Mercedes Benz CLS setting the pace

Zimoco showroom along Third Street.
Daphne Ritson was so kind when she took me around and gave me a lecture on the capabilities of this vehicle.
There is so much brainy activity under the hood and with a price tag fit for that senior business executive, I wasn’t surprised.
It is worth every penny. This four-door “coupe” has evolved offering a fresher look and stronger performance.
It comes with a seductively powerful V8 engine, sleek and sexy styling and capable handing that facilitates a comfortable ride.
The current Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class incorporates the CLS550 sport package as standard equipment instead of an option.
When the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class debuted in  2006, it shook the establishment with its four-door coupe designation.
The concept has definitely caught on, as competing sedans with coupe-like rooflines are becoming more and more common.
And it is easy to see why. The combination of a coupe’s graceful, sweeping lines and the practicality of two extra doors holds specialised appeal.
As the progenitor of this composite coupe/sedan genre, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a great example of the advantages and a few drawbacks to this design.
Most of the positive traits are related to styling, while the majority of its faults can be attributed to the compromises made in the name of style.
As you can probably guess, the rear seat bears the brunt of this, with reduced headroom and difficult entry and exit.
But then again, who cares, most of the people who can afford to buy this vehicle don’t carry so many passengers at a time.
The CLS has also typically offered more sporting driving dynamics than most of the other vehicles in the Mercedes line-up.
But the company has made strides in designing its newest vehicles to be more dynamic, so the CLS will soon be competing with its siblings on the sports driving dynamics arena.
Competitors in its class are the Porsche Panamera, which has a coupe-like profile and a very impressive performance, but it is more expensive and hampered by an overall look.
You might also check out the Jaguar XF or XJ, both of which are sleekly styled and have plenty in the way of luxury and performance. But the CLS remains a pioneer for this class of car and is still worth consideration.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class consists of two models: The CLS550 and CLS63 AMG.
Standard equipment on the base CLS550 includes 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels with high-performance tyres, a sunroof, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, automatic wipers and an adaptive air suspension.
In addition, it comes with front and rear foglamps, cruise control, four-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with shift paddles, 10-way power front seats with driver memory functions, leather upholstery and wood trim.
Bluetooth, the COMAND electronics interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with a six-CD/DVD changer, satellite radio and HD radio.
The CLS63 AMG adds a more powerful V8, an AMG-tuned sport suspension, more powerful brakes, 19-inch wheels, more aggressive exterior styling, upgraded leather and faux suede upholstery, sport front seats and an iPod interface.
Options exclusive to the CLS63 AMG include the AMG performance package, which adds lightweight 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels, limited-slip differential, track-calibrated suspension settings, a higher top speed (186mph) and a sport steering wheel.
The AMG Wheel and Sound package includes 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels and a 12-speaker, 705-watt Bang and Olufsen surround-sound audio system.
Additional CLS63 options include interior trim that features carbon-fibre and faux suede.
The Premium 1 package is available on both models and includes adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with washers, a power trunk lid, keyless ignition/entry, a power rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats and an iPod interface (CLS550).
Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is powered by a 5,5-liter V8 that produces 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.
A seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Mercedes estimates the 0-100-kmph sprint will take 5,4 seconds.
EPA estimated fuel economy is about 6km per litre for city rounds and 9km per litre on the highway.
It comes with antilock brakes, stability control, active front head restraints, a driver knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and the emergency telematics system.
While the CLS’s graceful arching roofline certainly gives it a stylish coupe-like silhouette.
The short windows make the CLS’s cabin feel less airy than a typical sedan’s, but compared to a traditional coupe, the CLS is legitimately comfortable in back rather than merely passable. Also, trunk capacity is a useful 15,9 cubic feet.
Unlike newer Mercedes models with their austere, angular surfaces, the CLS’s dashboard is curvaceous.
Textures and materials are up to Mercedes’ normally high standards. Most interior functions are controlled via Mercedes’ COMAND interface; however, while this version features the latest software and menu structure, it is saddled with the previous generation’s four directional arrow buttons instead of the multipurpose knob found in newer models.
Though the new Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is considered the base model CLS, its performance is far from pedestrian.
The 382-hp V8 provides ample power and the car’s handling is sharp without compromising ride quality.
The CLS63 AMG, with its 6,2-liter V8, is geared toward the power-hungry enthusiast.
It emits a seductive growl with every stomp of the accelerator and has higher handling limits thanks to its sport-tuned suspension.
Enjoy and do pop into the Zimoco Showroom, Daphne Ritson and her team will be more than delighted to assist and give you more information on pricing and financing.
Ciao!

l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]