mercedes-benz CLS' dynamic yet luxurious test drive in barcelona

ever since its world debut at the 2017 LA auto show, the mercedes-benz ‘CLS’ has once more stood as an icon for sportiness combined with complete comfort. the third generation furthers and redefines this car definition, which was first founded in 2003 as a successful effort to merge the dynamism of coupés with the luxury and functionality of saloons.

between the shimmering sandy shores and the snow-capped hills surrounding the city, designboom test drove the all-new mercedes-benz ‘CLS’ in barcelona, spain, to see whether the third generation model truly extends the ambitions of the original.

‘the new CLS is a design icon as the archetype of the four-door coupe,’ says gorden wagener, chief design officer damiler AG. in line with its predecessors, the car displays pure CLS genes with its arching waistline, flat side window lines and low greenhouse. however, this time, the model follows the brand’s new design idiom of sensual purity, which has significantly reduced the sharp edges and lines from the exterior. ‘in line with our design philosophy of sensual purity, we have reduced its DNA in an extremely puristic way and at the same time emotionally charged it with elegant beauty,’ continues wagener.

the aura of its unique character, which is immediately present, begins at its striking front end, where onlookers are greeted with a dynamically-defined diamond radiator grille that’s silhouette widens as it descends towards the base. following these contours, the very flat and wide headlamps slant inwards to its flanks. above, on the edges of the bonnet, introduces the beginnings of its muscular body surfaces. flowing along the side profile and sitting below the sporty, low greenhouse, the high, arching waistline blends smoothly into the similarly sculpted rear. here, the low positioning of the two-section tail lights, with a crystalline appearance thanks to its edgelight backlighting, accentuates the width of the vehicle.

the luxurious interior of the mercedes-benz ‘CLS’ mirrors the sensual flowing contours of the exterior. the space, which, for the first time, accommodates five seats, evokes the feeling of a modern, lounge-like atmosphere. this is thanks to its high-grade choice of materials, epitomized by the high-gloss wood of the center console, that is complemented by its ambience lighting, which includes 64 colors, ten color themes and two effects. these tones and textures, as well as the width-accentuated cockpit, create an impression of generous spaciousness. the cockpit itself is fully digital, allowing drivers, like ourselves, to freely configure the information depending on their preference, interior styling, and even their mood.

the car’s breadth of high technology extends further when testing its driving assistance package, all of which, when applied, appears on the heads-up display and assistance graphics menu on the instrument cluster. as route-based support for the driver, the car offers active distance control, active steering assist, active brake assist, lane keeping assist and speed limit assist in order to provide even more comfortable support.

the comfort provided by the latest generation of driving assistance systems is added to further thanks to its four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. with two suspension options; DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL and AIR BODY CONTROL, the driver is enabled to manage and tailor the machine to their activity or preference. the former system details a sporty set-up, while the latter enables adjustable and adaptive damping.

whether commuting through the city center or cruising across the countryside – both as we did – the driver is able to customize the ride to be more leisurely and luxurious or sporty and energetic. this is is where the performance of the vehicle truly fits the the image of ‘CLS’; as an elegant yet dynamic car. the new engines options: CLS 350 d 4MATIC with 286 hp and 600 Nm of torque; CLS 400 d 4MATIC with 340 hp and 700 Nm; and the CLS d 450 4MATIC with 367 + 22 hp and 500 + 250 Nm thanks to its systematically electrified, six-cylinder, in-line petrol engine with EQ boost and a 48 V on-board electrical system. across all setting scenarios, the ‘CLS’ seemingly effortlessly handled the performance in what can only be described as a sensually pure experience.

image © designboom

image © designboom