A Four-Door Coupe? The New Mercedes CLS-Class

At the beginning of October Mercedes’ new CLS-Class range will make its market debut. From Mercedes’ point-of-view the new cars represent the bridge between “the elegance and dynamics of a Coupé and the practicality of a saloon.” Initially two models will be launched, the CLS 350 and the CLS 500. The CLS 350 will run on 8.5 Jx17 wheels and 245/45 R17 tyres, while the CLS 500 will use the larger 8.5 Jx18 wheels and 245/40 R18 tyres. 18-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels will be available as an option on the CLS 350 although and they will be standard on the CLS 500.

A range of hi-tech features will be available to both models. One such feature is the ESP tyre pressure monitoring system which continuously measures the number of revolutions on each wheel allowing it to highlight any kind of discrepancy. Although the system does not measure the actual pressure it can diagnose potential problems and display a warning light advising the driver to examine the tyres. The tyre pressure warning device, based on the ESP system, comes as standard with the CLS class models. The optional tyre pressure control system, however, utilises a number of more advanced features. It measures both air pressure and air temperature inside the tyres and sends this information, via cabling, to a central controller, which compares the data with the remaining three wheels. This information is then displayed to the driver on the car’s central display while a corresponding warning light is illuminated. In order to remain mobile while the car has a flat tyre, Mercedes will also be offering side panel-strengthened tyres as an option. With these a driver could travel as far as 100 kilometres at speeds of up to 80 km/h.