Outrageous proportions: a long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. In 2003 the four-door Coupé was born: and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class immediately established itself as a new style icon. The proportions have stayed the same - and yet everything is different: the second generation of this design trendsetter has adopted a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car's relationship to the other coupés of the brand and strengthens the brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle's athletic appearance.

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the LED High Performance headlamps, which are the world's first to offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design - inside it is divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design as a distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also offer a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure above the wings slopes off towards the rear. This novel design feature, called the dropping line by designers, represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology which are arranged in the form of a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat hardtop. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

• The interior: Luxurious surrounds with many exclusive touches
• Stylish cockpit with three round dials and two colour displays
• THERMOTRONIC climate control with three individual climate modes
• The ultimate in seating comfort allowing adjustments to suit individual ergonomic needs
• Individual seats for the passengers in the rear, for the first time fitted with ISOFIX child seat attachments
• Car radio, CD player and Bluetooth interface as standard
• Additional systems for the ultimate in listening pleasure and entertainment
• The model range: Every CLS is a one-off
• The bodywork: A first: frameless, all-aluminium doors
• Front-end structure: crumple zone on four levels
• Passenger cell: custom-designed floor panels and robust load-bearing sections
• Rear-end structure: side members with specifically graduated material thicknesses
• Active safety: New assistance for drivers
• Premiere: LED High Performance headlamps with complete light functionality
• Premiere: Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Premiere: Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC
• Automatic steering: this is how the parking process works
• Wake up: ATTENTION ASSIST issues warning on detecting drowsiness
• Passive safety: Nine airbags as standard
• The drive system: Four new engines giving the ultimate in driving pleasure
• The ultimate diesel: the V6 engine in the CLS 350 CDI
• Petrol engine with BlueDIRECT: the most efficient form of direct injection
• BlueDIRECT: third-generation direct injection
• ECO start/stop function: significantly reduced consumption in urban traffic
• Smaller tank, same range
• The suspension: Excellent dynamics without compromising on comfort
• The suspension: a proven design in a new guise
• Suspension: selective damping as standard
• Brakes: with Hill-Start Assist and brake drying function
• Even more effective brake discs and brake booster