2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS500

At the beginning of October 2004 the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class four-door Coupé is being given its market launch. The car is based on a unique vehicle concept which for the first time combines the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and practicality of a saloon. Spaciousness, luggage capacity and day-to-day practicality are at the level of a saloon, while the design lines possess the emotionally charged character of a coupé. With this currently unique combination, the new CLS-Class is one coupé generation ahead. You can find more visual details of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 gallery by scrolling up.

The technical specification also points the way to the future: in addition to adaptive front airbags, sidebags and windowbags, the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE is to become available for the new Mercedes Coupé in the near future. The engine range includes two powerful petrol units: in the CLS 350 a newly developed V6 with 200 kW/272 hp and in the CLS 500 a muscular eight-cylinder unit with 225 kW/306 hp. Both engines are partnered by the new seven-speed automatic transmission, 7G-TRONIC, as standard. In the top CLS 500 model features such as AIRMATIC DC air suspension and THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control provide S-Class levels of comfort.

The precursor to the new CLS-Class was a coupé study which Mercedes-Benz presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn 2003. The enthusiastic public response to this four-door coupé encouraged the management in Stuttgart to give the green light for series production.

As a unique synthesis of a coupé and a saloon, the new CLS-Class offers a great deal more added value than other coupés. In this way Mercedes-Benz is once again emphasising its role as a trendsetter for new ideas in the automotive world. The sophisticated aesthetics of this coupé design, the exclusive appointments and the trailblazing technology are particularly aimed at people who have a passion for motor cars and motoring.

Comfort and spaciousness to saloon standards

The four-door coupé concept even allows passengers in the rear convenient access and egress. They have the benefit of two comfortable single seats and enjoy generous freedom of movement. There is a distance of 829 mm between the front and rear seats, which together with the shoulder and elbow-level width (1422 and 1464 millimetres respectively in the rear) puts the CLS-Class firmly in saloon territory. Newly developed seats with electric adjustment as standard are available for the driver and front passenger; on request these can be equipped with active ventilation or as a dynamic multicontour seat.

Furthermore, the boot of the new CLS-Class holds up to 505 litres (VDA measuring method) – much more than any other coupé and even many a saloon.

Choice of powerful six and eight-cylinder engines

Both the engines available for the CLS-Class exhibit effortless performance and exemplary torque characteristics, providing the best possible conditions for dynamic driving pleasure. The CLS 350 is equipped with a newly developed V6 engine which has an output of 200 kW/272 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 350 Newton metres from a mere 2400 rpm. Both are peak values in this displacement class.

The six-cylinder Coupé accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The lively V6 engine harmonises with the likewise new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which is standard equipment. This is the world’s first passenger car transmission of this type, and makes a major contribution to the strong acceleration and exemplary fuel consumption of the CLS 350 – 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption).