driven one of these “low tech” v8’s. Sit in the the AMG version of the C, CLK, or SLK. That motor will corrupt you. It’s a beautiful thing.
01/18, 1:18 PM
posted by:
Veda
The CLS350 would be nice but Merc has been refusing to sell their larger models with smaller engines in the US. But I’m biased against V8…
01/18, 1:22 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
Ive always thought that the the CLS was a really hot car. I like the new tailights. LEDs are the way to go, they look neat. The shape of the car is hot, unlike that copycat car over at VW called the Passat CC.
01/18, 1:36 PM
posted by:
roger426
Can somebody expalin to me why if your 1st through 3rd post it seems to be some sort of an accomplishment. Like LP’s ignorent comment above…Am I missing something…
01/18, 1:44 PM
posted by:
1966_GTO_
One of the sharpest M-B models in my opinion. The new grill and taillights only add to the beauty.
01/18, 2:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Some nice engine options here, but like Fairlight says that V6 is a joke. If I’m spending 80k to get the 3 pointed star I sure don’t want to be outhorsepowered by just about every 25k V6 American or Japanese fwd commuter coffin that’s out there.
01/18, 3:32 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
‘F451′ this IS an overpriced TURD … its design equates to a sad, droopy and uninspiring vehicle, and the pathetic performance numbers only seal its fate.
01/18, 5:43 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Needs a blown 9litre V-16 before Ill look at it.
01/18, 5:45 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
That steering wheel must have been designed at Macys.
01/18, 7:21 PM
posted by:
mysuitssotight
This car looks like some fat german sat on a model of an MB C class and put it into production.
01/18, 11:41 PM
posted by:
LexusSoarer
I don’t like this updated version of the CLS. I LOVED the CLS when it first came out, and I still like it, but this update does nothing to improve the car at all.
LP640; I actually forgot about the CDI option for the CLS, unfortunately it’ll never make it to the US I’m sure…
01/19, 11:18 AM
posted by:
Syrax
the v6 will not go in the US for 80k. the cls63 is €106,624.00 and americans get it for MSRP US$94,375. is not just currency.
01/19, 6:17 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
I like the interior in black. The wood trim on the lighter interior is 100x cheaper looking than any Buick or Cadillac I’ve ever seen.
01/20, 9:05 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
I love the CLS, and I think the interior is nice. I do agree though, that 82 G’s for a 231 hp V6 is heresy. If anyone’s actually interested in this car, look at a V8 E-class instead. More useable space, too, around the same price.