Based on the platform of the excellent E-Class sedan, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will only be three inches shorter overall, relying on the rakish slope of the roof, small rear doors and its teardrop silhouette to convey the image of a coupe. As on the automaker's coupes and convertibles, the three-pointed star is mounted in the center of the grille rather than on the hood as an ornament, signifying the sporting intentions of the CLS-Class. Mercedes says that the intent of the CLS-Class is to elegantly blend the “strong, emotive charisma” of a coupe with the “comfort and practicality” of a sedan.
Two models will be available when the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class arrives later this year. The Mercedes CLS 350 is equipped with a 272-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine that accelerates the car to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, thanks in part to a thick wad of torque available between 2,400 and 5,000 rpm. The CLS 350 rides on 17-inch, five twin-spoke alloy wheels wearing 245/45 tires.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class certainly looks like a coupe, thanks to its minimized greenhouse, frameless side glass, arcing sheetmetal and low-slung roofline. The rear backlight sweeps seamlessly into the trunk area, while short front and rear overhangs lend an assertive stance. The wheel wells are stuffed with handsome alloy wheels, imparting the impression that this is a solid piece of machinery with no extraneous gaps or flourishes. The headlamps are more reminiscent of the Mercedes S-Class rather than the circular figure eights found on most other cars in the Benz stable, providing a clear distinction between the CLS-Class and the platform-donor E-Class.
The cabin is considerably less radical, sharing switchgear and major componentry with other models in the Mercedes range. On the road the CLS delivers a dynamic experience very close to that of the CLK coupe. It's agile, taut and responsive, although the driver never feels as connected to the action on a favourite twisty road as they would in a mid-sized BMW. Waft is what the CLS does best, demolishing motorway journeys and keeping out an impressive amount of disturbance from wind and road noise. The driving position is very comfortable and front seat occupants enjoy plenty of space, but it feels tight in the back and rear headroom isn't brilliant. At least the boot is a decent size, although the rear seats can't be folded down to increase its volume.