mr funny
10-10-10, 00:23
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/motor/story/0,4574,407666,00.html?
Published October 9, 2010
Class act
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 can be manoeuvred as nimbly as a compact C-Class. By Samuel Ee
FOR what is arguably an automotive oxymoron, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 'four-door coupe' has been a pretty successful model. Now, there is a new version and it looks even better. When the first CLS was unveiled in 2004, it virtually created a new segment. This big sedan with its swoopy coupe-like styling and four seats went on to sell 170,000 units worldwide. As further testimony to its success, competitors have replicated various versions of it.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-10-09/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SECLS9-W28.jpghttp://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-10-09/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SECLS9-BCI.jpg
ON THE PROWL
The CLS has a new interpretation of the 'dropping line'. This styling feature makes the car look like it is crouched down and ready to leap
Now the brand with the three-pointed star has introduced the second-generation CLS-Class. Based on the new E-Class platform, the new car also has some design cues taken from that popular Merc saloon, such as the muscular rear haunches.
More interestingly, the CLS has a new interpretation of the 'dropping line' - a body crease line which starts from the front wheel arch and tapers downwards toward the rear wheel arch. This styling feature makes the car look like it is crouched down and ready to leap. At the same time, it follows the sloping roofline to 'enlarge' the rear door window.
Whatever the case, this and the various bulges on the bodywork serve to make the new CLS a visually interesting car with aggressive and athletic overtones.
Underneath the sheet metal, the CLS has modified the E-Class' front axle for improved steering response. The CLS also has a new electromechanical EPS steering that promises to be more precise but still retaining that traditional Mercedes feeling of comfort and stability.
The Direct-Steer system has a variable rack, so once the steering wheel is turned more than 90 degrees, the steering becomes 30 per cent faster to enable sportier behaviour.
The fully electric steering also varies the level of assistance in certain driving situations to enhance safety. If the car is understeering, for example, the steering wheel will feel lighter to encourage the driver to turn in more. If it is a case of oversteering, the assistance is reduced to discourage more steering effort.
Mercedes-Benz has given the CLS-Class three new engines - a 3.0-litre turbodiesel, and two petrol units - a 3.5-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8 biturbo.
The CLS 350 BlueEfficiency has 306hp - up 34 horses from the old CLS 350 and the same as the previous CLS 500. The new CLS 500 with its twin turbos now generates 408 horses and a whopping 600 Newton-metres of torque from just 1,600 rpm.
But more than sheer power, it is the overall refinement of the new CLS-Class that impresses most. The power of the CLS 350 BlueEfficiency is delivered through the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with the silken smoothness of tuna belly sashimi.
Despite its lightweight body construction with four aluminium doors, the large CLS 350 still weighs in at 1,735kg. But its performance always remains near effortless.
The steering is accurate and the CLS 350 can be manoeuvred as nimbly as a compact C-Class. Rarely has a big Benz handled so well. Yet, its interior is hushed and the cabin calm.
One reason is the stiffened bodyshell, with static rigidity up by 28 per cent and torsional stiffness 6 per cent higher. Another factor is the body design. Open one of the frameless doors and you will notice that the CLS has additional, wider door seals. And instead of one, the door opening on the body has two 'lips' for a tighter fit.
Combined with Merc's usual high standard of ride comfort, the backseat experience in the CLS is elevated to a new level. The second-generation car also has improved rear headroom, so any six-footer who complains about this probably has big hair.
In terms of design, the new and more muscular Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a visual treat. In terms of performance, it is a big Merc that is fun to drive. This CLS is certainly a class act.
[email protected]
SPECS
Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 BlueEfficiency
Engine 3,498cc V6
Transmission 7-speed automatic
Max power 306 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max torque 370 Nm @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
0-100 kmh 6.2 secs
Top speed 250 kmh (limited)
Distributor Cycle & Carriage
Tel: 6298-1818
Published October 9, 2010
Class act
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 can be manoeuvred as nimbly as a compact C-Class. By Samuel Ee
FOR what is arguably an automotive oxymoron, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 'four-door coupe' has been a pretty successful model. Now, there is a new version and it looks even better. When the first CLS was unveiled in 2004, it virtually created a new segment. This big sedan with its swoopy coupe-like styling and four seats went on to sell 170,000 units worldwide. As further testimony to its success, competitors have replicated various versions of it.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-10-09/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SECLS9-W28.jpghttp://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2010-10-09/BT_WEEKEND_1_CURRENT_SECLS9-BCI.jpg
ON THE PROWL
The CLS has a new interpretation of the 'dropping line'. This styling feature makes the car look like it is crouched down and ready to leap
Now the brand with the three-pointed star has introduced the second-generation CLS-Class. Based on the new E-Class platform, the new car also has some design cues taken from that popular Merc saloon, such as the muscular rear haunches.
More interestingly, the CLS has a new interpretation of the 'dropping line' - a body crease line which starts from the front wheel arch and tapers downwards toward the rear wheel arch. This styling feature makes the car look like it is crouched down and ready to leap. At the same time, it follows the sloping roofline to 'enlarge' the rear door window.
Whatever the case, this and the various bulges on the bodywork serve to make the new CLS a visually interesting car with aggressive and athletic overtones.
Underneath the sheet metal, the CLS has modified the E-Class' front axle for improved steering response. The CLS also has a new electromechanical EPS steering that promises to be more precise but still retaining that traditional Mercedes feeling of comfort and stability.
The Direct-Steer system has a variable rack, so once the steering wheel is turned more than 90 degrees, the steering becomes 30 per cent faster to enable sportier behaviour.
The fully electric steering also varies the level of assistance in certain driving situations to enhance safety. If the car is understeering, for example, the steering wheel will feel lighter to encourage the driver to turn in more. If it is a case of oversteering, the assistance is reduced to discourage more steering effort.
Mercedes-Benz has given the CLS-Class three new engines - a 3.0-litre turbodiesel, and two petrol units - a 3.5-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8 biturbo.
The CLS 350 BlueEfficiency has 306hp - up 34 horses from the old CLS 350 and the same as the previous CLS 500. The new CLS 500 with its twin turbos now generates 408 horses and a whopping 600 Newton-metres of torque from just 1,600 rpm.
But more than sheer power, it is the overall refinement of the new CLS-Class that impresses most. The power of the CLS 350 BlueEfficiency is delivered through the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with the silken smoothness of tuna belly sashimi.
Despite its lightweight body construction with four aluminium doors, the large CLS 350 still weighs in at 1,735kg. But its performance always remains near effortless.
The steering is accurate and the CLS 350 can be manoeuvred as nimbly as a compact C-Class. Rarely has a big Benz handled so well. Yet, its interior is hushed and the cabin calm.
One reason is the stiffened bodyshell, with static rigidity up by 28 per cent and torsional stiffness 6 per cent higher. Another factor is the body design. Open one of the frameless doors and you will notice that the CLS has additional, wider door seals. And instead of one, the door opening on the body has two 'lips' for a tighter fit.
Combined with Merc's usual high standard of ride comfort, the backseat experience in the CLS is elevated to a new level. The second-generation car also has improved rear headroom, so any six-footer who complains about this probably has big hair.
In terms of design, the new and more muscular Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a visual treat. In terms of performance, it is a big Merc that is fun to drive. This CLS is certainly a class act.
[email protected]
SPECS
Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 BlueEfficiency
Engine 3,498cc V6
Transmission 7-speed automatic
Max power 306 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max torque 370 Nm @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
0-100 kmh 6.2 secs
Top speed 250 kmh (limited)
Distributor Cycle & Carriage
Tel: 6298-1818