Because the new Mercedes CLS models consume significantly less fuel, it has been possible to reduce the filling volume of the fuel tank in the four and six-cylinder models to 59 litres. The 80-litre tank comes as standard on all V8 engines, and is offered as an optional extra on all CLS variants with the 59-litre tank.

7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission available for the first time with the four-cylinder diesel

All CLS models come with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard, for which the torque converter and main transmission have been developed and improved further with regard to fuel consumption and comfort. The new generation of the torque converter provides an improved dynamic response, better durability and reduced noise and vibration levels thanks to a new hydraulic circuit, as well as enhanced dampers and torque converter housing. The extreme wheel-slip reduction of the torque converter housing, combined with larger mechanical damper de-coupling, helps to reduce consumption significantly. In addition, the gearshift program in ECO mode has been changed in favour of lower engine rpm at cruising speeds.

With friction-optimised bearings and gaskets, as well as a new automatic transmission oil (FE-ATF) with reduced viscosity combined with an enhanced additive package, the transmission itself also contributes towards reducing consumption. When the cooling limits are observed, the increased service life of the new oil results in new oil change intervals of every 125,000 kilometres (new) instead of once every 50,000 kilometres (old). The improved electrohydraulic assembly of the transmission and the new friction-reducing materials used on certain transmission parts, combined with optimised software, also lead to better shift quality.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will also be available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the first time in the autumn of 2011.