Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicles –
the Shape of the Future
the Shape of the Future
The best of two worlds: Vision CLS
A highlight of the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) was a concept car which took new directions in both styling and engineering: Vision CLS. Never before had two distinct genres been combined so satisfyingly and so attractively as in this vehicle, which was a coupe and a sedan rolled into one. Once again, Mercedes-Benz had created a milestone in automotive history.
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Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS - A coupé generation ahead of the rest |
Facts
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Vehicle: |
Vision CLS |
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When: |
Fall 2003 |
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Where: |
Frankfurt International Motor Show |
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What: |
Spacious four-door coupe |
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Powertrain: |
Six-cylinder diesel engine, 195 kW (265 hp), rear-wheel drive, 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission |
Technical highlights
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Design
Vision CLS' big attraction was its combination of coupe looks with the practical advantages of a sedan. Four doors and a capacious interior gave Vision CLS a clear edge over other coupes. At the front end, both innovative and familiar themes were on parade. Although the new-design headlamps created a Mercedes-Benz face which was intriguing and different, the centrally positioned star and the slatted radiator grille were established and typical Mercedes-Benz design features.
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Please click on the pictures to enlarge them.
The side view exhibited the taut lines and naturally rounded forms for which modern Mercedes-Benz design is noted. One example was the high waistline. Emphasized by a clearly defined feature line, it added to the sense of security when sitting inside the Vision CLS. This was crowned by a striking roofline which extended above the body in a sweeping arc, then dipped gently away to the rear.
Interior
Bright colors made the interior of the Vision CLS inviting and cheerful. Wood and leather were much in evidence. The dashboard and A-pillars were finished in natural leather processed in accordance with traditional methods. Soft leather upholstery was also used on the seats and door panels. Hand-finished oak veneer meanwhile attracted the eye with a light color and an interesting, open-pored grain, while the roof, largely made of glass, let in a lot of light and added to the pleasant sense of spaciousness.
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Please click on the pictures to enlarge them.
The interior space of the Vision CLS set new standards for a coupe. The distance of 83 centimeters between the front and rear seats put Vision CLS firmly in sedan territory. The headroom in the rear of 92 centimeters went well beyond the usual dimensions for a coupe of this size. Trunk capacity too, at 470 liters (VDA norm), was significantly more than that offered by other coupes and some sedans, making the Vision CLS a fully-fledged tourer for four.
Safety
The vehicle was equipped with adaptive front airbags, window bags and side airbags, along with belt tensioners and adaptive belt force limiters on all seats. Other technical highlights of the Vision CLS included the Active Light System, cornering light and the electrohydraulic brake system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC).
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Please click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Powertrain
The powerful diesel engine meanwhile was typical of the concept vehicle's combination of charisma and practicality. Maximum power of 195 kW (265 hp) and maximum torque of 560 Newton meters provided an exciting driving experience. The power was transferred to the road by the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission, the 7G-TRONIC. 0 to 100 km/h was accomplished in 6.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. For all this impressive performance however, the six-cylinder unit was fully EU 4-compliant and had a fuel consumption (NEDC) of just 7.5 liters per 100 km.
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