Trend-Leading Mercedes-Benz CLS Gains Enhanced Performance and Efficiency for 2016, Plus Upgraded Connectivity

The Mercedes-Benz CLS, the car that pioneered the much-imitated four-door coupe design theme in the luxury category, received an extensive upgrade for 2015 and for 2016 received further enhancements. The CLS550 4MATIC receives the 9-speed automatic transmission that was already standard in the CLS550 rear-wheel drive model.

For 2016, a newly available AMG Night Package for the CLS63 S underscores the sporty character of the vehicle with the addition of black gloss trim along the A-Wing insert, the window frames, exterior mirror housing, and rocker panel insert. Further changes for 2016 focus on upgraded connectivity. Mercedes-Benz, which pioneered automotive telematics 15 years ago, has upgraded its mbrace® Connected Car Services for 2016, making the new mbrace Connect package standard for all models, including five years of complimentary service.

The mbrace Connect package includes mbrace Mobile App, mbrace Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (EVs), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years. The CLA is one of several 2016 Mercedes models that will include a Remote Start function as part of mbrace Connect.

In addition, customers can choose from three mbrace subscription upgrade packages, mbrace Secure, mbrace Concierge and mbrace Entertain.

Voices will sound clearer thanks to new HD Voice for compatible mobile devices. And, on cars equipped with COMAND, SiriusXM® Traffic & Weather will be included as standard for five years (previously three years), further enhancing the value of this option.

Mercedes-Benz entered the 4-door coupe segment 10 years ago with the first CLS. The striking design of the second-generation model is anchored by classic coupe proportions, which emphasize a long hood, frameless side windows and sweeping roofline. The CLS was also the first vehicle to offer dynamic LED High Performance headlights as an option.

The revised front design introduced on the 2015 model, highlighted by the expressive chrome diamond radiator grille also seen on the AMG GT S sports car, also included addition of the futuristic MULTIBEAM LED headlights. High-performance, precision LED modules automatically provide the best possible illumination, whatever the road and traffic conditions.

Powerful, Efficient Bi-turbo Engines

The CLS400 is powered by a 3.0L V6 Biturbo engine that delivers 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The AMG CLS63 S has a 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine with 577 hp and a massive 590 lb-ft of torque. The CLS400 uses a 7-speed automatic transmission; the CLS550 models have the 9-speed and the AMG CLS63 S uses the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

All-LED Headlights

The CLS models come as standard with all-LED headlights. The optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, designed and developed by Mercedes-Benz, can optimally adjust the light distribution instantly and automatically to virtually any traffic situation. As a result, this lighting technology provides outstanding bright coverage of the road surface and roadway edge without blinding other drivers.

In addition to a stereo multipurpose camera, MULTIBEAM LED headlights rely on four control units that calculate the ideal light pattern 100 times per second and control all 24 high-performance LEDs in each precision module quickly and individually. Each LED is dimmable in 255 stages.

Each MULTIBEAM LED headlamp also features a module for the low beam, which can be swiveled outwards by up to 12 degrees. This provides an active light function, which is also camera-controlled. A preview function swivels the active light function even before driver has turned the wheels, thus providing optimum illumination of the bend early on. The active light function already swivels back to the straight-ahead position before the end of the bend, according to the particular situation, allowing the driver to identify hazards earlier. The anticipatory control allows an additional range of between 100-200 feet, depending on the traffic situation.

The “curve light” function is also unique, activating the cornering light modules on the left and right before entering a traffic circle. The navigation system provides the headlights with details of the locations of traffic circles along the route.

Grand Touring Luxury
A roomy cabin with sporty elegance and impeccable craftsmanship give the CLS an almost bespoke feel in the cabin. The 8-inch (20.3 cm) central color display accentuates the state-of-the-art look. The control panel in the center console uses four buttons to provide quick access to various functions. Five interior colors and six trim finishes are available and offer a host of potential individualization options.

Hallmark Mercedes-Benz Safety
Mercedes-Benz works to ensure the highest standard of safety is available to everyone. To this end, the new-generation CLS-Class incorporates many of the new Intelligent Drive assistance systems and enhanced functions that debuted in the S-Class.

Standard ATTENTION ASSIST® can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness. In addition to Adaptive Brake Assist, which offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 4 mph, standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS also features an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles.

The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 31 mph, and is able to help prevent or reduce rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 25 mph. The state-of-the-art assistance systems from the S-Class and E-Class can be added as an option. These include DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

• DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist is a semi-automatic traffic jam assistant that, at speeds under 37 mph, is able to follow the vehicle ahead even where lane markings are unclear or missing, thus providing a safe and convenient means of following traffic.
• The BAS® PLUS system can now also detect crossing traffic and boost the braking force if the driver fails to apply the brakes sufficiently; the PRE-SAFE® Brake technology can detect stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians and brake automatically if the driver fails to react, thus preventing accidents up to 31 mph and mitigate the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 45 mph. In flowing traffic, the PRE-SAFE® Brake provides assistance according to the same mode of operation throughout the speed range from 4 to 124 mph.

PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and perpendicular spaces, aided Surround View Camera system for easier, safer parking maneuvers.

New-Generation Multimedia
Mercedes-Benz equips the CLS with a new generation of multimedia technologies that offer intuitive operation. Special animations and visual effects present all functions in a clear and engaging manner.

The Audio 20 CD or optional COMAND Online infotainment systems are available in combination with the new 8-inch color display. Both enable the Internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. The prerequisite is a Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with data option. An integrated media interface connects an iPod® and iPhone®.

In conjunction with COMAND Online, Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather, GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and Panoramio, destination/route download and Facebook are now all offered. Audio and video playback is possible from various sources, e.g. via Bluetooth®, from the Apple iPod® and iPhone®, from SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD.

Two Types of Navigation
Standard on the CLS400, the Garmin MAP PILOT brings the Garmin’s user-friendly guidance and accurate map data to the vehicle's standard controls and dashboard displays. Integrated voice control makes using it even easier. Garmin's clear maps appear in high-resolution color on the 8-inch screen, with added instructions in the instrument cluster. The 3D views precisely depict streets and buildings, while advance lane guidance and photorealistic views of upcoming intersections provide the driver with an added measure of information.

Standard on the CLS550 and AMG CLS63 S is the COMAND Online with fast 3D hard-disc navigation, topographical map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and 3D map rotations as well as display of NASA satellite images. System features include an animated compass and display of Google Maps on the head unit. The navigation system can also provide real-time information about the situation on the roads when it receives its traffic data in COMAND Online via SiriusXM Traffic.

Bluetooth® Hands-Free Calling with HD Voice Capability

The standard Audio 20 CD system and COMAND Online both support HD Voice-capable basic telephony, which connects the mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardized Bluetooth® interface. HD Voice provides much better voice quality. In conjunction with convenience telephony, the high-speed LTE network can also be used in future if a compatible smartphone with a relevant contract is used.