The 2012 Mercedes CLS Coupe marked a significant evolution in automotive design, building upon the legacy of its predecessor and further solidifying its status as a four-door coupe pioneer. This model wasn’t just a car; it was a statement, blending the captivating aesthetics of a coupe with the practicality and comfort expected from a luxury sedan. For those seeking a vehicle that commands attention and delivers an unparalleled driving experience, the Mercedes Cls 2012 Coupe stands out as a beacon of innovation and style.
The Genesis of a Design Icon: The Four-Door Coupe Concept
Mercedes-Benz redefined automotive segments with the introduction of the CLS, creating a niche that resonated with drivers who desired both elegance and utility. The mercedes cls 2012 coupe took this concept to new heights, showcasing a design language that was both dynamic and sophisticated. It bridged the gap between the traditionally sporty coupe and the functional sedan, offering a unique proposition in a competitive market. The 2012 iteration built on this foundation, enhancing its visual appeal and overall presence. Slightly larger than its forerunner, the mercedes cls 2012 coupe boasted increased length and width, contributing to its assertive stance and enhanced interior space. Positioned strategically within the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, it offered a distinct identity while leveraging the engineering excellence of the brand’s existing platforms.
A Lineage of Elegance: Mercedes-Benz Coupe Heritage
The mercedes cls 2012 coupe is not an isolated marvel; it’s a continuation of a rich Mercedes-Benz coupe heritage, a lineage marked by iconic designs and groundbreaking innovations. The legendary 300SL “Gullwing” immediately springs to mind, but the brand’s coupe history extends further back, encompassing models like the 1936 Type 380 and the refined 300S of the early 1950s. Even earlier four-door models from the 1930s, with their coupe-like profiles, hint at the CLS’s ancestry. From the 1956 220S “Ponton” onwards, Mercedes-Benz consistently produced stunning coupes based on its sedan platforms, paving the way for dedicated coupe classes like the CLK and the larger CL-Class. The mercedes cls 2012 coupe proudly carries this torch, embodying decades of design evolution and engineering prowess.
Power and Performance: Engine Options for the 2012 CLS Coupe
Upon its US launch in 2011 as a 2012 model, the mercedes cls 2012 coupe offered a choice of potent powertrains, both featuring new biturbo, direct-injection V8 engines. The CLS550 model was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 producing an impressive 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. For those craving even greater performance, the CLS63 AMG variant boasted a 5.5-liter iteration of the new V8, delivering a staggering 518 hp and 516 lb.-ft of torque.
Both mercedes cls 2012 coupe models came standard with seven-speed automatic transmissions. However, the CLS63 AMG distinguished itself with an MCT (multi-clutch technology) sports transmission. This advanced system replaced the traditional torque converter with an innovative start-up clutch, providing the responsiveness of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. The MCT transmission offered exceptional versatility and rapid gear changes, enhancing the sporty driving dynamics of the CLS63 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety, equipping both mercedes cls 2012 coupe models with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. This included PRE-SAFE, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, traction control, and ESP electronic stability control. For enhanced safety, optional features like DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist were also available.
Exterior Design: A Symphony of Lines and Forms
The exterior of the mercedes cls 2012 coupe is a masterclass in automotive design. Its proportions were meticulously refined, resulting in a bolder front fascia and a more athletic stance. The car’s muscular physique is defined by its sweeping, coupe-like silhouette, exuding energy and power while maintaining timeless elegance. The graceful roofline seamlessly merges into the C-pillar, creating a dramatic arc that spans the vehicle’s length. The design language of the mercedes cls 2012 coupe emphasizes the interplay between taut lines and rounded forms, a hallmark of modern Mercedes-Benz aesthetics. This is evident in its arching profile, sculpted rear fenders, and precisely crafted overhangs, which collectively elongate its sophisticated shape.
The mercedes cls 2012 coupe also demonstrated exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.28, a notable improvement over its predecessor. This was attributed to its sleek body shape, along with optimized underbody paneling, redesigned mirror housings, and refined front and rear apron contours. Mercedes-Benz’s attention to detail in aerodynamics extended to using rolling road wind tunnel testing, simulating real-world wheel rotation to fine-tune underbody elements and wheel spoilers for optimal airflow.
The CLS63 AMG variant further distinguished itself with unique AMG styling cues. A deep front apron with prominent side air vents, black grilles, and LED daytime running lights created an aggressive front profile. The AMG-specific grille featured a large Mercedes-Benz star and a single black accented lamella. At the rear, an integrated lip spoiler on the trunk lid enhanced high-speed stability, while a black air diffuser and dual twin exhaust tips completed the sporty AMG aesthetic.
Visibility in inclement weather was also a priority in the design of the mercedes cls 2012 coupe. Aluminum channels in the A-pillars effectively channeled rainwater away from the windshield, enhancing driver visibility. Advanced wiper technology, including aero wipers with integrated leaf springs and spoilers, ensured efficient and streak-free wiping performance, even in challenging conditions. Standard bi-xenon HID headlights provided superior nighttime illumination compared to conventional halogen lights, further enhancing safety.
Innovative Lighting Technology: Leading the Way with LEDs
The mercedes cls 2012 coupe was at the forefront of automotive lighting technology, offering optional full LED headlights – a world first for Mercedes-Benz. These LED headlights provided brilliant white light, consumed less energy, and offered extended longevity compared to traditional headlights. The innovative design incorporated LED turn signals, perimeter LED daytime running lights, and high beam functionality, creating a distinctive and modern lighting signature. Even with the efficiency of LEDs, small fans were integrated to manage temperature and ensure optimal performance and lens defrosting in cold climates.
Further enhancing visibility and safety, the mercedes cls 2012 coupe featured active-curve technology, allowing the headlights to pivot up to 15 degrees in response to steering input. This system dramatically improved illumination around corners, increasing visibility by approximately 80 feet in curves. Cornering lights provided additional illumination at low speeds, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, using a windshield-mounted camera, automatically adjusted between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers, optimizing headlight range up to 1,000 feet. Rear LED lights, including taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and side markers, ensured high visibility from the rear as well.
Interior Elegance and Technological Sophistication
The sweeping design language of the exterior seamlessly flowed into the interior of the mercedes cls 2012 coupe, creating a cohesive and luxurious environment. The dashboard and door panels visually connected, wrapping around occupants and leading towards the rear of the vehicle. The center console and transmission tunnel gracefully merged towards the rear, subtly dividing the two rear seats. The increased exterior dimensions translated to a more spacious interior, particularly in shoulder and elbow room for both front and rear passengers. The large rear doors enhanced accessibility and emphasized the practicality of the four-door coupe design. Premium materials, including leather and wood trim, adorned most interior surfaces, creating a refined and inviting cabin.
The dashboard design of the mercedes cls 2012 coupe prioritized both aesthetics and functionality. A soft-touch polyurethane surface provided a luxurious feel and eliminated visible seams. The dashboard itself was sound-dampened and insulated to minimize engine noise intrusion into the cabin. A robust steel cross member provided structural support for the dashboard components, minimizing vibration and contributing to the quiet and refined interior environment.
The cockpit featured a modern three-tube instrument cluster with an analog speedometer incorporating a versatile color display. A large display for the COMAND system dominated the center console, complemented by an analog clock and user-friendly controls for climate and infotainment functions. The COMAND system itself offered a comprehensive suite of features, including navigation, multimedia playback, and connectivity options. An optional rear-view camera enhanced safety and maneuverability.
For audiophiles, the mercedes cls 2012 coupe offered a standard harman/kardon Logic 7 surround-sound system, transforming the cabin into a mobile concert hall. Dual-zone climate control ensured personalized comfort for front occupants, automatically adjusting to sunlight and humidity levels. Multifunction steering wheel controls provided convenient access to a wide array of vehicle functions.
Seating in the mercedes cls 2012 coupe was designed for both comfort and support. Standard 14-way adjustable power seats with lumbar support provided personalized comfort. Memory functions for seat, steering wheel, and mirror positions catered to multiple drivers. Optional active ventilated seats and multi-contour seats with Drive-Dynamic functionality further enhanced comfort and support, particularly during spirited driving. The CLS63 AMG featured unique AMG sport seats upholstered in nappa leather, emphasizing the sporty character of the high-performance model.
Convenience features like KEYLESS GO, Parktronic, Active Parking Assist, and an electronic trunk closer added to the ease of ownership and usability of the mercedes cls 2012 coupe, making it a truly exceptional vehicle that seamlessly blended luxury, performance, and innovation.
The mercedes cls 2012 coupe remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to design excellence and technological advancement. It is a vehicle that not only turned heads but also redefined what a four-door coupe could be, setting a benchmark for others to follow. For those in search of a vehicle that embodies both style and substance, the mercedes cls 2012 coupe continues to be a compelling choice.
