An Illustrious Beginning

‘Icon: a person or thing that is regarded as a representative symbol, or as worthy of veneration.’ This is just one of the slightly varying dictionary definitions of the word icon – and the MercedesBenz CLS would fit every one of them.

To understand why, one need only rewind to 2004, when the first CLS was launched to a stunned worldwide audience, at the New York International Auto Show. What Mercedes-Benz had done was simple, yet revolutionary – the elegance and sportiness of a sports coupe (traditionally a two-door, two-seater car with a solid roof) had been effortlessly combined with the practicality and comfort of a 4-door sedan, resulting in a one-of-its-kind car – the ‘4-door coupe.’ The CLS instantly became a timeless design icon, and one of the most important pieces of automotive design of the last 15 years; it was also a hit with buyers, who were quick to recognise a classic when they saw one.

A Modern Design Classic

The 2019 model of the Mercedes-Benz CLS (the third generation) carries the DNA of its illustrious predecessors to new heights, establishing itself as a modern classic with the brand’s Sensual Purity design language. The heart and soul of a CLS are in its design, and this is a car that will grab your attention even at a distance; it looks absolutely stunning, and cannot be mistaken for any other vehicle. Its elegant, swooping, roof gives it an arresting and sporty ‘four-door coupe’ stance, the most modern iteration yet. The doors are frameless, in traditional coupe fashion, leading to a sharpness of design that is unmatched in the automotive world. With its edgy-yet-fluid LED head and tail lights, as well as its perfectly matched 18-inch alloy wheels, the exterior captures the deeply emotional experience of a genuine sports coupe, perfectly balanced with seemingly at-odds elements like size, power, luxury and functionality.

Intelligence, Technology And Luxury

The CLS isn’t just a gorgeous piece of automotive machinery. In keeping with the standards of Mercedes-Benz, it’s also packed with features, cutting edge technology and peerless luxury. Take something as seemingly simple as entering and exiting the rear of the car. With the sloping lines of a coupe, you would imagine that this would a bit of a task, but the rear has been designed so that a comfortable entry and exit can be made. Once inside the spectacular cabin, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the highest quality leather, metal and wood, with a large amount of head, leg and shoulder room – up to three adults can be seated in comfort. A Burmester surround audio system, sliding sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting system, new generation steering wheel, widescreen cockpit with twin-12.3- inch LCD screens, sleek, turbine-shaped air vents, Thermatic 2-zone climate control and a host of other comfort and convenience features ensures that, regardless of whether you’re in the driver’s or passenger seat, you’ll be ensconced in the peak of luxury and technology.

A Thrilling Drive

The new CLS is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s powerful and smooth 2-litre turbodiesel engine, with an output of 245 PS and a strong 500 Nm of torque; the engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox that is the last word in both quickness and refinement. With this outstanding powerplant, the CLS 300d goes from standstill to 100 kph in a mere 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kph, making for the kind of performance that you would expect from a full-blooded sportscar. With its patented Air Body Control suspension, the CLS’ ride quality at any speed is sublime, and if you desire a sportier driving experience, it has that covered too, with impeccable cornering, handling and braking capabilities.

The Last Word

In the way of all pioneers, the CLS has spawned its share of imitators, but it continues to be *the* original – the real deal. It has no true competition in its class, continuing to stand out as a shining example of what happens when design meets intelligence – the creation of an icon.

ENGINE

2.0l Turbocharged Diesel

POWER

245 PS

ACCELERATION

6.4 SECONDS 0-100 KPH

FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS

Widescreen cockpit, twin-12.3- inch screens, sliding sunroof, Burmester surround audio, 64-colour ambient lighting, new steering wheeL, 2-zone climate control, ABS with EBD, 10 airbags, Distronic, Pre-Safe systems

PRICE

Rs. 84.7 LAKH (ex-showroom)