The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class marked a significant evolution in automotive design, solidifying its pioneering role as the original four-door coupe. This model wasn’t just a car; it was a statement, blending the captivating aesthetics of a coupe with the practicality and comfort of a sedan. For those in the market for a pre-owned luxury vehicle, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class continues to be a compelling option, embodying timeless design and advanced engineering.
The Genesis of a Design Icon: Redefining the Coupe
The CLS-Class, with its initial launch, carved out a unique niche in the automotive world. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class represented the first major redesign of this groundbreaking vehicle, further refining the concept of a four-door coupe. In a landscape increasingly saturated with new segments, the CLS stood out by creating its own – a four-door vehicle that delivered the emotional allure and dynamic silhouette of a coupe, without sacrificing the everyday usability of a sedan.
Often cited as the most visually striking model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the 2012 CLS Class boasted even more pronounced body lines in its updated design. Slightly larger than its predecessor, the new CLS grew by approximately 1.2 inches in length and 0.3 inches in width, enhancing its road presence. Strategically positioned within the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, it bridged the gap between the larger, S-Class-based CL coupe and the E-Class coupe, showcasing efficient platform and powertrain utilization while maintaining distinct model identities.
A Legacy of Coupe Excellence: Mercedes-Benz Heritage
Mercedes-Benz has a rich and storied history of crafting iconic coupe models. While the legendary 300SL “Gullwing” from the 1950s often comes to mind first, the brand’s coupe lineage extends further back. Notable predecessors include the 1936 Type 380 and the elegant 300S of the early 1950s. Even certain four-door models from the 1930s, with their coupe-esque profiles – such as the long-wheelbase 200 and 290 “Streamliners” – are considered by some as early ancestors to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class concept.
Starting with the 220S “Ponton” in 1956, Mercedes-Benz consistently produced stunning coupes based on its E-Class and S-Class sedan platforms for decades. This continuous evolution paved the way for the emergence of distinct coupe classes like the CLK and the larger CL-Class, culminating in the sophisticated and innovative 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class.
2012 CLS Class Launch in the US: Power and Performance
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class arrived in the U.S. market in June 2011, offering two compelling models, both equipped with new biturbo, direct-injection V8 engines. The CLS550 featured a 4.6-liter engine generating 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, providing robust performance for everyday driving and spirited acceleration.
For enthusiasts seeking even greater power, the CLS63 AMG model boasted a hand-built 5.5-liter version of the new V8, delivering an impressive 518 hp and 516 lb.-ft of torque. This high-performance variant transformed the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class into a true sports coupe in sedan form.
Both 2012 CLS Class models were equipped with seven-speed automatic transmissions. However, the CLS63 AMG featured an advanced MCT (multi-clutch technology) sports transmission. This innovative transmission utilized a start-up clutch instead of a traditional torque converter, offering the direct engagement and feedback of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. The MCT transmission provided exceptional versatility and quicker shift times, enhancing the driving experience for the performance-oriented CLS63 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety in the 2012 CLS Class, including a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. These included PRE-SAFE, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, traction control, and ESP electronic stability control. For enhanced driver assistance, DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist were available as optional features.
Exterior Design: Sculpted Aerodynamics and AMG Flair
Sweeping Lines and Muscular Stance
The exterior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class was a masterclass in automotive design, characterized by refined proportions, a bolder front fascia, and a sportier overall stance. Its powerful presence was defined by a sleek, sweeping silhouette – a classic coupe form that exuded energy and dynamism. The graceful roofline seamlessly flowed into the C-pillar, creating a dramatic arc that defined the car’s profile.
The interplay of taut lines and rounded surfaces, a signature of modern Mercedes-Benz design, was particularly evident on the 2012 CLS Class. The arching profile, sculpted rear fenders, and elongated overhangs at the front and rear contributed to the sophisticated and elongated aesthetic.
Aerodynamic Efficiency
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class achieved an impressive drag coefficient of 0.28, a significant improvement over its predecessor, allowing it to cut through the air with minimal resistance. This aerodynamic efficiency was not solely due to its streamlined shape but also to carefully engineered underbody paneling, redesigned side mirror housings, and optimized front and rear apron and trunk lid contours. Mercedes-Benz’s attention to detail in aerodynamic testing, including the use of rolling conveyor belts in wind tunnels to simulate real-world wheel rotation, influenced the design of underfloor paneling and wheel spoilers.
AMG Distinctive Touches
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG was visually differentiated by its more aggressive styling cues. A deep front apron with prominent side air vents featuring black grilles and striking LED daytime running lights immediately set it apart. The unique front grille incorporated a large Mercedes-Benz star and a single lamella slat with a black accent. At the rear, the AMG model featured an integrated lip spoiler on the trunk lid, enhancing high-speed stability, and a black air diffuser between the quad exhaust tips.
Enhanced Visibility: Rain and Lighting Technology
Mercedes-Benz integrated innovative features to enhance visibility in the 2012 CLS Class. Aluminum channels in the A-pillars effectively channeled rainwater away from the windshield and onto the roof, improving wiper performance. The driver’s side windshield wiper featured a fixed rotation, while the passenger-side wiper utilized an eccentric sweep for maximum coverage.
The aero wipers, a departure from conventional articulated blades, employed a one-piece design with integrated leaf springs and an aero spoiler. This design improved wiping efficiency, reduced wind resistance, and minimized icing in cold weather. A standard rain sensor automatically adjusted wiper speed based on rain intensity. Heated elements at the base of the windshield prevented wiper arm icing in low temperatures, and an electrically heated windshield washing system with high-pressure jet wash for the headlights further enhanced visibility.
Advanced Lighting Systems: Bi-Xenon and LED Technology
Standard bi-xenon high-intensity gas-discharge (HID) headlights provided superior nighttime illumination compared to conventional halogen lights in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class. The bi-xenon modules featured dual “eyes,” with the outer unit serving both low and high beams and the inner unit functioning as an LED running light. LED turn signals wrapped around the assembly in a distinctive “C” shape. Self-leveling beams ensured optimal headlight aim regardless of vehicle load or braking/acceleration dynamics.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class also offered optional full LED headlights, a world-first in automotive lighting technology at the time. These LEDs provided exceptional white light, consumed less power, and offered longer lifespans than traditional headlights. LED turn signals were positioned at the top of the assembly, and a perimeter LED light encircled the low beam array in a “C” shape for a unique nighttime signature. The high beam was located at the bottom, and a row of LED daytime running lights was integrated into the bumper. Small fans ensured LED cluster cooling and lens defrosting in cold weather.
Active Light Technology: Cornering and High Beam Assist
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class lights featured active-curve technology, pivoting up to 15 degrees with steering input to illuminate upcoming curves, enhancing visibility by approximately 80 feet further into turns compared to fixed headlights. Speed-sensitive adaptation further optimized the active-curve lighting system. Separate cornering lights activated at low speeds during turns or when turn signals were engaged, illuminating the vehicle’s side up to 65 degrees and 40 feet. These lights featured a smooth fade-in and fade-out for driver comfort.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist, utilizing a windshield-mounted camera, automatically and seamlessly transitioned between high and low beams upon detecting headlights or taillights of other vehicles, optimizing headlight range from 220 to 1,000 feet without dazzling other drivers.
Rear Lighting and Mirror Design
The rear light housings of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class incorporated LED taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and side markers, with conventional backup lights in the center. An LED center brake light was integrated into the rear window, and an LED rear fog light was recessed in the bumper. Paying homage to motorsports, the 2012 CLS Class featured free-standing side mirrors, incorporating integrated turn signal indicators and optional Blind Spot Assist warning triangles. The mirrors were auto-dimming and electrically heated for cold weather functionality.
Interior Elegance and Technology: A Seamless Blend
The exterior’s sweeping lines flowed seamlessly into the interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class, visually connecting the dashboard and doors to the rear of the cabin. The center console and transmission tunnel gracefully merged towards the rear, subtly dividing the two rear seats and creating a coupe-like personal space for rear passengers.
Increased exterior dimensions translated to enhanced interior room in the 2012 CLS Class. Front shoulder room increased by 0.8 inches, rear shoulder room by 0.5 inches, front elbow room by 0.3 inches, and rear elbow room by 0.8 inches, offering a more spacious and comfortable cabin.
The rear doors, a defining feature of the four-door coupe design, provided practical access to the comfortable rear seating area. Leather and wood dominated the interior surfaces, with natural-grain leather and a choice of wood trim adorning the dashboard.
Dashboard Design and Noise Reduction
The dashboard’s flowing design was complemented by a soft-touch polyurethane skin, sprayed onto the base material for a luxurious feel and appearance. This manufacturing technique allowed for seamless integration of elements like air vents, eliminating visible panel seams. Even the passenger-side airbag cover featured an invisible seam.
The dashboard itself was engineered for sound dampening, insulated at the front to minimize engine noise intrusion into the cabin. Airtight seals around cable and wire openings between the interior and engine compartment eliminated potential sound bridges. A steel cross member provided robust support for the dashboard and its components, including the radio, climate control, instrument cluster, and steering column, minimizing vibration and contributing to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class‘s quiet interior.
New Cockpit and COMAND System
The driver-centric cockpit of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class featured a three-tube instrument cluster, with an analog speedometer incorporating a versatile color display in the center. Analog gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature were housed in the left tube, while an analog tachometer occupied the right tube. A large display for the COMAND system was positioned atop the center console, accompanied by an analog clock and fresh air vents. A switch panel below housed controls for features like heated seats and PARKTRONIC. The climate control system panel was located beneath the switches.
The COMAND central controller, a rotary push-button interface similar to a computer mouse, was positioned between the seats, along with a double cupholder and a storage compartment containing a 12-volt socket, audio AUX-IN jack, and optional iPod-MP3 media interface.
AMG Interior Enhancements
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG interior featured unique AMG enhancements. AMG door sill panels and AMG sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs greeted the driver. The three-dimensional TFT display in the speedometer showcased an AMG logo upon door opening.
AMG-specific menus within the instrument cluster provided performance-oriented information, including “Warm Up” mode displaying oil and coolant temperatures, “Set Up” mode indicating ESP, suspension, and transmission settings, and a “RACE” mode with a lap timer for track use.
An AMG DRIVE UNIT on the center console, angled towards the driver, provided easy access to controls for MCT sports transmission modes, ESP functions, suspension setup, and AMG drive modes. An E-SELECT shift lever and a park lock button (“P”) were also integrated into the DRIVE UNIT.
Advanced COMAND Infotainment
The COMAND system in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class featured a seven-inch TFT color display screen and intuitive controls for audio, media, and navigation. It included AM/FM/weatherband/satellite/HD digital radio, Bluetooth, MP3 capability with Music Register, a PCMCIA card slot, and GPS satellite navigation. A six-disc CD-DVD player connected to the Gracenote database displayed artist, genre, track titles, and lengths. The navigation system utilized a dedicated hard drive with map data for North America. An optional rear-view camera, discreetly integrated into the trunk lid, displayed the area behind the vehicle on the COMAND screen when reverse gear was engaged.
Premium Audio and Climate Control
A standard harman/kardon Logic 7 digital surround-sound system with Dolby Surround 5.1 provided a high-fidelity listening experience in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class. Two 610-watt amplifiers powered 14 speakers and a subwoofer. All amplifier channels featured individually tuned frequency response, and speed-dependent volume control adjusted audio levels automatically.
Dual-zone climate control allowed independent temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. The system automatically adjusted temperature and airflow based on sunlight intensity. A multifunction sensor monitored humidity and pollutant levels in ambient air, automatically switching to air recirculation when nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide levels exceeded thresholds when using the activated charcoal filter. A new sensor monitored windshield fogging and activated the AC compressor only when necessary for dehumidification, improving fuel efficiency and minimizing dry eye discomfort.
Multifunction Steering Wheel and Display
A power-adjustable steering wheel in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class incorporated illuminated rocker buttons for convenient control of numerous vehicle functions. Two button clusters provided access to over 50 functions, including trip odometers, trip computer, audio system controls, vehicle diagnostics messages, clock settings, interior lighting dimming, and language selection. The wheel-mounted buttons and multifunction display in the instrument cluster allowed drivers to navigate through menus and sub-menus, displaying radio station information, phonebook access, navigation instructions, and vehicle fault details.
First-Class Seating and Comfort Features
Standard 14-way power-adjustable front seats in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class included new four-way power lumbar support. Mercedes-Benz’s signature pictogram seat controls were conveniently located on the door panel. Seat, steering wheel, and exterior mirror positions could be stored in memory for up to three individuals, with personalized settings automatically activated based on the SmartKey used. An automatic easy-entry feature moved the steering wheel upward and the seat rearward upon SmartKey removal, facilitating easier egress.
The 2012 CLS63 AMG featured AMG sport seats upholstered in soft nappa leather with cross-stitching. The rear seats were contoured to match the front seats. Leather trim extended throughout the cabin, encompassing the steering wheel, shift handle, and door panels.
Optional active ventilated front seats, initially introduced in the S-Class, were available as part of the Premium 1 option package. These seats utilized five mini-fans within each seat to draw air from the footwell, circulating cool air in summer and warm air in winter through permeable fabric and perforated leather upholstery, quickly cooling down sun-heated seats. Airflow was adjustable to three speeds.
Optional multi-contour driver’s seats with a Drive-Dynamic feature provided enhanced lateral support during cornering. The system automatically inflated the outer seatback bolster based on steering angle, lateral acceleration, and vehicle speed.
KEYLESS GO and Parking Assistance
The KEYLESS GO system in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class used transceiver antennas to detect the SmartKey’s presence. Simply pulling a door handle unlocked the car as long as the driver had the SmartKey on their person. Engine start was initiated by depressing the brake pedal and pressing a button on the dashboard. KEYLESS GO also prevented accidental key lock-in within the trunk, automatically popping the trunk lid open if the keys were detected inside.
Parktronic utilized ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to detect obstacles, providing audible warnings and visual proximity displays on the dashboard and in the rearview mirror. Active Parking Assist combined Parktronic and electric steering assist to simplify parallel parking. Below 20 mph, the system identified suitable parking spaces and, upon driver confirmation, automatically steered the car into the space while the driver controlled acceleration and braking.
Electronic Trunk Closer
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class offered an optional remote electronic trunk closer. Pressing a button on the driver’s door or remote control gently opened the trunk lid via an electric motor and springs. A button on the inside of the lid or on the driver’s door electronically closed the trunk, with a servo locking mechanism ensuring complete latching. A safety feature stopped lid closure if resistance was detected before latching.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class represented a significant step forward in the evolution of the four-door coupe, offering a blend of captivating design, luxurious features, and advanced technology. For those seeking a distinctive and sophisticated pre-owned vehicle, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class continues to impress with its timeless appeal and enduring innovation.
