2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Features

In all, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS strikes us as a logical next step for a successful product and nicely timed to steal thunder from copycat competitors. The only question is, does the redesign go far enough? After all, the original CLS-Class was unique back in the day, but the new one won't be, and that could dilute both its market impact and sales potential. And let's not forget the new E-Class two-door coupes, which amount to in-house rivals. At least Mercedes is covering all the bases.

A Notable Feature of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is sure to offer most all the new safety-focused systems available in the latest Euro-market E-Class and big S-Class sedans, provided U.S. lawyers approve. Start with steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps that now include Adaptive Highbeam Assist. This not only selects high and low beams as needed but can vary headlight intensity to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers, based on ambient-light signals from a windshield-mounted camera. Speed Limit Assist uses a camera to read roadside warning signs and flash visual alerts on a gauge-cluster info screen. Lane Keeping Assist is designed to monitor lane position and to vibrate the steering wheel if the driver strays outside the lines.

Then there's Attention Assist, which uses various sensors to monitor steering-wheel movement, lateral acceleration, speed, braking frequency and over 60 other parameters between roughly 50 and 110 mph. The system compiles a "driver profile" on starting-up, and compares that with subsequent sensor readings to determine a possibly drowsy driver. In the event, an alert sounds and the words "Attention Assist Break!" appear on the dashboard. If this seems a bit HAL 9000 creepy, Mercedes cites several studies showing that tired drivers are involved in more than a quarter of all serious accidents, so the idea is a good one in theory. We'll be interested to see how it works in practice.

The next CLS-Class should also offer Mercedes' Night View Assist, traffic-watcher Blind Spot Assist, and the company's Pre-Safe system. The last is designed to detect an unavoidable frontal crash and, in the event, provide full automatic braking in addition to repositioning seats, cinching seatbelts and rolling up windows.

Last but not least, one British source says the redesigned CLS-Class will be newly available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive, as well as rear-wheel drive. This would probably be limited to the V6 CLS350 and V8 CLS550 models.