Official launch documents-Mercedes-Benz CLS vision-Part one

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Official launch documents-Mercedes-Benz CLS vision-Part one

Wow!

Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS: A coupé generation ahead of the rest

Auto Spies perspective: We are especially excited to see the launch of this car, since we broke the exclusive, close to a year ago. As promised to our readers, this car would evoke strong emotions and has a very romantic, seductive look. MB calls it a concept, but we can confirm that you will be able to buy one at your US MB dealer, just about a year from today...sooner in Europe and the UK. It's getting almost as much attention in Frankfurt as the SLR We predict EXTREMELY hot demand for this car (ala the old CLK, CL, SL phenomenon)...So hot, that it may obsolete the CLK itself. It has all the sex of the CLK (actually, about 10 times more in our opinion) but the practicality of the E-class. In any case, this car will sell to anyone who thinks the E-class design is boring (Us) and those who think they missed the mark on the current CLK design (Just about everyone). We also believe if marketed correctly, the CLS will steal business from the new BMW 5-series, 6-series, Jaguar, Infiniti and Lexus. We know if this car were available today, it would be OUR choice over ALL those other vehicles. Another great tidbit of info about the CLS, is that it was designed by American designer Michael Fink, now in charge of design at Hyundai Europe. MB design chief...how did you let this guy get away?

Mercedes-Benz is unveiling its Vision CLS coupé study at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, Germany. This new and exciting vehicle concept is the first to combine the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and practicality of a full-fledged saloon.

"Our Vision CLS is a coupé generation ahead of the rest", says Professor Jürgen Hubbert, member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management and head of the Mercedes Car Group. "The idea of a four-door coupé opens up exciting possibilities. Featuring a sophisticated design and exclusive interior appointments, the Vision CLS is aimed primarily at people who have a passion for motor cars and motoring."

Based on a unique synthesis of coupé and saloon, the concept car displays elegant yet instantly dramatic lines and all the classic Mercedes comfort, innovation and safety hallmarks – the perfect blend of passion and practicality. And the same is true of the powerful diesel engine, its 195 kW and 265 hp providing the drive for a truly dynamic driving experience. The power plant propels the Vision CLS from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds and enables it to reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Furthermore, this impressive performance does not cost the earth: the six-cylinder engine consumes 7.5 litres of fuel per 100 km and is fully compliant with the strict EU-4 emission standard.
"The combination of the ultimate in performance with low fuel consumption, EU-4 compliance and a diesel particulate filter highlights the enormous potential of this highly sophisticated six-cylinder biturbo diesel power plant and of diesel engines in general", states Professor Jürgen Hubbert.

Public opinion counts

The Vision CLS is the latest in a long line of high-profile Mercedes showcars. In recent years the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has unveiled a whole host of new and exciting vehicle concepts, most of which have gone on to enter series production (see page 14).

Our product planning team will again be on hand to gauge public opinion at the International Motor Show. The results of their survey will dictate what the future holds for this unique vehicle concept.

All the comfort, space and boot volume of a saloon

With four doors and a generous amount of space, the Vision CLS offers a great deal more added value than other coupés in terms of both comfort and practicality. There is a gap of 829 mm between the front and rear seats, which puts the Vision CLS firmly in saloon territory. Furthermore, the boot of the Mercedes concept car holds 470 litres (VDA measuring method) – much more than any other coupé and even some saloons.

The body of the Vision CLS is 4910 mm long whilst the wheelbase length is 2854 mm.

High-tech equipment including SBC™ and seven-speed automatic transmission

Equipped with leading-edge Mercedes innovations such as adaptive front airbags, windowbags and sidebags, not to mention belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all four seats, the coupé concept fulfils the high safety standards associated with Mercedes luxury-class cars. Further technical highlights of the Vision CLS include the Active Light System, Cornering Light and the electrohydraulic brake system Senso-tronic Brake Control (SBC™).
Mercedes-Benz combines the high-torque biturbo engine with the new 7G-TRONIC, the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars. It ensures supremely easy gear changes and fast acceleration in any gear – totally in keeping with the dynamic character of the concept coupé.

Vision CLS: Coupés for connoisseurs

Unique: a coupé generation ahead of the rest

Emotive: lines that arouse passion

Intelligent: four doors and the interior comfort of a saloon

Dynamic: powerful biturbo engine and sports-tuned suspension

Developing new vehicle concepts – to set trends and influence automotive development – has always been a major aspect of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy. Throughout its 102-year history, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has always displayed the courage, expertise and leadership needed to go one step further. It is what has made Mercedes-Benz such a pioneer of passenger car concepts, style and technology.

Back in 1901, the first model to be given the fine-sounding Mercedes name was one of many cars that have stood for something entirely new and set the standards for automotive development as a whole. It was followed by icons such as the 540 K Roadster in 1934, the 300 SL "Gullwing" (1954) and the 220 model with the first ever safety bodyshell (1959). In the modern era, cutting-edge concepts have paved the way for model series such as the Mercedes-Benz 190 (1982), the A-Class and the M-Class (both 1997), providing the impetus for the creation of new and successful market segments.
The Vision CLS – the latest in an illustrious line of forward-looking car concepts – is a four-door model with immense appeal. It is further proof that Mercedes-Benz is always a step ahead of the field – a coupé generation ahead in this case.

The concept: a synthesis of passion and practicality

Never before have two such entirely different ideas – the stylistic appeal and strong emotive charisma of a coupé and the comfort and practicality of a saloon – been so elegantly blended together to form a single automotive entity.

All of which makes the Vision CLS a truly shining coupé specimen. A valuable one-off that arouses pure desire and is designed to help create an all-new and highly attractive market segment. This latest Mercedes concept reflects the aspirations of modern people who lead active lives and are passionate about new trends. People who attach great importance to individuality, stylish aesthetics and sheer excitement when it comes to both their cars and life in general.
In this sense the Vision CLS is a car for the connoisseur - for the passionate motor-ists who seeks and appreciates those really special things in life.

Passion and practicality are equally high on the list of priorities for this most discerning of customer groups, since a love of elegant forms and the finest of materials always goes hand in hand with a desire for the very latest in no-holds-barred technology. The Vision CLS provides the very best of both worlds by displaying distinctive aesthetics in every detail and showcasing leading-edge technology. All backed by the high quality associated with Mercedes-Benz. Not to mention the renowned reliability which, alongside many other virtues, underpins the brand's impeccable reputation.

Form and finesse: design with highly emotive overtones

Excitement at first sight – this was the effect the designers were aiming for when they set about creating the Vision CLS, with free reign to sculpt the ultimate in coupé lines. In other words, they were given (virtually) complete artistic and creative license.

In this sense, the concept idea of the four-door coupé provided the designers with new and more varied options for adding a distinctly emotive overtone to their use of forms, thus enabling them to fashion a new and unique coupé style.

This freedom of expression is evident in every aspect of the latest Mercedes concept. Based on familiar brand features, the car's design lines succeed in creating the perfect blend between seemingly contradictory characteristics such as dynamism and size, power and elegance, aesthetics and practicality. In this respect the inspiring de-sign lines reflect the emotive and exciting character of the concept coupé.

At the heart of this dramatic and dynamic demeanour is a quite unique body style: impressive overhangs at the front and rear elongate the body in elegant fashion and provide an ideal contrast with the smooth and sweeping silhouette of the thorough-bred coupé roof. Similarly, the wide, unruffled surfaces of the doors and rear wings provide the perfect formal foil to the frameless side windows – another classic coupé feature – and to the low-slung appearance.

The front end: a new Mercedes face that positively exudes power and passion

The front design of the Vision CLS displays a new yet familiar look: new because the headlamps create a unique and intriguing Mercedes face; familiar because the classic Mercedes radiator grille with its distinctive vanes and the centrally positioned star remain prominent features. It is aspects such as these, in combination with the pronounced wedge shape of the bonnet and bumper, that emphasise the undoubted sporting prowess of the four-door coupé. This feeling of forwards thrust, power and performance potential is further enhanced by the muscular contours of the wings, whilst the extended vanes of the radiator grille give the front section a wide and therefore powerful appearance.

Side view: harmonious lines and surfaces

One of the trademarks of modern Mercedes design is the interplay between taut lines and smooth, naturally rounded forms. The Vision CLS coupé takes this design theme to a new level. A prominent waistline accentuates the height of the body edge at win-dow level and gives an overriding feeling of safety. It takes its cue from the dynamic, rounded form of the front wheel arch, stretching along the entire length of the body before merging effortlessly into the elegant rear light cluster. The taillamps continue along the same lines, creating a seamless visual link with the rear bumper. This feature allows the designers to achieve the perfect balance between lines and surfaces. It also helps to create an impressively long appearance, thus further enhancing the sporty elegance of the body.

The roof line is an even more prominent feature of the four-door coupé, forming a subtle yet taut arch spanning the powerful body. It flows gracefully into an elegant C-pillar configuration which draws the line smoothly downwards into the rear section, thus creating a graceful silhouette.

At the rear end, the deepness of the bumper emphasises the width of the body and, in combination with the two chromed tailpipes, reinforces the powerful aura of the concept coupé.

With its highly sophisticated design lines, the Vision CLS brings a new and scintillating dimension to the world of motoring and a whole new meaning to the term "sheer driving pleasure".

The interior: refined ambience featuring light tones and high-grade materials

The interior is equally impressive: the light colour shades are utterly captivating whilst the high-quality materials make any stay on board an absolute pleasure. Leather and wood are the main interior design elements. Traditionally worked, natural-grain leather is used for the trim on the dashboard and the A-pillar panels in the showcar interior. And an extra touch of refinement is provided by the elegant diamond-shaped grain of the supple, light beige-coloured leather which adorns the seats and interior door panels.

Real wood – as opposed to imitations – has always been an important material for enhancing the elegance and sophistication of Mercedes-Benz interiors. In the Vision CLS, the eyes are instantly drawn to the handcrafted oak trim with its light tone and attractive open-pore grain. A trim strip made from this finest of natural materials spans almost the entire face of the dashboard, thus creating an air of sophistication. And, like the leather appointments, it helps give a natural feel to the interior of the Vision CLS.

Daylight is another important design aspect of the Vision CLS interior. A large, transparent roof panel made of glass stretches from the windscreen to the rear end, bathing the interior in light and thus giving the occupants a overriding feeling of space. In addition the glass roof has the effect of bringing the driver and passengers closer to their outside environment, thus making a ride on board the Vision CLS even more of a pleasurable experience.

The smooth-flowing design lines create a seamless visual link between the dashboard, the doors and the rear of the vehicle. This design element, combined with the sophisticated colour scheme and specially selected materials, creates a truly balanced and harmonious ambience. The effect is enhanced by the centre console and transmission tunnel, which merge to form an elegant feature that sweeps gracefully rearwards, deftly dividing the two luxury rear seats.

Compartments beneath the padded, leather covered armrests between the front seats and in the centre console at the rear provide ample space for cup and bottle holders.

The cockpit: chronometer-style elegance and precision

The new-look instrument cluster is a blend of classical and modern styling elements. Situated in the centre of the cluster is a large, round speedometer flanked by two somewhat smaller dials: the clock and the rev counter. Each of these dials is, in turn, flanked by a bargraph-style indicator: the fuel and coolant temperature gauges. Light-coloured dials, a decorative wood trim and front panels featuring chrome rings with a dull lustre accentuate the high-quality, chronometer-style look of the instruments.

Ergonomic design à la Mercedes-Benz makes the various systems much easier to use, thus enabling the driver to enjoy mile after mile on the road. The centrepiece of this ergonomic concept is the four-spoke steering wheel which has four illuminated "paddles" for calling up important information or controlling selected functions at the touch of a button. Devices such as the radio, telephone and navigation system, among others, can be easily operated in this way.

The dimensions: spaciousness on a par with a saloon

The large rear doors are without doubt the most striking feature of the new coupé concept. They represent the real added-value that sets the Vision CLS apart from other coupés when it comes to convenience and practicality. Equally impressive is the room available in the rear of the four-door coupé: in terms of space at knee height (77 mm), headroom (924 mm) and shoulder room (1422 mm), the Vision CLS is vastly superior to other coupés of similar size. The space between seats, measured between the front and rear seat reference points (SRPs), is 829 mm – more than enough to rival many a saloon.
The body of the concept coupé is 4910 mm long, 1851 mm wide and 1391 mm high. And the wheelbase length of 2854 mm ensures an exemplary level of spaciousness inside the Vision CLS.

In terms of boot space also, the coupé is a fully-fledged touring car for four. With a capacity of 470 litres (according to the VDA measuring method), the boot provides plenty of room for suitcases, golf bags or other luggage items. The Vision CLS outperforms many a saloon and all coupés in this respect.

In conclusion, the Mercedes engineers and designers have succeeded in combining stunning coupé design with the comfort, convenience and high everyday practicality of a saloon.

The drive system: diesel power and 7G-TRONIC for dynamic driving pleasure

The Vision CLS has a sports-tuned chassis, AIRMATIC DC air suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, 19-inch wide-base tyres (255/35 R 19 at the front, 285/30 R 19 at the rear) and, at its heart, a powerful biturbo engine. There can be few better recipes for superlative driving dynamics and sheer driving pleasure.

With a power output of 195 kW/265 hp and a peak torque of 560 Nm available from just 2000 rpm, the six-cylinder CDI power plant shows just how sophisticated Mercedes-Benz diesel technology has now become. As well as returning fuel-consumption figures of 7.5 litres per 100 km (NEDC cycle), the Vision CLS delivers performance on a par with higher-capacity V8 petrol-engined models, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and from 60 to 120 km/h in 5.7 seconds. It goes on to achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The high-torque six-cylinder CDI engine is the ideal partner for the newly developed transmission – the world's first seven-speed automatic for passenger cars. Mercedes-Benz will be introducing it as standard for V8 E-, S-, SL- and CL-Class models from autumn 2003. The special "kick-down" technology at the heart of the 7G-TRONIC allows fast acceleration in any gear and supreme ease of shifting.

Safety: Mercedes innovations from bi-xenon Active Light System to SBC™

Cutting-edge Mercedes innovations also mean the four-door concept coupé excels in terms of safety equipment, with a specification that includes adaptive front airbags as well as two-stage belt force limiters and high-performance belt tensioners for all four seats. Not to mention sidebags and windowbags.

Further innovations that are features of the Vision CLS include bi-xenon headlamps, Active Light System, automatic Cornering Light and the electrohydraulic brake system SBC™, all of which ensure safer motoring and minimise the risk of accidents. In addition, SBC™ incorporates unique convenience functions such as "Softstop" for stopping smoothly in heavy traffic, "Anti-stall Assist" to make hill-starts easier and "Tailback Assist", an aid that enables drivers to apply the brakes in stop-and-go traffic simply by releasing the accelerator.