There will be two powerful engines offered on the CLS, a V6 and a V8. The entry level (if you could call it that) CLS 350 features the all-new 3.5 liter V6 that just recently made its debut in the second generation SLK. The newly developed motor makes an impressive 272 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, thanks to four-valve per cylinder technology, variable manifolds and valve timing. With this engine, the CLS is capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in just seven seconds, not bad for the entry level model. Average fuel consumption with this state of the art powerplant is 10.1 liters per 100 km driven (23 mpg).
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| Two engines will be offered in the CLS, the 'base' 272-hp 3.5 liter V6 and the upper-class 306-hp 5.0 liter V8. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
The upper-class CLS 500 makes use of a 5.0 liter 306 horsepower motor as found in all 500 models. With 339 lb-ft of available torque, this engine is said to be both tractable, and smooth. The additional power shaves nearly one second off the time needed to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Both cars feature automatic transmissions and are electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).
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| The CLS uses the same chassis and suspension layout as the current E-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
As the CLS is based off of the most recent E-Class, it retains the same chassis and suspension layout. The CLS 350 uses the standard E-Class suspension, and rides on 17-inch wheels and 245/45 R17 tires, while the CLS 500 makes use of pneumatics for a more comfortable and controlled ride and sports the added benefit of 18-inch alloy rims and 245/40 R18 performance tires.
One final note about the CLS, despite its rakish good looks and coupe-like genetics, it still features a large cargo capacity. Though it may not appear to hold much, the trunk actually has a volume of 505 liters (17.8 cubic feet)! That's 5 more than the current S-Class!