# Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219)

The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the first generation of the CLS-Class range of four-door coupe which features a fastback body style by Mercedes-Benz, and was produced between 2003 and 2010.
The CLS-Class has only four seats and is marketed by Mercedes as a four-door coupé. It was the first model globally to introduce this four-door coupe style and VW followed with the Volkswagen CC model in 2008 and the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 in 2009.
The car is less practical than the W211 E-Class that it is based on, with less legroom, headroom, and boot space. The CLS-Class is priced above the E-Class, but below the S-Class in the Mercedes model range. The production of the C219 series totalled only 170,000 units globally throughout its six year production run. It was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218) in 2011.

## Development and launch

The C219 CLS-Class is based on the Vision CLS concept that was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The design combined the roof-line of a coupé onto the body of a four-door chassis leading to a fastback vehicle. It featured new technologies such as cornering lights, an electrohydraulic braking system (Sensotronic Brake Control), a seven-speed (7G-Tronic) automatic transmission, and a turbo-diesel engine rated at 197 kW (268 PS; 264 hp) and 560 N⋅m (413 lb⋅ft).
The production version of the C219 CLS-Class was based on the W211 E-Class platform, and shares major components including the engines, transmissions and an identical wheelbase of 2,854 mm (112 in). The car is 95 mm (4 in) longer, 51 mm (2 in) wider, and 27 mm (1 in) lower in comparison, and features, according to Mercedes, a 30% stiffer suspension setup and faster steering.
Design patents were filed on July 24, 2002. The production version CLS 500 debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.

## Equipment

Standard equipment includes heated automatically dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and an automatic climate control system. The CLS-Class comes with front and side airbags, and a smart sensor system connected to the seatbelts and airbags that can detect and react to an accident. Available options include: self-cleaning bi-xenon HID headlamps, radar-guided cruise control, keyless go, GPS navigation, Sensotronic Brake Control and AirMATIC air suspension that can be controlled from the driver and can be raised or lowered by 76 mm (3 in).

## Models
### Petrol engines

| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
| CLS 280 | 2008–2009 | M272 E30 3.0 L V6 | 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) @ 6,000 rpm | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) @ 2,500–5,000 rpm | 7.7 s |
| CLS 300 | 2009–2010 | M272 E30 3.0 L V6 | 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) @ 6,000 rpm | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) @ 2,500–5,000 rpm | 7.7 s |
| CLS 350 | 2004–2006 | M272 E35 3.5 L V6 | 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) @ 6,000 rpm | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) @ 2,400–5,000 rpm | 6.9 s |
| CLS 350 CGI | 2006–2010 | M272 DE35 3.5 L V6 | 215 kW (292 PS; 288 hp) @ 6,400 rpm | 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) @ 3,000–5,100 rpm | 6.7 s |
| CLS 500 | 2004–2006 | M113 E50 5.0 L V8 | 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) @ 5,600 rpm | 460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) @ 2,700–4,250 rpm | 6.1 s |
| CLS 500 / CLS 550 | 2007–2010 | M273 E55 5.5 L V8 | 285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp) @ 6,000 rpm | 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) @ 2,800–4,800 rpm | 5.4 s |
| CLS 55 AMG | 2004–2006 | M113 E55 AMG 5.4 L V8 supercharged | 350 kW (476 PS; 469 hp) @ 6,100 rpm | 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) @ 2,650–4,500 rpm | 4.2 s |
| CLS 63 AMG | 2006–2010 | M156 E63 6.2 L V8 | 378 kW (514 PS; 507 hp) @ 6,800 rpm | 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) @ 5,200 rpm | 4.0 s |

### Diesel engines

| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
| CLS 320 CDI | 2005–2010 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo | 165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) @ 3,800 rpm | 510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,800 rpm | 7.0 s |
| CLS 350 CDI | 2007–2010 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo | 165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) @ 3,800 rpm | 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | 7.0 s |
| CLS 350 CDI Grand Edition | 2009 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo | 203 kW (276 PS; 272 hp) @ 3,800 rpm | 590 N⋅m (435 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600 rpm | 6.5 s |

## Special models
### CLS 55 AMG

The CLS 55 AMG is a high-performance variant of the CLS-Class featuring a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 producing 350 kW (476 PS; 469 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft), and was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. Compared to the standard model, the CLS 55 AMG has larger 360 mm brake discs with eight-piston callipers from the SL55 AMG, wider 18-inch alloy wheels, revised stiffer AirMATIC air suspension with multiple driving modes, AMG bodywork, and a five-speed automatic transmission.

### CLS 63 AMG

The CLS 63 AMG was introduced in 2006, as the successor to the CLS 55 AMG. The car is powered by the then new Mercedes M156 engine that produces 383 kW (521 PS; 514 hp) and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft); with less torque than before in order to accommodate the new AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed transmission, instead of the previous five-speed automatic. The new transmission includes a comfort, sport, and manual mode that allows for the manual changing of gears. Sport mode have shift speeds that are almost 30% faster than comfort and 50% faster than manual. The car also features an updated instrument cluster and alloy-wheel design.
The CLS 63 AMG had a 6,208 cc (6.208 L) V8 petrol engine, with 383 kW (521 PS; 514 hp) and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) of torque, and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The CLS 63 AMG was able to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds. Its curb weight was 1,870 kg (4,120 lb).

### CLS Grand Edition (2009)

The CLS Grand Edition was a special edition model of the CLS-Class, with only 560 units produced and sold in 2009. The CLS Grand Edition was available with all non-AMG models at the time, and the CLS 350 CDI model received performance improvements of 38 kW (52 PS; 51 hp) and 50 N⋅m (37 lb⋅ft). Standard equipment included: bi-xenon headlights, titanium grey 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, laurel wood interior trim, and 'Grand Edition' insignia. Models were also offered with a choice of designo leather upholstery and four exclusive metallic exterior paint colours.

### CLS 55 AMG IWC Edition

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG IWC Edition is a limited edition model of the CLS-Class produced in collaboration with the renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen. Launched in 2006, this exclusive model is based on the high-performance CLS 55 AMG, known for its powerful 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 469 horsepower. The CLS 55 AMG IWC Edition stands out with unique design elements and luxury features, including bespoke IWC-inspired details, special badging, and an exclusive IWC Ingenieur watch. Only 55 units were produced, making it a rare and coveted collector's item. This collaboration highlights the fusion of automotive excellence and horological craftsmanship.

## Model year changes
### 2006

* CLS 350 replaced by CLS 350 CGI
* CLS 55 AMG replaced by CLS 63 AMG
* CLS 500 upgraded to 5.5-litre engine and renamed as CLS 550 for US and Canada
* SBC was discontinued.

### 2008 facelift

In 2008, a facelift was introduced for the CLS-Class:
* Exterior changes include: restyled bumpers and mirrors, LED taillights, redesigned grille now with two louvres, new alloy-wheel designs, squarer shaped tailpipes
* Interior changes include: introduction of new COMAND APS NTG 2.5 system, non-COMAND systems now have 5.0-inch colour screen, new restyled three-spoke steering wheel
* CLS63 AMG model now comes with: black grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG sports exhaust system, and new AMG steering wheel
* Introduction of CLS280 model
Pre-facelift styling
* Front
* Rear
Post-facelift styling
* Front
* Rear

### 2009

* Limited production Grand Edition models introduced.

## Sales figures

The CLS-Class was produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.
The following are the sales figures in European markets and in the United States only:
| Year | EU total | US total |
| 2004 | 5,543 | - |
| 2005 | 20,147 | 14,835 |
| 2006 | 20,262 | 10,763 |
| 2007 | 17,098 | 7,906 |
| 2008 | 12,224 | 5,775 |
| 2009 | 6,083 | 2,527 |
| 2010 | 3,975 | 2,135 |
| Total: | 85,332 | 43,941 |