Mercedes-Benz redefined the four-door coupe segment a decade ago with the introduction of the CLS, and the 2018 model year continues this legacy of innovation and striking design. The second-generation CLS embodies classic coupe aesthetics, marked by its elongated hood, frameless side windows, and gracefully sloping roofline. This model year also enhanced its technological offerings, making the rearview camera standard and continuing to offer the pioneering LED Intelligent Light System as an option.
The 2018 CLS remains a distinctive and trendsetting four-door coupe, celebrated for its exceptional blend of style, potent performance, and luxurious appointments. The cabin offers a spacious environment imbued with sporty elegance and meticulous craftsmanship, creating an almost bespoke atmosphere. The contemporary feel is further enhanced by the prominent 8-inch central color display, while the center console’s control panel is intuitively designed with four buttons for quick access to essential vehicle functions.
Under the hood, the CLS550 and CLS550 4MATIC models are powered by a robust 4.7L V8 biturbo engine, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers an impressive 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, ensuring both refined cruising and exhilarating acceleration. For those seeking even greater performance, the Mercedes-AMG CLS63 S elevates the driving experience with a handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine. This powerhouse produces a staggering 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, channeled through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 7-speed transmission for rapid and responsive gear changes.
Advanced LED Lighting Technology
The 2018 Mercedes Cl models are equipped as standard with all-LED headlamps, providing excellent visibility and contributing to the vehicle’s modern aesthetic. For even greater lighting sophistication, the optional LED Intelligent Light System, a Mercedes-Benz innovation, dynamically adapts light distribution to suit virtually any driving situation. This intelligent system ensures optimal illumination of the road and its edges without causing glare for other drivers.
At the heart of the LED Intelligent Light System are a stereo multipurpose camera and four control units. These components work in concert to calculate the ideal light pattern one hundred times per second, precisely controlling each of the 24 high-performance LEDs within each headlamp module. Each LED can be dimmed across 255 stages, allowing for finely tuned light output. Furthermore, each LED headlamp incorporates a low beam module capable of swiveling outwards by up to 12 degrees, providing an active light function managed by the camera system. This proactive system includes a preview function that initiates the active light function even before the steering wheel is turned, ensuring optimal illumination through bends from the outset. The system also intelligently reverts the light to the straight-ahead position before the bend concludes, enhancing hazard detection. This anticipatory control extends visibility by 100-200 feet depending on driving conditions.
A unique cornering lamp function also activates the modules on the left and right sides when approaching traffic circles, using navigation system data to anticipate these road features. This sophisticated lighting system exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety and technological advancement.
Mercedes-Benz Safety Innovations
Safety is a paramount concern for Mercedes-Benz, and the 2018 CLS incorporates a suite of standard and optional safety and assistance systems. Standard ATTENTION ASSIST® monitors driver behavior and can alert the driver to signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, alongside Adaptive Brake Assist, provides collision mitigation from speeds as low as 4 mph. This system also includes an enhanced function that can initiate autonomous braking at speeds up to 124 mph if a collision risk persists and the driver does not react, significantly reducing the impact of collisions with slower or stationary vehicles. The system can also react to stationary vehicles at speeds up to 31 mph and help prevent or mitigate rear-end collisions at speeds up to 25 mph.
For even greater peace of mind, optional advanced driver assistance systems derived from the S-Class and E-Class models are available. These include DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist, offering a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers alike.
The 2018 Mercedes CL continues to uphold the high standards of luxury, performance, and innovation synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand, making it a compelling choice in the four-door coupe segment for discerning drivers.
