Elegant in all weathers: the CLS 4MATIC Shooting Brake in the snow

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The new CLS Shooting Brake sees Mercedes-Benz making its mark once again with a creative design concept that underscores its leading role in the design field. Surprising yet unequivocally coupé, the CLS Shooting Brake's proportions create a crouched posture, as if the vehicle were poised to make a leap: long bonnet, narrow window profile with frameless side windows, roof sloping dynamically towards the rear and continuing to the tail end of the vehicle. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Brake actually has five doors and offers more in terms of function. In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition for people looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style.

Like all 4MATIC models from Mercedes-Benz, the high-powered and high-torque CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC (195 kW/265 hp, 620 Nm) and CLS 500 4MATIC (300 kW/408 hp, 600 Nm) feature a permanent all-wheel drive system which guarantees optimum traction and the best possible agility and safety – particularly in wintry road conditions.

As with the 4MATIC system's set-up on a dry or wet road, directional stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail, too. The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and the multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm offer all the right ingredients.

This basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split as the road conditions dictate. Consequently, intervention by the ESP®, 4ETS or ASR electronic control systems can be delayed for as long as possible and the bulk of the drive torque converted into tractive power, even on slippery roads. All control system interventions go virtually unnoticed, yet drivers still know straight away if they are driving on the limit: in such instances, a yellow warning symbol flashes in the instrument cluster as a highly visible prompt to adapt their driving style to the road conditions.

4MATIC: stable handling on snow and ice

When pulling away in wintry conditions, the 4MATIC models are designed to develop maximum traction. To this end, certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so as to achieve the greatest possible acceleration while minimising wheel slip, ensuring optimum directional stability in the process. This strategy also allows the vehicle to pull away under the most adverse conditions, such as when one side of the vehicle is on an icy slope (µ‑split) or both wheels on either the front or rear axle have limited grip (µ‑jump).

On twisting roads covered with snow and ice, vehicle stability is primarily controlled by the ASR acceleration skid control system's regulation of engine torque. The ASR control thresholds are adjusted according to the driving situation based on the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral dynamic readings as continuously measured by the ESP® sensor system. If vehicle stability is to be maintained, the longitudinal force when cornering must be controlled by means of engine torque regulation in such a way that there are sufficient reserves of lateral force at all times. In order to comply with this physical correlation, when cornering on road surfaces with a low friction coefficient the control thresholds for engine torque regulation at the wheels on the outside of the bend are reduced considerably so that the tyres can develop sufficient lateral force.

4MATIC: cutting-edge technology breaks new ground

The 4MATIC powertrain fitted in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars is one of the best-performing permanent all-wheel drive systems on the market. The basic design concept, with the engine installed longitudinally and the integral transmission and transfer case unit, produces a compact, lightweight arrangement that minimises frictional losses, heralding a number of benefits compared to other passenger car. Depending on the particular model, fuel consumption, for instance, is a mere 0.2 to 0.6 litres more per hundred kilometres than on an equivalent vehicle with conventional drive, while vibration and acoustic comfort meet the high standards expected of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

CLS 4MATIC Shooting Brake: stylish sportiness and dynamism in the winter too

Mercedes-Benz achieves the standard of driving dynamics which the CLS is renowned for courtesy of the highly sophisticated DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. The weight-optimised DIRECT CONTROL system, featuring a three-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, automatically adapts to the changing driving situation by varying the damping forces, resulting in a substantial improvement in ride comfort. The air suspension system – optional for the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and standard on the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY – is combined with a continuously variable, electronically controlled damping system that processes a series of sensor signals and controls each wheel individually. So, not only do Mercedes customers experience the best in comfort, they reap the benefits of excellent handling safety and sporty agility too.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Launch campaign for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake: A new era takes shape

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The launch campaign for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake kicked off yesterday using all relevant communication channels. Under the slogan "A new era takes shape.The new CLS Shooting Brake.", the new model from Mercedes-Benz presents itself as an innovator in a class of its own and continues a long, exclusive tradition by taking the Shooting Brake experience to a whole new level. The integrated marketing campaign comprises a variety of print advertisements and two TV spots. It focuses primarily on the outstanding design of the vehicle and the establishment of a new automotive segment.

"The CLS Shooting Brake creates its own category and revolutionizes the basics of car design with its unique, shapely lines. The campaign therefore highlights it as a top quality design sculpture unveiled as a masterpiece in glaring light," says Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communication for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The two TV ads are aimed at two different target groups. One spot highlights the role of the vehicle as pioneer of the segment and will be seen on all major German TV stations (http://youtu.be/usjAwOMstJM). The second spot integrates the Australian professional golfer and Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador Adam Scott (http://youtu.be/cdaiWf3PNO8). As part of the worldwide golf activities of Mercedes-Benz, this commercial will be broadcasted on Sky, Sport 1 and Eurosport in Germany. The English version is internationally connected with suitable sports and golf formats on Eurosport and CNN.

The print ads present both the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake as well as the production version of the CLS Shooting Brakes in different perspectives. These will be seen across Germany in circulation news and business magazines, motor trade press publication and special media events until the end of the year.

The webspecial at www.mercedes-benz.com/cls-shootingbrake showcases the strong points of the new vehicle through a presentation film. Responsible for the design and implementation of the launch campaign is Mercedes-Benz' creative agency JungvonMatt / Alster. Since the beginning of October 2012, the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is available for ordering at authorized dealers across the world.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Genuine Accessories for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake: More entertainment

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Over 100 top quality and practical products are among the Genuine Accessories on offer from Mercedes-Benz for the new CLS Shooting Brake. Advanced telematics systems, comfortable transport solutions and chic light-alloy wheels are particularly in focus.

The Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® (690 euros [1]), together with the Digital DriveStyle app specially-developed by Daimler, makes it possible to seamlessly integrate an iPhone® in the CLS Shooting Brake. Among the highlights is the advanced navigation solution from Garmin® with internet-based real-time traffic information, online POI search including Street View™ and 3D map view. Further functions include: Facebook®, Twitter®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ Personal Radio and the real-time location-sharing system Glympse. Glympse allows you to share your current position in a targeted manner with selected people. The Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® is available from the first quarter of 2013.

With the iPad® Rear Integration Plusdocking station (329 euros [2]), integration of Apple's® iPad®, iPad® 2 and iPad® 3 into the rear of the vehicle is both ergonomic and crash-safe. What's more, owners won't have to renounce any of its functionality. All connections, such as for the headphones, are still accessible. The holder can be tilted and also rotated through 90°. Via an integrated USB interface, one can even use the charging cable to recharge the battery of the iPad®.

As an alternative, a portable iPad® Rear Integration kit is also available for 229 euros. This bracket is also suitable for iPad®, iPad® 2 or iPad® 3 and is simply attached to the struts of the head restraints, thus it is also easy to remove at any time.

First-class entertainment in the second row of seats is also provided by the Rear Seat Entertainment System (684 euros [3]), which includes two 17.8 cm screens with integrated DVD player, USB and SD-card interfaces, as well as infrared headphones and remote control.

The Becker® MAP PILOT (654.50 euros [4]) offers a favourably priced navigation solution for retrofitting to Audio 20 CD. Advantages include: integrated operation via the central controller, output of spoken instructions via the vehicle loudspeakers, display on the screen of Audio 20, well-hidden location in the glove compartment, as well as the ability to update or expand the system via an internet portal.

A number of multimedia functions are also combined in the new Mercedes-Benz Telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP) [5]. The Telephone module with integrated UMTS module and direct connection to the vehicle antenna ensures rapid, stable and safe connection of COMAND Online to the internet. It is then possible to simultaneously use Mercedes-Benz Apps whilst also making a phone call. Text messages can also be read out to the driver.

Under the keyword "Telematics", one can also find an extensive selection of telephone cradles (starting from 80 euros).

Comfortable transport solutions

Despite practicality not standing in the foreground of the Shooting Brake's design, it is still a multi-faceted vehicle for everyday use. And thanks to Genuine Accessories, the leisure value of the vehicle climbs yet further: for example, a rear-mounted cycle rack for attachment to the trailer coupling is available in two versions; one for two bikes (499 euros) and one for three bikes (599 euros). Practical: thanks to clever mechanics, it is still possible to open the luggage compartment with the rack fitted; to save space when stowing away the bike rack, it can be even folded up.

Those who prefer transporting their sports equipment on the roof can opt for the Alustyle basic carrier bars (399 euros) and combine them with a bike rack or a ski and snowboard rack (from 99 euros). Alternatively, genuine roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz are available in three sizes(from 375 euros). The models with capacities of 330, 400 and 450 litres can be opened from both sides. A further positive point: the 3-latch mechanism of the lockable transport containers offers effective protection against theft.

Chic light-alloy wheels

Equally broad is the range of attractive light-alloy wheels: in total, there are 25 wheel variants available in the formats 17", 18" and 19". Particularly impressive are the 10-spoke wheels with black, high-sheen surfaces (in the format8.5 J x 19 for 421 euros and optionally for the rear axle in the format 9.5 J x 19 for 427 euros) and the 5-twin-spoke wheels in titanium silver (in the format 8.5 J x 18 for 342 euros and alternatively for the rear axle in the format 9.5 J x 18 for 347 euros).

Personalised interior

A touch of personal chic in the interior can be added with the illuminated door sill panels (from 665 euros) and wood/leather steering wheels in almond beige or black with burr walnut or poplar (792 euros). Thanks to the three child seat models BABY-SAFE plus II (319 euros), DUO plus (from 377 euros) and KIDFIX (from 259 euros), children of different weight classes can travel safe and sound in the new Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake.

Keeping the luggage compartment of the Shooting Brake tidy are useful Accessories solutions like a boot tub with slightly raised edge (80 euros), a collapsible shopping crate (11 euros) or a plug-in module for dividing up the luggage compartment (99 euros).

[1] All prices: recommended retail price for Germany including 19% VAT.
[2] Fitting not included.
[3] Special offer price, fitting not included.
[4] In connection with the appropriate basic wiring (optional extra code 508).
[5] Available from 4th quarter 2012. Only in combination with comfort telephony (code 386).

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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