2021 Mercedes CLS goes on sale today

(June 3, 2020) The Mercedes-Benz CLS is about to enter the new model year with new paintwork shades (Mojave silver and high-tech silver) and an extensive technical update. The CLS  and the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+  are characterized by a significantly upgraded MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) and an extended range of programs for the ENERGIZING comfort control system.

The Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG E-Class models likewise feature a comprehensive range of enhancements. The styling has been sportily honed with the front sections, in particular, being given a fresh look. The full-LED headlamps, fitted as standard, are accommodated in flatter housings, while the LED tail lamps have been further refined. When sales start today, the vehicle line-up will range from the Mercedes-Benz E 220 d Saloon through to the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+. Prices start at 48,475 euros ($54,291)  for the E-Class and 59,387 euros ($66,513) for the CLS.

Common to both the CLS and the E-Class is the updating of the driving assistance systems to provide cooperative support for the driver. This results in an especially high level of active safety: the car is able to react, even if the driver is unable to do so. The hands-off detection feature of the E-Class steering wheel now works on a capacitive basis, thereby enhancing user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode. That's because to signal to the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the vehicle, it is sufficient for the driver to hold the steering wheel. Until now, the steering torque from a slight steering movement was required as feedback. The rim of the new steering wheel features a pad with corresponding sensors.



The CLS and E-Class come as standard with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning off across the oncoming lane. A range of further Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance package.

They include Active Speed Limit Assist, which uses map data and information from Traffic Sign Assist to respond to changes in the speed limit. Route-based speed adaptation ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll stations and T-junctions, as well prior to turning off/exiting motorways/expressways, is also included in the scope of delivery. When the driver switches on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, the E-Class is now even able to respond to data from Live Traffic Information. When driving in a tailback on the motorway, Active Stop-and-Go Assist is largely able to perform the tasks of keeping in lane and maintaining the safety distance with a high level of availability at speeds up to around 60 km/h.

The vehicle can restart automatically up to one minute after coming to a stop. On multi-lane roads, Active Steering Assist is able to support the driver with the emergency corridor function, which causes the vehicle to stay off-centre in the lane. On motorways, at speeds under 60 km/h, the vehicle refers to detected lane markings and applies swarm intelligence to take its bearings from vehicles in the surrounding area. If none are detected, the E-Class takes its bearings from the vehicle ahead as before.

As standard, the CLS and E-Class include two large 10.25-inch screens, which are arranged side by side to give a widescreen effect. Two 12.3-inch screens are optionally available. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. Superb graphics in high visual quality are used to provide emotionally appealing displays that help to reinforce the intuitive nature of the control structure, which is now also accessible via the touch-sensitive surface of the media display.

A unique feature of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX anticipates what the user would like next, for example. For instance, anyone who often telephones a specific person on Tuesdays during the journey home will receive their telephone number as a suggestion in the display on this day of the week.

Other highlights include touchscreen control of the media display as standard and the use of augmented reality technology for the navigation display when the navigation function is active: a video image of the surroundings is enhanced with helpful navigation information: arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed directly onto the image in the media display, for example.

The system also assists the driver at traffic lights: if the E-Class is the first car at the lights, the current traffic light situation is superimposed. In this way, this new function is a particular help when there is an unfavorable line of sight to the traffic lights. The optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition.