CLS coupe creating its own niche

Next generation electrification and the return of a favourite engine configuration provide the refined performance for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic.

The sweeping four-door coupe silhouette of the third generation CLS is home to mild hybrid technology and heralds a welcome return by an automotive staple that had been on the endangered list.

It’s the in-line six-cylinder engine, once commonplace under the bonnet of cars as diverse as family Holdens and Fords,

Jaguars, the Toyota Cressida and Supra and multiple Nissan models.

Since the demise of the Ford Falcon and Territory — and Volvo’s focus on four-cylinders — the trusty straight-six has become almost a BMW exclusive, with a few specialised applications like the big Cummins diesels powering the RAM trucks.

Mercedes-Benz has delivered a welcome surprise by beginning to phase out its V6 engines and making a return to lining up six cylinders in a row. The gen-three CLS is the first car to arrive here with one of the new engines — there will be petrol and diesel choices — and other upscale models will get the same engine.

There’s something special about the smooth, free-revving feel and snarly note of a straightsix that explains why BMW persevered and Mercedes-Benz is returning to this configuration.

The additional twist with the new engine is the new EQ Boost mild hybrid system. Fuel savings, torque gains and extended coasting capability are the benefits of the system that uses an electric motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission and 48-volt architecture to provide a mild hybrid powertrain.

Energy recuperated under braking is stored in a lithium-ion battery and then deployed as required to assist the performance — to the extent of 16kW and up to 250Nm of torque.

It’s not a rush of performance. Electric urge muscles up the torque curve and provides the ability to move away from stationary on smaller throttle openings to trim the fuel consumption numbers and polish the refinement. It also smooths out the auto stop-start process and means the CLS 450 doesn’t crank a starter motor to fire the straightsix.

The 450 is the sole CLS model offered in New Zealand so far. The four-door coupe configuration, effortless turbo six performance and $157,890 price-tag position it as a style-focused alternative to a number of E Class and S Class models.

The test car was an Edition 1 launch model with a $7900 special equipment pack that includes a high gloss black finish for the 20-inch alloy wheels and a highgloss black grille louvre and chrome inserts, gloss black front and rear apron trim inserts and Edition 1 badges.

The CLS drives like you’d expect from a larger Mercedes with a combination of luxury and sporting characteristics.

What sets the CLS apart is that it created its own luxury niche in 2004 with a four-door coupe, pillarless design — since emulated by the BMW GranCoupe models, Audi’s A5 and A7 and the Volkswagen CC. The third generation evolves the CLS high-waist and slim glasshouse fastback signature.

The interior accommodation is better suited to four than to five with that arching roofline compromising access into the rear seats. It means reasonably tight rear seat headroom but the CLS

THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE SMOOTH, FREEREVVING FEEL AND SNARLY NOTE OF A STRAIGHT-SIX THAT EXPLAINS WHY BMW PERSEVERED AND MERCEDES-BENZ IS RETURNING TO THIS CONFIGURATION.

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Engine . . Maximum output Maximum torque Length .. .. Width .. .. Height .. .. Wheelbase .. Kerb weight .. Fuel tank capacity Wheels .. .. Tyres .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

has good kneeroom and decent footwell space.

Longer drives are a comfortable experience in supportive front seats with power adjustment of cushion height/tilt, cushion length, slide/recline and headrest position and a four-way lumbar support adjuster. The front seats are also heated.

Another CLS drawcard is the impressive specification. Highlights include the Multibeam headlights with 84 individual LEDs and adaptive high beam system, a 360-degree camera, 13-speaker Burmester audio, sunroof, dualzone Thermatic air conditioning, Keyless Go entry and push button engine start, power close doors and bootlid, 64-colour ambient lighting and the Comand Online Infotainment system with high resolution screen, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus hard drive satellite navigation.

Safety content includes nine airbags, the Driving Assistance Package Plus with Distronic active distance assist cruise control, active lane keeping and active blind spot/rear cross traffic alerts.

Tyre pressure monitoring, Head-up display with Traffic Sign Assist and the Attention Assist driver fatigue monitoring systems are also standard.

The new CLS 450 4Matic is a fresh interpretation of a car which created its own niche. Generation three updates the style and luxury appeal, adds safety and driver assist content and blends a favourite engine format with the muscle and efficiency of electrified powertrain technology. 2999cc, 24-valve six-cylinder in-line, direct injection and turbocharged petrol 270kW at 5500-6100pm 500Nm at 1600-4000rpm 4996mm 1896mm

1476m 2939mm 1940kg 80 litres Alloy, front 8.0J x 20-inch, rear 9.0J x 20-inch Goodyear Eagle MOE (run-flat), front 245/35 ZR 20, rear 275/30 ZR 20

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