Engines for all, except us...
The CLS is no sports car even if Mercedes attributes the word to many of its characteristics. We in Canada will have to settle for V8 engines, as if that was an issue. That is unless you want the car and a smaller displacement engine. Depending on the market, Mercedes clients will be able to opt for a powertrain as small as a 150-hp, 2.1L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, numerous V6s, diesel and petrol and V8s.
Given that this was the international launch of the new C218 CLS, two V6s were on tap for all to try as was the new 4.6L twin-turbo V8. Unfortunately for me, I spent little time behind the wheel of the 408-hp and 443-lb-ft of torque CLS550. My brief experience unveiled a subdued but highly determined, faultlessly refined motor with more power than the average man or woman will ever need. And it sounds good too.
My pick of the litter is the turbodiesel 3.5L V6 which has as much will as the V8 but without the thirst. Putting out 265 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, this engine is 95% as smooth and quiet as the gas V6 but with gobs more go. For the moment, it's pointless to complain that we won't get it but here's hoping that we do.
The diamond in the rough is the other 6-pot that will not make the trip across the Pond: the 306-hp, 3.5L petrol V6. I spent most of my time driving the CLS350 BlueEFFICIENCY. As with a recently driven E350 wagon, this V6 is not only sensible but it really is efficient. Unfortunately, we North Americans tend to associate exclusivity with displacement and so the V6 is a no-go.
Putting all motors to work is Mercedes' 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission. And, for the first time in a CLS and the only way to go in Canada, Benz's 4MATIC AWD system will be standard.
Safety overload!
The new 2012 CLS-Class has no fewer than 12 driver assist programs, 9 airbags and the potential to straighten the Tower of Pisa with one swift punch without injury and still carry on unscathed. Could be the Tuscan sun that is getting to me but I think you get the idea; this thing is built like a tank.
Among all the safety features, buyers will be able to select from Lane Keeping, Blind Spot, Night View, Speed Limit and Attention Assist. If many could be considered useful in most driving instances, the Lane Keeping is the most distressing as it actually redirects the car, after a vibration is felt in the wheel. When the CLS begins correcting its own trajectory, the steering wheel does not move but the car does. Talk about being possessed. Thankfully, these aids or ghosts can be switched off, in most cases.
The CLS is no sports car even if Mercedes attributes the word to many of its characteristics. We in Canada will have to settle for V8 engines, as if that was an issue. That is unless you want the car and a smaller displacement engine. Depending on the market, Mercedes clients will be able to opt for a powertrain as small as a 150-hp, 2.1L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, numerous V6s, diesel and petrol and V8s.
 |
| The CLS550 new V8 twin-turbo produces 408-hp and 443-lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
Given that this was the international launch of the new C218 CLS, two V6s were on tap for all to try as was the new 4.6L twin-turbo V8. Unfortunately for me, I spent little time behind the wheel of the 408-hp and 443-lb-ft of torque CLS550. My brief experience unveiled a subdued but highly determined, faultlessly refined motor with more power than the average man or woman will ever need. And it sounds good too.
My pick of the litter is the turbodiesel 3.5L V6 which has as much will as the V8 but without the thirst. Putting out 265 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, this engine is 95% as smooth and quiet as the gas V6 but with gobs more go. For the moment, it's pointless to complain that we won't get it but here's hoping that we do.
The diamond in the rough is the other 6-pot that will not make the trip across the Pond: the 306-hp, 3.5L petrol V6. I spent most of my time driving the CLS350 BlueEFFICIENCY. As with a recently driven E350 wagon, this V6 is not only sensible but it really is efficient. Unfortunately, we North Americans tend to associate exclusivity with displacement and so the V6 is a no-go.
Putting all motors to work is Mercedes' 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission. And, for the first time in a CLS and the only way to go in Canada, Benz's 4MATIC AWD system will be standard.
Safety overload!
The new 2012 CLS-Class has no fewer than 12 driver assist programs, 9 airbags and the potential to straighten the Tower of Pisa with one swift punch without injury and still carry on unscathed. Could be the Tuscan sun that is getting to me but I think you get the idea; this thing is built like a tank.
Among all the safety features, buyers will be able to select from Lane Keeping, Blind Spot, Night View, Speed Limit and Attention Assist. If many could be considered useful in most driving instances, the Lane Keeping is the most distressing as it actually redirects the car, after a vibration is felt in the wheel. When the CLS begins correcting its own trajectory, the steering wheel does not move but the car does. Talk about being possessed. Thankfully, these aids or ghosts can be switched off, in most cases.
 |
| The new 2012 CLS-Class has no fewer than 12 driver assist programs and 9 airbags. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |