Mercedes' all-new CLS takes some design traits from its E-Class sibling, such as the distinctive rear-wheel arch line.
Mercedes-Benz brought us the first sporty 4-door coupe when it launched the CLS back in 2004. At the time, it was the only player in the market and, consequently, was a sales success.
Today, the CLS has more than a few strong rivals: the Audi A7 and Volkswagen CC, for instance. Even Porsche's Panamera and Jaguar's XF can be considered CLS competitors.
What does that say for the all-new CLS launched here at the Paris Motor Show? Taking the lead in the marketplace isn't going to as easy this time around.
So how does this new-generation CLS retake the lead in this strong category? For starters, it's once again based on the E-Class and retains design features from its saloon brother, such as the distinctive rear-wheel arch line.
CLS Goes 'Green'
"Green" technology is as important as style these days, and the all-new CLS is filled with both.
Two V6 engine options will be available right out of the gate. The first is a 265-horsepower CLS350 CDI BlueEfficiency. The other is a gas-powered CLS350 BlueEfficiency that makes 306 horsepower and is outfitted with a new standard start-stop system that helps improve fuel efficiency by 25 percent.
A C250 CDI 4-cylinder diesel engine and a CLS500 gas-powered V8 will follow, both featuring start-stop.
All CLS models will feature electrically assisted power steering as part of a raft of efficiency-boosting measures.
A-Class E-Cell: It's Electric
So much for the glitz and glamour; what about the essential eco-tech? Well, Mercedes has perhaps been a little quieter than some of its rivals about its electric-vehicle plans, but that doesn't mean it's been sitting idle.
Mercedes is showing its latest rolling EV prototype: the A-Class E-Cell, 500 of which will be built and driven by selected customers in Europe. The E-Cell is fitted with a 95-horsepower electric motor that musters 214 lb-ft of torque.
Like its rivals, Mercedes-Benz is keen to see how its electric vehicles measure up in day-to-day driving. However, it says the A-Class E-Cell has a range of 125 miles.
A- and B-Class Benzes are particularly suited for conversion to electric or fuel-cell vehicles. By virtue of their "sandwich floor" construction, the motors and batteries contained within won't diminish the interior space.
It's still some time before Mercedes will be putting cars like the A-Class E-Cell into full production. Even so, there is a market, and the German automaker does plan to capitalize on it.
4-Cylinder Diesel S-Class
As he unveiled the new 4-cylinder diesel S-Class, Mercedes executive Dieter "Dr. Zee" Zetsche said the drive for greater efficiency means "considering things that were previously unthinkable."
True, Mercedes also makes a hybrid S-Class. But this new S250 CDI proves that the simple approach of engine downsizing can also work. Its 204-horsepower twin-turbo engine, sourced from the E-Class, delivers carbon-dioxide emissions of 149g/km and near 50 mpg fuel economy.
It will also sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 8.2 seconds.
