Mercedes-AMG CLS53 vs. AMG GT 4-Door

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class W257 finally gets its own AMG variant but it's not in a way we think because following the introduction of AMG's new 53 range that began with the E53 Coupe and Cabriolets, the AMG version of the W257 CLS is following suit with the first-ever CLS53 AMG and the question is, why this? Let's analyze.

2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53

Starting at 84,431 Euros, this is the CLS-Class' starting point at the Mercedes-AMG stable, the CLS53, and while its not as lairy as the old CLS63 AMG from the previous generation, the powertrain of the CLS53 makes it rather special in every single way.

Like the E53 vehicles before, the CLS53 features a new 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor, which is a a mild-hybrid that doesn't makes it a Prius in a tuxedo. What it does is that it delivers 457PS of power and 520Nm of torque, that's V8 power in a very small six-cylinder engine made by Mercedes and when mated to a SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G-Tronic, the CLS53 sprints from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and it is electronically limited to 250kph or with the optional driver's package, it does up to 270kph so it's fast.

While some say that the CLS53, because of its all-wheel drive system, is going to be mild and tangy like an Audi S7 but it's not true because this all-wheel drive system here is the AMG Performance 4MATIC+, meaning that it can be transitioned to either all four wheels or to the back with its fully variable torque distribution, letting this car dance like it means it.

So, if you like the CLS53 for its powertrain way beyond six-cylinder levels thanks to its mild-hybrid setup and its dynamics worth a dancing mirage, you should turn their attention to this one;

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door

This is the first-ever Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door and while this is basically AMG's answer to Porsche's Panamera and Maserati's Quattroporte, the AMG GT 4-door delivers the same thrills as its two-door equivalent while having a VIP in the backseat, despite the fact that both the two-door and the four-door AMG GTs aren't really relatives.

There are different levels of the AMG GT 4-door to choose from, something that its two-door equivalent never had the chance (and never will be because it will stick being a V8 sportscar). The highest-spec version, the GT63S, features a more powerful 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine that produces more power than the old 6.0L V12 used on the S65 range. 639PS of course. However, if you got a driver's license for the first time, better stick to the middle-ranged GT53 with its 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor like the one I mentioned above, and the low-calorie equivalent GT43 with the basic 6-cylinder turbo engine.

The GT43 starts at 91,809 Euros while the top-end GT63S starts at an outrageously priced 167,017 Euros. Very expensive indeed but it doesn't matter which GT 4-Door you choose because no matter the engine, you will still be greeted by its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that can be transitioned to either all four wheels or to the back with its fully variable torque distribution, meaning that this four-door couple likes to get in the groove on the road and on the track, reminiscent of how today's Mercedes E63 and BMW M5 do in their time.

In conclusion; although the four-door AMG GT has all the levels and the groove to make it more ready for action, those who haven't got that kind of value should better stick with the CLS53 for the time being but if the timing's just right for people who saved enough money for not buying the CLS53, they'll be lucky enough to drive the four-door AMG GT which shares nothing in common with the two-door equivalent and basically just an improved E-Class underneath it. Sounds like a plot twist but either way, these two new AMG four-door coupes are sure enough to give drivers the twist they want.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class W257

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class invented the four-door coupe trend no one knows about and while the idea of a four-door coupe is downright absurd by most car enthusiasts, the sexy profile of their so-called luxury hatchback is something that shouldn't be overlooked upon and with the advent of the third-generation model, the founding father of the four-door coupe is approaching to a different kind of angle.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, your new CLS-Class and as the car that invented the four-door coupe trend, the new model promises to be even more sexier than the previous generations or so I thought because when you start looking at the design flow, you will notice that the front dons the same sad-looking face as today's Mercedes A-Class hatchback and as you may wondering that with cars like the new A-Class and the CLS-Class, could this be the new face future Mercedes cars will be donning soon? Before casting doubts about Mercedes cars are succumbing to the Russian doll effect that has been plaguing every luxury car makers since BMW, let's look at some different angles because while the side views are still attractive by coupe standards, the rear view has a clear reminiscent of the Maserati GranTurismo, making it a sporty flair in this premium saloon fit enough for your Boss Madam.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class interior

Speaking of Boss Madam, the new interior is surprisingly high-tech and avantgarde and while the dashboard is worthy enough to get toyed around for hours, the rear seats are something that your Boss Madam wouldn't mind and since it can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio, you'll be getting a 520-litre luggage compartment worthy enough for some heavy luggage while taking Boss Madam for a trip to Tagaytay. Think of it as a business trip with a twist but despite twists, your Boss Madam will feel quite relaxed when you opt for the ENERGIZING comfort control which takes advantage of the climate control and the seats for a more atmospheric feel, relieving her after a long stress day at the office with her annoying workers.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

At launch, the new CLS is powered by a choice of in-line six-cylinder diesel and petrol units and because this is European and Europeans are unhappy with diesels, let's focus on the one used on the CLS 450 variant because while this engine produces 367hp of power, this model comes with a clever new EQ Boost feature which uses an integrated electric motor that adds 20hp of power while recharging the the battery with power by means of high-efficiency recuperation. It's a mild hybrid witchcraft and such witchcraft results to combined fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 178 g/km. By such powertrain and the 9G-TRONIC gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

While the performance is something to notice about, the dynamics are also worth noticing as well. Driving in a 4MATIC model, you might think that the CLS behaves like the new Audi A7 a while back but no, this is not a quattro and the CLS's 4MATIC is not like that Audi because it was recalibrated to have an all-wheel torque distribution of 45 % to the front and 55 % to the rear and as a result, it feels much as good to drive as you can get but when tension boils, it can get arm-breaking when it understeers and when that happens, better get your painkillers at bay. Going solo, the CLS can be nuts but with Boss Madam at the back seat, it works its VIP charms as a premium sedan that can take her to the office and back to her vanity-flooded mansion or a trip to the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Talking about here, the new CLS inherits most of the latest safety features from the S-Class, giving it an ability to do some semi-autonomous driving in some cases and you can even park it with your smartphone. With the Driver Assistance package, it gains more features to make it more safer to take Boss Madam home or more boring if you're going solo for a weekend drive.

Should you buy it? The new CLS starts at 60,571 Euros and when comparably priced against the new Audi A7, it's almost five grand less, making it a bargain for anyone who thinks the Audi A7 is boring and despite its faults, the new CLS really knows how to make a statement as the forefather of the four-door coupe trend. It may not be as perfect as you might think but it's definitely a great luxury car to get the most out of it, even your Boss Madam wouldn't mind it.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Shooting Brake

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Shooting Brake

What this is, isn't somewhat a warm welcome because for the car that brought you the term "4-door coupe" now brought you their first ever "shooting brake" from Mercedes Benz. Yes, this is the all new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Shooting Brake, and you may think that this is just a 5-door estate version of the CLS-Class but oh no. There's more to this. This is somewhat a Mercedes CLS that have been taking lots and lots of Viagra and look at this, how much male enhancements does it take for a 4-door coupe to grow itself into a shooting brake?

You can expect the same choices of engines from the standard model ranging from the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, CLS 500 (4MATIC) BlueEFFICIENCY, CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, and CLS 350 CDI (4MATIC) BlueEFFICIENCY, the same 7G-Tronic Plus, the same design DNA of other Mercedes-Benz models, the same governed 250 km/h top speed on some models, and the same technology offered on other Mercedes-Benz models.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Shooting Brake interior

The interior though, looks similar to the normal CLS until you check at the back of it. Yes, there's a wooden luggage compartment floor developed exclusively on the Shooting Brake and when you look at it, you'll know that this wooden luggage compartment is as lovely as a...yacht. It looks nice though and that's a good point for Mercedes-Benz there.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

The CLS 63 AMG also gets a shooting brake variant and yes, you can still expect the same M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine that no other racing game had featured one of these as of now. There's one good explanation why there's no single racing game featured a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 engine. Is that because they're to scarred to listen to the sounds of the M157 engine? Or is it their technicians can't sustain the noise of hte M157 engine? I'm not an expert though but hey, the CLS 63 Shooting Brake still comes with the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox and then, this can do 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limtied to 250kph but there's an option that can enhance the limiter up to 300kph. Sounds juicy though but is it worth it?

Price? Well, for the entry level CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, this costs about 61,761 Euros while the top of the line CLS 500 costs you 82,229 Euros. The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake though, that costs you 117,513 Euros. Aside from the list price, you'll spend some more for the optional extras plus delivery charges.

Although it's not priced to be a family wagon, this was priced to be a first-class cruiser for those who want to go for some "high roller" lifestyle at the south of France. If you drive one of these and parked at your community college, your classmates think that you have a very expensive station wagon and this goes for a blow-out at your nearby pub or restaurant. As a first class cruiser, it looks perfect but for everyday uses such as going to the groceries or shopping, this changes everything. Remember the Mercedes-Benz slogan; Das Beste oder nichts.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Is it a sedan? Is it a wagon? No, they called it "Shooting Break"

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klass Shooting Break

This long-rumored Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Shooting Break showed up on the net recently and nope, this isn't a sedan and this isn't a wagon. They called it "Shooting Break" and there's no way how did this new variant to the CLS-Class was called.

Still, you can expect the same specs as the original but you can now have more space at the back for everything else. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake: Independence at its most beautiful

Jun 29, 2012 -- Stuttgart. With the new CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting an example when it comes to creativity of design, and as such highlighting its leading role in this area: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupé, but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear, it promises some remarkable new possibilities. The idea of the four-door coupé – successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS and long imitated in the meantime – has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect. The result is automotive independence at its most beautiful.

According to CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche: "Any memorable machine is equal parts art and science. A car has to first deliver in function – the ticket of entry – and then in fascination: the ticket to real excitement. The CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts – unlike any other car in the market".

The proportions of the CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé, and create a basic stance which makes it look ready for the off: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break actually has five doors and offers "more" in terms of function.

In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition for people looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is a further highlight in the innovative luxury vehicle series from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coupé, has the potential to become the role model for a new market segment.

"The CLS Shooting Brake is based on the great tradition of stylish sportiness which has always characterised Mercedes, and takes these unique icons an exciting step further", explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes‑Benz. "It stands for the enhanced design idiom of Mercedes-Benz which is oriented towards aesthetic, avant-garde principles". This is seen in the impressive series of market-defining new vehicle concepts, such as the SLK for example, which in 1996 established a genre as the first Roadster with a retractable steel roof, the M-Class as the first premium SUV in 1998, or the first four-door CLS Coupé in 2004.

Exclusive innovation in the interior: wooden luggage compartment floor

The second generation of the CLS set high standards in terms of the design and quality of the interior: straightforward elegance combined with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The Shooting Brake also applies this same aspiration in the luggage compartment. It is lined with high-quality carpet, and the hand-stitched material is also incorporated into the sideliners in conjunction with leather appointments. Optional designer loading rails made of aluminium give an even more exclusive look.

An extravagant and unique feature for the automotive industry is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior. Cherry tree wood is a classic among fine wood species and contrasts perfectly with the inlaid smoked oak and aluminium rails. This affords the luggage compartment a touch of elegance normally found on yachts, combined with the exciting worlds of technology and precision craftsmanship. The wood is characterised by its flexibility and elasticity, as well as its density and fine texture. For the luggage compartment floor made of American cherry tree wood, selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces sanded to a smooth finish and waterproofed to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. Inlaid work using darker smoked oak, precisely cut into three millimetre strips using laser technology, helps to enhance the design of the wooden floor. The lavishly produced aluminium rails have a brushed finish and rubber inserts, and not only help to protect the wooden floor but also feature anti-slip properties.

The CLS coupé already set new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. The Shooting Brake also offers five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather to choose from. Customers have a choice of three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim elements. A completely new addition comes in the form of porcelain interior appointments which afford both CLS models a sense of luxury normally found in the S-Class. The CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces.

A new dimension in vehicle concepts: the four-door Shooting Brake

No-one likes to have to compromise: even when the focus is not on the practical elements of the design of the Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1413 mm), the new CLS model still has some trump cards up its sleeve. With a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, the luggage compartment offers a lot of room despite the flat, sporty lines of the roof, and is easy to use thanks to the automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard. A load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.

The standard air suspension at the rear helps to ensure optimum road holding at all times. For additional flexibility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down from the luggage compartment as standard. The rear seats themselves provide room for three people, with individual seats on the outsides and a third seat in the middle. The three saddle-type head restraints on the rear seats barely affect the view towards the rear, and can be lowered at the touch of a button by the driver. An optional trailer coupling is also available.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales & Marketing, sums it all up: "The new CLS Shooting Brake represents a new dimension in vehicle concepts and offers discerning customers independence at its most beautiful."

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency

Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict between the objectives of low weight and high strength in the CLS Shooting Brake. The model features frameless, all-aluminium doors made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and in comparison with conventional steel doors, are some 24 kilograms lighter. The tailgate, bonnet, front wings, various support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engines are all made of aluminium too.

The aerodynamics also make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. With a frontal area of 2.30 m² and a Cd value of 0.29, the drag area is 0.67 m².

Drive system: powerful and efficient

The CLS Shooting Brake is available with four different engine variants – two diesel engines and two petrol engines. Features common to all engines include the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function. In addition, two models are available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

The entry-level model is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 150 kW (204 hp). Combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, an excellent level for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Coming in above this are the two six-cylinder models: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp). The top-of-the-range model is the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V8 biturbo engine producing 300 kW (408 hp).

Efficiency is also increased by the standard electro-mechanical power steering EPS (Electric Power Steering). EPS is a radical move in the relationship between the driver, car and road surface. This is because for the first time, it gives engineers the freedom to choose and programme many of the parameters that influence steering feedback. So they defined a Mercedes-Benz feeling behind the wheel. In addition to fuel economy, the result is a considerable improvement in handling and agility. The electromechanical power steering also enables another innovation to be implemented – Active Park Assist. The CLS Shooting Brake is not only able to detect parking spaces, but can also park automatically.

Another world exclusive: dynamic full LED headlamps

The CLS was the first passenger car in the world to offer optional dynamic full LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology – similar to those of daytime driving lights – with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon generation. Some 95 percent of all customers have opted for these lights in the CLS Coupé. Of course, as the world's second car to feature this optional extra, the CLS Shooting Brake also offers the new light system. For the first time ever, it provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, look exciting; and they serve to underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new quality of illumination when driving at night.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate to the colour of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns and that the driver experiences significantly more brightness on the road at night. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K).

More than a dozen driving assistance systems help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are available as part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE‑SAFE® Brake. Both assistance systems are not only able to detect an unintentional lane change or vehicles in the blind spot, but can also correct the direction of travel by gentle brake intervention if the driver ignores the visual or audible danger warnings.

It's all in a name: the origins of the name "Shooting Break"

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to "break" in wild horses and also to restrict (or "brake") their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. Motorised Shooting Brakes were popular in England in the 60s and 70s – exclusive two-door sports cars, which combined the luxury and style of a coupé with a larger load compartment and large tailgate.


Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-benz-cls-shooting-brake-gets-official/

WALD C218 Black Bison

WALD C218 Black Bison

The C218 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class might be the second chapter of the world's first 4-door coupe but the guys at WALD INTERNATIONAL stop at nothing modifying the second-generation CLS-Class to be part of the Japanese tuning firm's Black Bison series.

The WALD C218 Black Bison uses the CLS63 AMG as its foundation and it comes with a carbon fiber body kit, bigger rims, DTM exhausts, and lowered suspension.

Made for the "cruising" scene...

URL: http://www.wald.co.jp/parts_acce/carrange/benz/cls-class/c218/c218.html

New CLS arrived in the Philippines - first up is the CLS63 AMG!

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz's CLS-Class, the founding father of the 4-door coupe category, has just made its full model change. In was debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and later went on sale since January 2011 along with the turbocharged CLS63 AMG since March 2011.

As we know it, the second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class finally arrived at the Philippines and their first offering was the turbocharged CLS63 AMG!

Scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/launched-mercedes-benz-cls63-amg

You've already know the specs of the turbocharged V8 engine mounted on the CLS63 AMG but get this; pricing starts at 13.8 Million Philippine Pesos. Sound expensive and this is offered for the adrenaline-seeking wealthy people but doesn't matter. It sure is a thrill ride to the killer highway.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 2nd-Generation

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Based on the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class on sale in January 2011, the new CLS63 AMG is the elite 4-door sports coupe tuned by the elite Mercedes-Benz tuning arm, AMG. Despite the "63" naming, the new CLS63 AMG offers the new high-performance M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine that creates an astonishing power output of 525PS, torque output of 700 N·m, top speed of 250 km/h , and can accumulate 4.4 seconds at the 0-100km run.

Just like the other AMG vehicles designating the "63" marque, the new CLS63 AMG is armed with the 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) transmission complete with fun-to-shift paddle shifters. The AMG Speedshift MCT transmission four different modes such as Comfort, Sport, Sport plus, and Manual, allowing the driver to choose which type is best suited on most driving conditions. Comfort is more preferable for those who are taking normal trips but the best part is the Manual mode, best suited on racing conditions.

My thoughts about the CLS63 AMG:
The second-generation CLS63 AMG is truly the darker side of the second-generation CLS-Class. This high-performance 4-door coupe truly expresses itself with its AMG suspension, AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, new M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine, aggressive front view inspired from the SLS AMG, and the fresh dark interior only real men would want to be tempted by the temptation of darkness.

Ready to tackle most to the Autobahn, the racetracks, Shutokou, or touge, the new CLS63 AMG can be somewhat a German wrecking machine that has a forced to be reckoned with and its design flow truly captures the artisan spirit.

It's like revenge is a dish best served cold to the competitors.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2nd-Generation

Since the Mercedes-Benz CLS debuted worldwide on 2004, the term "4-door coupe" was born and this term states a fusion between a sports coupe and a sedan. Providing as Mercedes-Benz's luxury 4-door coupe, the CLS truly shined the crowd with its attractive design good enough to fit in to the world of luxury sedans.

For the year 2011, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class made its first full model change and still retains its 4-door coupe status.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

In terms of design, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class became even more attractive than the previous-generation model, and I'm surprised that the enlarged MB grille as seen on the SLS AMG really made a point for this king of 4-door coupes. On the rear view, the new CLS seems to be a bit harsh but this is much more attractive than the Porsche Panamera.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class interior

The new interior for the new CLS combines exquisite hospitality and a charismatic convenience provided for both the driver and the passenger alike. The THERMOTRONIC climate control with three individual climate modes is a good feature if you want to maintain the CLS's room temperature by cooling or warming inside this 4-door coupe. The AM/FM radio, CD Player, and Bluetooth connectivity made it standard for the new CLS just so you know that entertainment can be surely handy, but if you want to make it even more hardcore, there are some optional features for the new CLS such as Logic7 surround sound system provided by Mercedes-Benz and harman/kardon, USB connectivity so you can listen to some music stored from USB, MP3, or iPod everywhere, and Digital Audio Broadcasting tuner. Consider this a welcome treat on the new CLS.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

When the new CLS hits the European market this month, two engines are offered following with other engine choices in the following months. First is the M276 (3.5 V6) engine that has the power output of 306PS and consumes for about 6.8 Liter/100 km while the OM642 (3.0 V6 CRDi) engine consumes diesel for about 6 Liter/100km because of its BlueEFFICIENCY label. However, the power output for this engine is a frugal 265 PS but its turbo diesel engine may catch up ahead from its 3.5L V6 grade. In the following months, there will be an entry-level grade CLS armed with the 2.1-litre CRDi engine (OM651) and a flagship model with the 5.0-litre V8 engine (M278) equipped to call it the king of CLS. A CLS63 AMG armed with the turbocharged M157 (5.5L V8 twin-turbo) engine may also follow in the following months. Most CLS grades are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission while the upcoming CLS63 AMG comes with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission.

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CLS:
The king of 4-door coupes is now made even better since the CLS made its first full model change. With European sales start this late January, could CATS Motors be next to get this new look of the new CLS soon in the Philippines? With the CLS 350 priced to about 64,617 Euros (about 6.9 million pesos) while 63,427 Euros (6.895 million pesos) goes for the CRDi-powered CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. I have a probability that only the gasoline-powered CLS 350 may come first while the diesel-powered CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY hasn't confirmed yet because the Philippines is under Euro 2 or Euro 3 and this new model is Euro 5 compliant. Which means, we can't get this diesel version of the new CLS yet.

Anyway, the styling of the new CLS might be the most attractive in the history of 4-door coupes. I really like the way how the CLS evolved from blah to wow. I really want to have my fingers crossed for the moment to come at the price that only the wealthy can afford.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz