Okay, enough of the tech-geek stuff. Let's turn to the more sybaritic aspects of this delicious package. The CLS has the most inviting interior yet from Mercedes-Benz. The view forward is dominated by an expanse of burr walnut that stretches almost from pillar to pillar. Finished in a silk matte to differentiate it from the high-gloss finish of the usual Mercedes interior trim, its surface is broken by recessed center air vents, the control panel for the standard (in America) Thermotronic automatic four-zone climate control and the main instrument cluster, which, along with each dial, was given a chrome surround. The gauges themselves were covered by a special mineral glass for optimum readability.
The fit and finish is impeccable and looks custom-tailored down to the arrangement of the breaklines indicating the modular assembly of the dashboard. Notice, for instance, how the front passenger-door airbag's lines blend perfectly into the upward sweep of the walnut panel. Neat and elegant.
Everywhere your eye rests is aesthetically in touch with the car's intent, which is to make the owner feel a bit special, a bit different from the average Mercedes buyer. The CLS owner is also likely to be one who will stretch a car's dynamic limits, and the CSL does indeed deliver ride and handling inferred by its sporty looks.
Lower, with a wider track, the chassis is suspended by a front four-link setup that borrows heavily from the E-Class, while the rear multi-link suspension owes its heritage to the SL's axle. Airmatic DC air suspension is standard, of course, along with Sensotronic brakes, ABS, Brake Assist and ESP. It's all very impressive and does its stuff with the smoothness of a well-tuned instrument, which is a perfectly apt description of the powerplant as well.
Five liters big, with three valves per cylinder, its oversquare dimensions (97x84mm) produce 306 bhp at 5600 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque between 2700 and 4250 rpm. As with most Mercedes, the vehicle speeds the CLS produces are deceptive because of the excellent noise control from both above and below the floorpan. Zero to 62 mph takes about 7.0 sec. and maximum speed is limited to 155 mph.
A new seven-speed automatic transmission called 7G-TRONIC is standard in the CLS and was developed to improve acceleration and mid-range power, lower consumption and increase shift comfort. In two words, it works. Kickdown is greatly improved through a new direct downshift capability, which means the transmission can bypass as many as four gears when downshifting instead of having to pass quickly through each one. There's also a new torque converter lockup clutch to help prevent driveline power losses, even in first gear, and a manual shift mode lets the driver choose the gear via buttons on the steering wheel or with the shift lever.
A high level of standard content can be augmented by very few options. American-spec CLS models get 18-in. five-spoke alloys with 245 section tires up front and 275s in the rear; leather upholstery; sunroof; auto-dimming rearview mirror; four-zone climate control, Teleaid, a mini-spare and, of course, a full complement of safety features beginning with eight airbags.
But that's all stuff that can be fitted into the wonderful E-Class sedan or wagon. There are other reasons for slipping into the CLS, like the reason you buy Italian shoes or French haute couture. It's because style is very much a part of its substance.
Likes* Loveliest body from Mercedes since the gullwing* Interior of bespoke quality* Engine runs like handcrafted clockwork
Dislikes* Seven-speed automatic (it's not all that bad, but give us one of M-B's great new manuals as an option)
Wow Factor* The best blend of styling and interior space in the luxury/sports market