Mercedes-Benz C257

In November 2017, in Europe, photo spies managed to capture the exterior of the future successor to the C218 model with almost no camouflage ^[3] . By that time, automotive journalists had already published technical information on the upcoming series on the Internet. So, for example, according to insiders, the new car should lose the station wagon version (for the first time, company representatives started talking about refusing to use it back in 2015). The premiere of the new model, as it became known, was appointed at the end of November 2017. The third-generation design was revealed the day before the presentation thanks to official photographs leaked to the Internet published by the Australian publication “Motoring” ^[4] .

The presentation of the new generation CLS-class, built on the modular platform MRA ^[5] , really took place in Los Angeles on November 29, 2017. The car's external design was borrowed from the existing models of the company in the coupe in the end of 2017, implementing the concept of “Sensual Purity” in the field of exterior design ^[6] . However, the car has its own, more aggressive design ^{[7] [8]} . The model was equipped with a Mercedes-AMG GT radiator grill, new wide LED headlights with MULTIBEAM matrix technology (designed in such a way as to provide visibility in the dark up to 650 meters ^[9] ) and two-section taillights. The interior of the car combines many aspects of the E- and S-class models: the dashboard with a glove box was borrowed from the production model of the E-class 238 series in the coupe, and the steering wheel from the representative Mercedes-Benz W222 S-class sedan. The initial lineup of the new generation CLS-class is an exclusively new in-line six-cylinder engine. Later, the four-cylinder units and rear-wheel drive variations should replenish the gamut of ICE. The interior of the cabin reflects already existing company practices borrowed from the E-Class 213 Series Coupe (C238) ^[1] : two displays with a diameter of 12.3 inches (one of them is optional) and four central ventilation deflectors in the design of aero-turbines, which appeared backlight. The boot volume of the new model was 520 liters. The back sofa, as in previous generations, can be with either two or three seats, and its back is folded in the ratio of 40:20:40 ^[5] . The company refused the modifications in the station wagon (“Shooting Brake”) due to low demand ^[10] .

Unlike the previous generation, the top-end AMG version will not use the V8 engine ^[3] . The most powerful model in the range, as conceived by the manufacturer, is the hybrid modification Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 ^[10] , which will be equipped with a power plant from a six-cylinder 3.3-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor. The total power will be 429 horsepower.

Production of the new model will begin only at the end of winter 2018, and cars will arrive at European dealers in March. In Russia, the car will appear in the spring and summer of 2018 ^[9] . In the first year of sale, the new generation of the CLS-class will be available in Edition 1 ^[7] , which will include the front optics of the Multibeam LED, a diamond grille, black 20-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design, a matte exterior with a partial leather trim, body kit AMG Line, as well as a special series nameplates on the sides ^{[2] [11]} .

At the end of January 2017, Russian Mercedes-Benz dealers began to take orders and unveiled prices for the new generation of the CLS sedan ^[12] . The car will be available with six-cylinder engines in combination with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The standard equipment will include LED headlights, leather interior, power and ventilation of the front seats, steering wheel heating, media system, Burmester audio system, digital instrument panel, rear view camera, LED interior lighting, blind spot monitoring system. The cost of the model in the basic configuration will start from 4,940,000 rubles for the Russian market.

Exterior

The appearance of the new generation CLS-class has undergone significant changes compared to previous series. So, the front part of the body began to look more aggressive due to the sharper angles of the optics, which also became narrower, as well as a wide “diamond” radiator grille with one lamella, reminiscent of the sports model Mercedes-AMG GT .

The side structure of the car is distinguished by a high, convex line of the body and a sporty, low landing, as well as frameless side windows. The front of the body at the side of the review should remind of the nose of the shark and looks longer due to the smoothly recessed hood ^[13] . The contours of the car as a whole correspond to the Sensual Purity design philosophy: fewer corners, more smooth lines and curved surfaces.

The back of the model is distinguished by two-section LED lights, reflectors located in the rear bumper and a company three-beam emblem located in the center of the trunk lid (depending on the equipment, it can have a rear view camera that automatically exits and disappears if necessary). The taillights have a special backlight and a corporate “crystalline” look, creating, according to the company's designers, a three-dimensional effect. Their low location is designed to emphasize the width of the vehicle.

Engines

The third generation of the CLS-class is equipped with completely new engines, originally introduced by six-cylinder diesel and gasoline units. Two diesel versions (CLS 350 d and CLS 400 d) are equipped with a three-liter OM656 engine, which debuted in a restyled S-class. Power model CLS 350 d 4Matic is 286 liters. with. and 600 Nm of torque, CLS 400 d 4Matic - 340 l. with. and 700 Nm respectively Gasoline version CLS 450 4Matic develops 367 liters. with. and 500 N · m, however, it can increase its maximum power by 22 horsepower and 250 N · m due to the small electric motor ^[1] .

Special features of the most efficient engine in the diesel family are the combustion process in a stepped bowl, two-stage turbocharging and CAMTRONIC variable valve control technology, used for the first time. Its design combines an aluminum cylinder block and steel pistons, as well as an improved NANOSLIDE cylinder wall coating. The petrol model CLS 450 4Matic is equipped with a new in-line six-cylinder engine M256 with a working volume of 2999 cm ³ with an auxiliary electric compressor eZV, paired with a conventional turbine, and an EQ Boost starter-generator ^[5] .

Gasoline

Diesel

Chassis

The third generation of the CLS-class is assembled on the basis of the MRA modular platform with a double wishbone front and multi-link rear (as standard) ^[10] . At the time of the premiere of the series, the entire model range was equipped with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox ^[5] . Instead of the standard spring suspension, adaptive (“Dynamic Body Control”) or air suspension (“Air Body Control”) is available on request.

Equipment

As standard, the new generation of the CLS-class at the time of the start of sales will be equipped with more powerful LED headlights, seats with massage, ventilation and heating functions, lane keeping systems and traffic sign monitoring ^[8] . In addition, the car was equipped with a multimedia system with a 12.3-inch display (a second display is available on request), a 4G module and the Mercedes me connect proprietary service. Available options also include active cruise control, 64-color interior lighting, an automatic parking system and a second-level autonomous control system.

The optional ENERGIZING package is designed to add convenience to the car. There is a task to control climate control (including the use of flavorings), seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage), heated steering wheel, as well as lighting and musical atmosphere.

Security

The Mercedes-Benz C257 is equipped with the latest generation of driver assistance systems, borrowed from the 222 S-Class series, including route-based data analysis systems provided by special auxiliary systems, as well as cameras and radar systems. For the first time, cars in the series use data from a map and navigation systems to calculate vehicle behavior.

A number of driver assistance systems and safety systems have a modular design, which allows you to change their configuration. The standard safety equipment in the car includes Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Speed ​​Limit Assist and a preventative safety system. PRE-SAFE safety system, which includes the new PRE-SAFE Sound subsystem, which prepares the human ear for the expected emergency noise at the risk of a traffic accident. The Driving Assistance Package, which includes DISTRONIC active distance control technology, Active Steering Assist, blind spot monitoring and many other technological solutions, is available on request. The Driving Assistance Plus option is also available, including the PRE-SAFE Impulse Side system, which can prepare front passengers for a side impact, giving them a lateral impulse that reduces the risk of injury.

Adaptive cruise control with the function of active retention in the lane is able to slow down before cornering and in the areas of speed limit, as well as prevent accidents when driving through the intersection. In traffic jams, the car can stop independently and resume movement if the stop time does not exceed 30 seconds ^[11] .

• The official press release. The new Mercedes-Benz CLS: Third generation of the original . Daimler AG Media. Date of treatment December 4, 2017. Archived December 4, 2017.