Mercedes reveals 2011 CLS with new engines and diesel power
The second-generation Mercedes CLS arrives for 2011 with fresh styling, new diesel options and a high-performance AMG flagship powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2011 CLS, introducing the second generation of its four-door coupé with a range of new engines and a sharper design. The new CLS is set to reach showrooms with both diesel and hybrid options for the first time, broadening its appeal beyond the petrol-only line-up of the original model.
Engine range includes new diesels and AMG V8
For 2011, the CLS range starts with the CLS 250 CDI, powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 204 hp. This brings improved efficiency and lower emissions to the CLS line, targeting buyers seeking a luxury coupé with running costs closer to a family saloon. The CLS 350 CDI steps up to a 3.0-litre V6 diesel developing 252 hp, offering more power while retaining diesel economy.
At the top of the range, Mercedes has fitted its latest 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 to the CLS 63 AMG. With 571 hp, the new AMG flagship promises much stronger performance than its predecessor, continuing the CLS tradition of combining coupé styling with serious pace. Mercedes also plans to introduce a hybrid variant alongside the new diesel and petrol engines.
Design and market context
The new CLS carries forward the distinctive four-door coupé silhouette that set the original apart in 2004. The 2011 update brings sharper lines and a more prominent grille, reflecting Mercedes’ latest design language. The arrival of diesel and hybrid engines is aimed at expanding the CLS’s reach in a segment that now includes rivals such as the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé, which was confirmed for production in 2012.
