Review: Mercedes-Benz C219.I CLS-Class (2005-08)

Overview

Released in April 2005, the Mercedes-Benz C219 CLS-Class was a four-seat sedan with coupe-like proportions. Manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive C219 CLS range initially consisted of the CLS 500, with the CLS 350 following in July and August 2005, respectively. Please note that the Mercedes C219 CLS 55 and CLS 63 AMG have been reviewed separately.

Mercedes-Benz C219.I CLS-Class specifications
	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
CLS 350	3.5-litre petrol V6 (M272)	7sp auto	200 kW at 6000 rpm	350 Nm at 2400-5000 rpm
CLS 500	5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113)	7sp auto	225 kW at 5600 rpm	460 Nm at 2700-4250 rpm

Dimensions

Compared to the W211 E-Class sedan on which it was based, the C219 CLS was 95 mm longer (at 4913 mm), 51 mm wider (1873 mm) and 27 mm lower (1403 mm), but had the same length wheelbase (2854 mm).

Suspension

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class had four-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. For the CLS 500, the suspension included Mercedes-Benz’s AIRMATIC DC air suspension and ‘Active Body Control’ systems, the latter utilising hydraulic servo cylinders in the suspension struts to provide an adaptive suspension system which minimised pitch and body roll; the system also provided selectable ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ driving modes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the C219 CLS-Class included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for all seats.

As standard, the CLS was fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Pre-Safe’ system, which anticipated and prepared for collisions by tensioning the seatbelts, adjusting the seat positions for optimal airbag deployment and closing the sunroof (if open).

The C219 CLS-Class was also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Sensotronic Brake Control’ (SBC) system which included:

a ‘dry braking’ function for wet weather driving by applying regular, short brake impulses to remove water from the brake discs;
increased braking pressure on the outer wheels of the vehicle when cornering; and,
a ‘Softstop’ function which reduced braking power as the vehicle came to rest for smooth stops in city traffic.

Features: Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 and CLS 500

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 included 17-inch alloy wheels, COMAND APS with a twelve speaker sound system, six-disc CD player and DVD-based satellite navigation, four-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermotronic’), leather seats, power adjustable front seats with memory functions, cruise control, directional bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, steering wheel gear shift buttons, remote central locking and keyless go, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, memory settings (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), courtesy lamps, tinted windows, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring and immobiliser.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 was further equipped with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, heated front seats, TV tuner and a power-operated glass sunroof.

August 2007: CLS update

From August 2007, the CLS 350 and CLS 500 were fitted with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. An optional ‘Premium Package’ was also introduced, including Mercedes-Benz’s Distronic, Keyless-Go and ‘Luxury’ (i.e. ventilated and heated) front seats.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 Designo

In January 2008, the limited-run CLS 350 Designo edition was released. Compared to the standard CLS 350, the Designo edition featured a Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, multi-contour and heated front seats with active bolsters, backrest comfort adjustment and massage function, glass sunroof, power folding mirrors and unique interior/exterior colour combinations.

Review: Mercedes-Benz C219.II CLS-Class (2008-11)