Mercedes-Benz CLS (C257)

The C257 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the third generation of the CLS range of four-door sedan, and was launched in 2018 as the successor to the Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218). It is only available as a sedan, with no plans to introduce a Shooting Brake variant in the near future. It is based heavily on the E-Class (W213).

Development and launch
Information on the C257 CLS was released online on 29 November 2017, with a public unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2018.

The new CLS uses a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension and comes in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configurations. CLS 53 4MATIC+ models utilise variable all-wheel drive, allowing for torque distribution between the front and rear axles. An electric motor is used to boost power output by 16 kW and 249 Nm, and also powers the on-board 48-volt system.

The CLS is also now a five-seater car, instead of being a four-seater as with the previous two generations.

Equipment
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, as well as lane keeping and speed limit assistance systems. CLS models also feature 'Mercedes me' online services with a built-in LTE module in the car, enabling concierge services and remote control of the car. Optional equipment includes air suspension and a widescreen cockpit consisting of two 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard. An AMG line is also available and includes AMG body styling, a diamond pattern radiator grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.