The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class marked a significant evolution in automotive design, representing the first major redesign of a vehicle that essentially invented the four-door coupe segment. In a fiercely competitive and ever-expanding automotive market, the CLS carved out its niche by seamlessly blending the emotional allure and dynamic styling of a coupe with the comfort and practicality expected from a sedan. This innovative combination solidified the CLS as a design icon and a benchmark for four-door coupes that followed.
Design and Exterior of the 2012 CLS
Sweeping Lines and Aerodynamics
The 2012 CLS immediately captivates with its striking aesthetics. Its redesigned body lines are more pronounced, giving it an even more distinctive and head-turning presence than its predecessor. Slightly larger than the previous generation, the new CLS is approximately 1.2 inches longer and 0.3 inches wider, enhancing its sleek profile and road presence. The CLS slots strategically within the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, positioned between the grand CL coupe (based on the S-Class) and the sportier E-Class coupe. This clever positioning allows Mercedes-Benz to utilize existing platforms and powertrains efficiently while maintaining the unique identity and character of each model.
The muscular yet elegant shape of the 2012 CLS is defined by its sweeping silhouette – a classic coupe form that conveys both power and dynamism. The graceful roofline flows seamlessly into the C-pillar, creating a dramatic arc that spans the entire length of the vehicle, emphasizing its coupe DNA. Mercedes-Benz’s signature design language, characterized by the subtle interplay between taut lines and rounded surfaces, is beautifully exemplified in the CLS. The arching profile, sculpted rear fenders, and elongated overhangs at the front and rear all contribute to the sophisticated and refined shape of this four-door coupe.
Beyond its visual appeal, the 2012 CLS is engineered for aerodynamic efficiency. Achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.28, a notable improvement over the previous model, the CLS slices through the air with minimal resistance. This impressive figure is a result of not only its inherently sleek body shape but also meticulous attention to detail, including specialized underbody paneling, redesigned outside mirror housings, and optimized contours for the front and rear aprons and the trunk lid. Mercedes-Benz engineers even utilized wind tunnel testing with rotating wheels to simulate real-world driving conditions, further refining the underfloor paneling and wheel spoilers for optimal aerodynamic performance.
AMG Styling for the CLS 63 AMG
The high-performance variant, the CLS 63 AMG, boasts distinct styling cues that set it apart. The deep front apron, with its prominent side air vents featuring black grilles and striking LED daytime running lights, immediately signals its AMG pedigree. The unique front grille incorporates a large Mercedes-Benz star and a single lamella grille slat with a black accent, further enhancing its aggressive stance. At the rear, the CLS 63 AMG features an integrated lip spoiler on the trunk lid, which contributes to reduced high-speed lift by approximately 26 percent, as well as a black air diffuser nestled between the signature AMG dual twin exhaust tips.
Advanced Lighting Technology
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS incorporates cutting-edge lighting technology, enhancing both safety and visual appeal. Standard bi-xenon high-intensity gas-discharge headlights (HID) provide superior nighttime visibility compared to conventional halogen lights. These bi-xenon units feature a dual “eye” design, with the outer element handling both low and high beams and the inner element serving as an LED running light. The turn signal, formed by an array of LEDs, wraps around the assembly in a distinctive “C” shape. The headlights are self-leveling, ensuring optimal beam aim regardless of vehicle pitch during braking or acceleration or variations in vehicle load.
For even greater technological sophistication, optional full LED headlights were available, marking another world-first for Mercedes-Benz. These LED headlights produce a brilliant white light, consume significantly less energy, and offer a longer lifespan compared to traditional headlights. LED turn signals are positioned at the top of the assembly, while a perimeter LED light encircles the low beam array in a “C” shape, creating a unique nighttime signature. The high beam is located at the bottom, and a striking row of LED daytime running lights is integrated into the bumper below. To manage heat generated by the high-tech LEDs, small fans are incorporated to keep the LED clusters cool, with the warm air circulated to aid in defrosting the lenses in cold weather.
The CLS lighting system also features active-curve technology, enabling the headlights to pivot up to 15 degrees in either direction in sync with steering inputs, illuminating upcoming curves. Adapting to vehicle speed, the active-curve lights significantly improve visibility around bends, allowing drivers to see approximately 80 feet further into a long curve compared to fixed headlights. Complementing this, separate cornering lights activate at low speeds when the headlights are on and the turn signal is engaged or the steering wheel is turned. Each cornering light illuminates the area to the side of the vehicle by about 65 degrees and up to 40 feet, fading in and out smoothly for optimal visual adaptation.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist, utilizing a windshield-mounted camera, automatically and seamlessly transitions between high and low beams by detecting headlights and taillights of other vehicles, preventing glare for other drivers. This system offers a continuously variable headlight range from 220 feet up to an impressive 1,000 feet. The rear lighting also incorporates LED technology for the taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and side markers, with conventional backup lights positioned centrally in the housings. An LED center brake light is integrated into the bottom of the rear window, and an LED rear fog light is recessed into the bumper.
Interior and Comfort of the 2012 CLS
Luxurious Cabin Design
The fluid lines of the exterior design seamlessly flow into the interior of the 2012 CLS, creating a cohesive and enveloping cabin environment. The dashboard and door panels visually connect, extending towards the rear of the vehicle, while the center console and transmission tunnel gracefully merge towards the rear, subtly dividing the two rear seats. Increased exterior dimensions translate to enhanced interior space in the new CLS. Occupants benefit from 0.8 inches more shoulder room in the front and 0.5 inches in the rear, along with 0.3 inches of additional elbow room up front and 0.8 inches in the back seat, contributing to a more spacious and comfortable experience for all passengers.
The large rear doors are a defining feature of this coupe-like sedan, providing tangible added value and easy access to the comfortable rear seating area. The interior is lavishly appointed with leather and wood, with natural-grain leather and a selection of wood trims adorning the dashboard. The dashboard itself is crafted with a soft-touch polyurethane skin, sprayed onto the base material to create a luxurious feel and a high-quality aesthetic. This production technique allows for seamless integration of elements like air vents and eliminates unsightly panel seams. Even the passenger-side front airbag cover features an invisible seam, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail.
The dashboard is engineered with sound-dampening properties and insulated at the front to minimize engine noise intrusion into the cabin. Airtight seals around cable and wire openings between the interior and engine compartment further eliminate potential sound bridges. A robust steel cross member provides a secure anchor for the dashboard and its components, including the radio, automatic climate control, instrument cluster, and steering column, minimizing vibrations and contributing to the remarkably quiet cabin environment of the 2012 CLS.
Technology and Features
The driver-centric cockpit of the 2012 CLS features a three-tube instrument cluster, with an analog speedometer at the center incorporating a versatile color display. The left tube houses analog gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, while an analog tachometer is positioned on the right. A large display for the COMAND system is prominently placed atop the center console, accompanied by an analog clock below it, flanked by fresh air vents. A panel of switches for features like heated seats, hazard warning lights, and PARKTRONIC is situated below, followed by the climate control system panel.
The COMAND central controller, a rotary push-button similar to a computer mouse, is conveniently located between the seats, alongside a large double cupholder and a storage compartment that includes a 12-volt socket, an audio AUX-IN jack, and the optional iPod-MP3 media interface. The COMAND system itself boasts a seven-inch TFT color display screen and intuitive controls for the audio system, which includes AM/FM/weatherband/satellite/HD digital radio, Bluetooth, MP3 capability with Music Register, a PCMCIA card slot, and GPS satellite navigation. A six-disc CD-DVD player, linked to the Gracenote database, displays artist names, music genres, track titles, and lengths. The navigation system utilizes a dedicated hard drive for map data covering North America. An optional rear-view camera, discreetly integrated into the trunk lid, displays the area behind the vehicle on the COMAND screen when reverse is engaged, with improved optics minimizing distortion and static lines aiding in parking and maneuvering.
The 2012 CLS offers a premium audio experience with the standard harman/kardon Logic 7 digital surround-sound system with Dolby Surround 5.1. This system utilizes two 610-watt amplifiers to power 14 speakers and a subwoofer, creating a rich and immersive soundstage. All amplifier channels feature individually tuned frequency response, and the system includes speed-dependent volume control. Antennas for radio, GPS navigation, mbrace system, and telephone are roof-mounted ahead of the rear window, with a secondary radio antenna integrated into the rear window glass, and phase diversity within the audio system optimizes signal reception.
Dual-zone climate control allows independent temperature regulation for each front seat occupant. The system automatically adjusts temperature and airflow based on sunlight intensity. A multifunction sensor monitors humidity and pollutant levels in the ambient air, automatically switching to air recirculation mode when using the activated charcoal filter if nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide levels exceed a threshold. A new sensor also monitors for potential windshield fogging and activates the AC compressor for dehumidification when necessary, optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing dry eyes by operating the compressor only when required.
AMG Interior Details
The CLS 63 AMG interior further elevates the sporty and luxurious ambiance. AMG door sill panels and AMG sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs greet the driver upon entry. Opening the door reveals a striking AMG logo on the three-dimensional TFT display in the speedometer. AMG-specific menus within the instrument cluster include a “Warm Up” mode displaying oil and coolant temperatures, a “Set Up” mode showing ESP mode, suspension setting (Comfort or Sport), and transmission mode (“C,” “S,” “S+,” “M”), and a “RACE” mode with a lap timer for track driving.
A dedicated AMG DRIVE UNIT on the center console, angled towards the driver for easy access, houses the E-SELECT shift lever, controls for MCT sports transmission modes, ESP functions, suspension setup, and AMG drive modes. A “P” button engages park lock. The AMG sport seats are upholstered in supple nappa leather with cross-stitching, with rear contoured seats mirroring the front seats. Leather extends to virtually every touchpoint, including the steering wheel, shift handle, and door panels.
Seating Comfort and Convenience
Standard 14-way power-adjustable front seats include a new four-way power lumbar adjustment. Familiar Mercedes-Benz pictogram seat controls are conveniently located on the door panel, and seat positions (along with steering wheel and exterior mirror positions) can be memorized for up to three individuals. Using the two SmartKeys provided with the car, two different drivers can program their preferred settings. An added convenience feature aids ingress and egress: upon SmartKey removal, the steering wheel automatically moves upwards and the seat moves rearward, creating more space for exiting. Upon re-entry and SmartKey insertion, the seat and steering wheel return to their programmed positions.
Optional active ventilated front seats, initially introduced in the S-Class, are available as part of a Premium 1 option package. Five miniature fans within each front seat draw air from the footwell – cool air in summer and warm air in winter – circulating it through special ducting and permeable fabric, evenly distributing it through the perforated leather upholstery for rapid cooling on hot days. Airflow intensity is adjustable across three speeds. Optional multi-contour driver’s seats can be specified with a Drive-Dynamic feature, enhancing lateral support during cornering. The system inflates the outer bolster of the seatback during turns based on steering angle, lateral acceleration, and vehicle speed data.
KEYLESS GO, another available feature, utilizes transceiver antennas to detect the SmartKey fob’s presence. With the fob in a pocket or bag, simply pulling a door handle unlocks the car. Starting the engine requires only depressing the brake pedal and pressing a button on the dash. KEYLESS GO also prevents accidental key lock-in within the trunk; if the keys are inadvertently left in the trunk and the lid is closed, it will automatically pop open after a few seconds. Parktronic, utilizing ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers, detects obstacles and provides audible warnings and visual bar graph displays indicating proximity.
Active Parking Assist, a combination of sonar-based Parktronic and electric steering assist, simplifies parallel parking. Below 20 mph, a “P” icon appears on the dash to indicate parking space search activation. When a suitably sized space is detected, an arrow appears alongside the “P” icon. Engaging reverse and confirming Active Parking Assist initiates automatic steering, with the driver controlling acceleration and braking at speeds below 7 mph. The system allows for two forward corrections before straightening the wheels. An optional remote electronic trunk closer adds further convenience, with trunk lid operation via buttons on the driver’s door, remote control, or a button on the inside of the lid. The system incorporates safety features, stopping lid closure if light resistance is encountered before latching.
Heritage of the CLS-Class
Coupe Heritage at Mercedes-Benz
The 2012 CLS-Class builds upon a rich heritage of iconic Mercedes-Benz coupe models. While the legendary 300SL “Gullwing” of the mid-1950s often comes to mind first, Mercedes-Benz’s coupe lineage extends further back, including models like the 1936 Type 380 and the elegant 300S of the early 1950s. Even some four-door models from the 1930s, such as the long-wheelbase 200 and 290 “Streamliners,” with their coupe-like lines, are considered by some to be precursors to the CLS. Starting with the 220S “Ponton” in 1956, a series of stunning Mercedes-Benz coupes based on early E-Class and S-Class sedans graced the automotive landscape for decades. These models collectively paved the way for the emergence of distinct coupe classes, including the CLK and the larger CL-Class, culminating in the pioneering four-door coupe design of the CLS.
The CLS Legacy
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class solidified its position as a design icon and continued the legacy of innovation and elegance established by its predecessor. By seamlessly merging coupe aesthetics with sedan practicality, the CLS redefined automotive categories and set a new standard for four-door coupes. Its combination of striking design, luxurious interior, advanced technology, and powerful performance ensured its appeal to discerning drivers seeking a vehicle that was both emotionally engaging and functionally versatile. The 2012 CLS remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing design boundaries and delivering vehicles that are both aspirational and exceptionally well-engineered.
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