2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Trims and Specs

For the 2006 model year, Mercedes set the world of automotive styling afire with the introduction of its highly sensuous Mercedes CLS Class “four-door coupe.” In 2009, this modern classic’s base model, the CLS550, receives a “freshening.”

Outside, a new two-bar grille with Atlas Grey wire mesh background replaces the four-bar grille and its traditional black backing. The 2009 taillights are LED and the side mirrors have 32% more glass that incorporate arrow-shaped turn signals. The new back bumper now boasts trapezoidal dual exhausts which replace the oval ones. The base CLS550, which accounts for 90% of CLS sales, receives new 18-inch wheels that sport a five-twin-spoke design.

Climbing inside, yards of leather, a dashboard of hand-polished wood, and tasteful chrome trim greet us, yet there is less interior space than in the sibling E-Class model – the four-seat CLS is all about style. An elegant three-spoke steering wheel gives an unobstructed view of the chronometer-style gages – speedometer in the center flanked by a tachometer and clock – finished for 2009 in white on a silver background; fuel level and coolant temperature are displayed via bar graphs. The latest version of the COMAND infotainment system incorporates Bluetooth technology for hands-free cell phone and audio operation. Reviewers report that the system’s menus and controls are improved.

Naturally, the CLS class has long list of luxury options like optional seat heating and ventilation, massaging front seats, bi-xeon headlights that include an automatic cornering light along with pivoting adaptive headlights that follow steering movements.

A 5.5 liter V8 develops 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque that flow through the smooth as glass seven-speed automatic transmission to power the CLS550 across the 0-60 jump in 5.4 seconds. Top speed is governed to 155 mph.

The CLS Class is equipped with Mercedes’ Airmatic suspension which combines its air springs with electronically adjusted gas-filled dampers to provide a driver controlled ride experience that ranges from highway luxury car comfort to more than capable twisties exhilaration.

Safety, as befits a Mercedes, is taken seriously as the CLS Class comes equipped with the full complement of airbag including a driver’s knee bag. In addition, the Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system is standard – if its forward-looking radar senses an impending collision the system pre-tensions seat belts, positions seats into safer positions, and closes the sunroof if it senses a possible rollover. Brake control, traction control, and an electronic stability program are also included.

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For the 2006 model year, Mercedes set the world of automotive styling afire with the introduction of its highly sensuous Mercedes CLS Class “four-door coupe.” In 2009, this modern classic’s base model, the CLS550, receives a “freshening.”

For the 2006 model year, Mercedes set the world of automotive styling afire with the introduction of its highly sensuous Mercedes CLS-Class “four-door coupe.” In 2009, this modern classic’s performance model, the CLS63 AMG, receives a freshening.

Outside, a new two-bar grille with grey wire mesh background replaces the four-bar grille and its traditional black backing. The 2009 taillights are LED, and the side mirrors have 32% more glass and arrow-shaped turn signals. The new rear bumper now boasts trapezoidal dual exhausts, which replace oval ones.

Climbing inside, you'll find yards of leather and a dashboard of hand-polished wood, but less interior space than in its sibling E-Class – the four-seat CLS is all about style. An elegant three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, reflecting the CLS63 AMG’s performance heritage, gives an unobstructed view of the chronometer-style gauges – speedometer in the center flanked by a tachometer and clock – finished for 2009 in white on a silver background. Fuel level and coolant temperature are displayed via bar graphs. The latest version of the COMAND infotainment system incorporates Bluetooth technology for hands-free cell phone and audio operation. Reviewers report that the system’s menus and controls are improved.

The high-performance CLS63 AMG receives its motivation from a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 that shares no parts with its CLS550 sibling. The AMG engine sends 507 hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque spinning through a seven-speed automatic. The CLS63's transmission is equipped with the paddle shifted AMG Speedshift, which is calibrated for 35% faster shifts and perfectly rev-matches downshifts. The 0-60 blast happens in 4.3 seconds according to Mercedes, though one reviewer claims 4.1 seconds. And it stops - it's equipped with six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors in front and four-piston calipers with 13-inch rotors in the rear.

The CLS Class is equipped with Mercedes’ Airmatic suspension, which combines air springs with electronically adjusted gas-filled dampers to provide a driver-controlled ride that ranges from highway luxury-car comfort to exhilaration in the twisties. Reviewers report that the CLS63 AMG, with its more sport-tuned suspension, “felt much smaller than its dimensions suggest” when pushed hard through twisting European country roads.

Safety, as always in a Mercedes, is taken seriously, as the CLS-Class comes equipped with the full complement of airbags, including a driver’s knee bag. In addition, the Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system is standard – if its forward-looking radar senses an impending collision, the system pre-tensions seat belts, moves seats into safer positions, and closes the sunroof if it senses a possible rollover. Brake control, traction control, and an electronic stability program are also included.