Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 04, 2010

Design: Design icon 2.0

- Distinctive: the elegant coupé outline combined with the expressive front
- Lavish: generous use of flawlessly crafted natural materials

Outrageous proportions: a long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. In 2003 the four-door Coupé was born: and the Mercedes-Benz CLS immediately established itself as a new style icon. The proportions have stayed the same - and yet everything is different: the second generation of this design trendsetter has adopted a completely new look.


What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car's relationship to the other coupés of the brand and strengthens the brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle's athletic appearance.

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the LED High Performance headlamps, which are the world's first to offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design - inside it is divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design as a distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also offer a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure above the wings slopes off towards the rear. This novel design feature, called the dropping line by designers, represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology which are arranged in the form of a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat hardtop. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.

As a design trendsetter, the CLS sets new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. Five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather are available to choose from. As a result, each CLS is a one-off piece and can be configured individually between warm naturalness and cool modernity.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise an exciting mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights here also include matt galvanised air vents, for example, which form the ideal framework for a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers or the so-called sewn covering for the dashboard. For the latter, the individual parts of the leather cover are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality foam. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated up to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.
The particularly fine, 1.6-millimetre thick semi-aniline PASSION leather which is used meets the highest standards in terms of both look and feel. Protected by only a light pigmentation, the natural pore structure remains intact and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Since the natural characteristics also remain visible for the most part, the semi-aniline leather requires a very precise manual selection process.

The refined sportiness of the interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements. They are located on the instrument panel support of the centre console and on parts of the door linings. Customers can choose between three exclusive types of wood: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The wood has even been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain, as part of an elaborate selection process, to create a harmonised overall impression.

The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon-fibre trim elements. Handcrafted perfection once again plays a prominent role in the production process. Up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim, for example, until the desired high-gloss finish is achieved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 04, 2010

European market launch in January 2011 - The new CLS: refined sportiness

- More design: a new design language for the second generation
- More efficiency: up to 25 percent lower fuel consumption
- More agility: lightweight construction and new electromechanical power steering
- More visibility: LED High Performance headlamps
- More safety: Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist

A generation ahead: with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle category in 2003 which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The customers were delighted, the competition taken aback: for many years the CLS remained the only four-door coupé in its class and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for some 170,000 buyers around the globe. "Customers all over the world have rewarded us for our courage in launching a completely new vehicle concept onto the market," explains a delighted Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz. "And with its exciting design and refined sportiness, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé."


The engines: higher output, yet up to 25 percent lower fuel consumption

Efficiency at the highest level: that is what characterises all four engines deployed in the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The output and torque of each engine is greater than in its predecessor; at the same time, fuel consumption has been drastically reduced, by up to 25 percent. Two 6-cylinder models will be available at first at the European market launch in January 2011: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 225 kW (306 hp) and the ECO start/stop function as standard. Just two months later, the engine range will be expanded to include the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 150 kW (204 hp). In the ECE fuel consumption test cycle it requires a mere 5.1 litres of diesel/100 km. The CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, with a V8 engine and 300 kW (408 hp), will follow in April. Both drive variants also have the ECO start/stop function as standard.

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency

Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict of objectives between low weight and high strength in the new CLS. The CLS is thus the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to have frameless, all-aluminium doors. These are made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and in comparison with conventional steel doors, are some 24 kilograms lighter. Apart from the doors, the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engines are all made of aluminium.

Aerodynamics play an important part in the outstanding efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Although the new model is wider than its predecessor and thus presents more frontal area to the wind, it was possible to reduce wind resistance by up to ten percent. This is thanks to the Cd value of 0.26, which has been improved by 13 percent.

Electromechanical power steering: a new steering experience

Marrying the ultimate in driving dynamics to the very best in long-distance ride comfort, was the challenge set for the designers and developers of the suspension system for the new Coupé, which aspires to be the epitome of stylish sportiness in both form and function. To achieve this, the suspension system, which had already attracted the highest praise from both the trade press and the public when introduced with the new E-Class, was completely re-tuned and enhanced with a key new component: the electromechanical power steering system makes its world debut in the new CLS. This pioneering innovation makes a new and radical contribution to the relationship between driver, car and road: engineers have, for the first time, been given the freedom to select and to program many of the parameters which influence the steering feel.

In addition, the steering system makes an important contribution to the CLS' overall efficiency: as the steering support system only uses energy when the vehicle is actually being steered, fuel consumption is cut by up to 0.3 litres/7 g of CO2 compared to the previous model.

For the front suspension, the concept of a three-link front axle design was chosen - just as for the E-Class - and was especially developed for the new CLS. The principle of a lightweight-construction multi-link rear suspension which is attached to a subframe, as used in the new E-Class, was adopted for the CLS as a result of its unsurpassed wheel location qualities. In comparison to its predecessor, all the components have been modified to give both greater comfort and better driving dynamics.

LED High Performance headlamps: greater visibility and full functionality

The CLS is the first passenger car in the world to offer LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology - similar to those of daytime running lamps - with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon generation (as an optional extra). This new light system provides, for the first time ever, the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, look exciting; and they serve to underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the admired and innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new level of safety for night-time driving.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for the LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate to the colour of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns and that the driver experiences significantly more brightness on the road at night. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K).

New driving assistance systems: greater safety

More than a dozen driving assistance systems on the new CLS help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. The Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist are new.

Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver if - with the assistance of short-range radar sensors - it detects that there is a danger of collision if the vehicle is about to change lanes. Should the driver ignore the warnings and the vehicle come dangerously close to the next lane, Active Blind Spot Assist will intervene. By applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle via the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, a yaw movement is created which counteracts the collision course.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is now also linked to ESP® for the first time. This system kicks into action if the Mercedes vehicle inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In this case, Active Lane Keeping Assist uses the ESP® to gently brake the wheels on the far side and thereby bring the vehicle back on course. A display on the instrument cluster warns the driver at the same time. If broken lane markings are crossed, the system controls an electric pulse generator in the steering wheel which generates vibrations for a short time – a discreet but highly effective cue to countersteer immediately. Before the braking system intervenes, the steering wheel always vibrates to provide a warning.

The exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The new CLS continues with the pioneering role of its predecessor and at the same time shows itself to be a brand-new star on the scene. What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car's relationship to the other coupés of the brand and strengthens the brand identity.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure above the wings slopes off towards the rear.

This novel design feature, called the dropping line by designers, represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.

As a design trendsetter, the CLS sets new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. Five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather are available to choose from.

The CLS lives up to its role as a design icon through the innovative material finishes used. An example of this is the exciting interplay of satin-finish and shiny metallic surfaces. The CLS also exudes refined sportiness with its lavish and high-class trim elements which can be found on the instrument panel support, the centre console and parts of the door trim. The customers can choose between three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre trim elements.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 01, 2010

The independent European safety association Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), has rewarded Mercedes-Benz as part of the new Euro NCAP Advanced programme by awarding the company prizes for its anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® as well as its PRE-SAFE® Brake driver assistance system. Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP,presented the awards to Prof. Dr. Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions for Mercedes-Benz Cars and Dr. Jörg Breuer, Head of Active Safety for Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the Paris Motor Show.


The new safety prize from Euro NCAP, which has been introduced to complement the association's well-known five-star assessment scheme, is designed to reward automotive manufacturers who offer systems featuring "scientifically proven safety benefits", and which are not taken into account under the existing assessment scheme. "We are extremely pleased to have received the prizes", explained Prof. Schöneburg, "as they represent confirmation of our holistic safety philosophy. Following a successful commitment to occupant protection, our primary focus is now squarely on the prevention of traffic accidents and the mitigation of their severity, in line with our 'Real Life Safety' approach."

In 2002 Mercedes-Benz became the first automotive brand to offer an anticipatory occupant protection system, called PRE-SAFE®, which takes measures to protect the occupants of the vehicle if there is an imminent risk of an accident. Analyses performed during crash tests show just how important and effective anticipatory occupant protection can be. In the case of belt tensioning, for example, the precautionary measures mean that the driver and front passenger are held in their seats in the best possible position and so do not move forwards as much prior to the impact, as a result of emergency braking for example, thus reducing the loads exerted.These tests showed that the head of the dummies was subjected to around 30 percent less stress, while the Mercedes engineers recorded a reduction of around 40 percent in the neck area.

Mercedes-Benz achieved a further milestone in 2006 with the PRE-SAFE® Brake which enables Mercedes-Benz passenger cars to brake autonomously in the event of an impending front-end collision. The latest development stage of this safety system has now been in use since 2009: if the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking, the radar-based PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what is now recognised as an unavoidable accident - an emergency braking action which can significantly reduce the severity of the impact even further.

PRE-SAFE®: early accident detection thanks to anticipatory occupant protection

Occupant protection actually begins in the phase leading up to a possible accident thanks to the Mercedes invention PRE-SAFE®, which is specified as standard on the E-, M-, R-, GL-, S-Class, CLS and CL-Class. It is also available as an optional extra on the C-Class and GLK.

Just as living things react instinctively and search for cover when they are in danger, PRE-SAFE® activates protective measures for the car occupants as a precaution when detecting the signs of an impending accident, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact. This early accident detection is possible because PRE-SAFE® is a synergy of active and passive safety: the anticipatory occupant protection system is linked to the Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program ESP®, as well as numerous other driver assistance systems, whose sensors can detect critical driving and traffic situations and send the relevant information to the electronic control units within a matter of milliseconds. PRE-SAFE® also makes use of these sensor data.

When PRE-SAFE® detects for example that skidding is imminent, when the driver brakes sharply or the PRE-SAFE® Brake has intervened, depending on the vehicle equipment the system moves the front passenger seat into the most favourable position to be in when faced with accident conditions, for example. At the same time the system automatically begins to close the side windows and sliding sunroof, if appropriate, so that no objects can enter the vehicle and the window airbags can provide better support in the event of a side impact or if the vehicle should roll over. The occupants are prepared for the potential collision by reversible tensioning of the seat belts and repositioning of the front passenger seat, enabling the seat belts and airbags to offer the best possible protection.

PRE-SAFE® Brake: the "electronic crumple zone"

Mercedes-Benz offers the radar-based PRE-SAFE®Brake system for the E-, S-, CL-Class and the new CLS. If the driver is distracted and therefore fails to heed the immediate danger of a rear-end collision or the warning signals of a driver assistance system, the PRE-SAFE®Brake is able to intervene and brake the vehicle autonomously.

This process has two stages: around 1.6 seconds before the calculated impact point – after three visual and audible warning signals – the system initiates partial braking autonomously, decelerates the car with around 40 percent of the maximum braking power (approx. four m/s²), and as a precaution activates the PRE-SAFE® reversible occupant protection systems.

Designed to supplement the visual and audible warnings, autonomous partial braking gives the driver a further, perceptible signal to act. If the driver brakes immediately then the maximum braking pressure is made available, or if he swerves then the accident can be avoided at the last moment, depending on the driving conditions. If the driver fails to react even after this autonomous partial braking, the PRE-SAFE® Brake is able to activate maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what is now recognised as an unavoidable accident - an emergency braking action that can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact.

Practical trials conducted by Mercedes engineers have shown that the impact speed is reduced by up to 30 km/h, and the system therefore acts like an "electronic crumple zone".

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