The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class certainly looks like a coupe, thanks to its minimized greenhouse, frameless side glass, arcing sheetmetal and low-slung roofline. The rear backlight sweeps seamlessly into the trunk area, while short front and rear overhangs lend an assertive stance. The wheel wells are stuffed with handsome alloy wheels, imparting the impression that this is a solid piece of machinery with no extraneous gaps or flourishes. The headlamps are more reminiscent of the Mercedes S-Class rather than the circular figure eights found on most other cars in the Benz stable, providing a clear distinction between the CLS-Class and the platform-donor E-Class. As on the automaker's coupes and convertibles, the three-pointed star is mounted in the center of the grille rather than on the hood as an ornament, signifying the sporting intentions of the CLS-Class. Two models will be available when the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class arrives later this year. The Mercedes CLS 350 is equipped with a 272-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine that accelerates the car to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, thanks in part to a thick wad of torque available between 2,400 and 5,000 rpm. The CLS 350 rides on 17-inch, five twin-spoke alloy wheels wearing 245/45 tires. The Mercedes CLS 500 is juiced by a 306-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 that rushes the car to 60 mph in six seconds. Standard equipment includes 18-inch five-spoke wheels with 245/40 tires.
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