Mercedes-Benz CLS I (C219) gallery (2004–2010)

The pioneer of the four-door coupe segment based on the E-Class W211 platform was manufactured as the C219 from 2004 to 2010.

Mercedes-Benz CLS I (C219), sedan, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 57525 2048 x 1536 89 CLS63 (?219) 2008
sedan A silver four-door car with a sleek sloping roofline, aggressive front bumper, and twin five-spoke alloy wheels, captured from a front three-quarter perspective on an open paved area against modern high-rise city buildings.
Mercedes-Benz CLS I (C219), sedan, silver, side view — photo 57524 2048 x 1536 77 CLS63 (?219) 2008
sedan Silver four-door luxury fastback sedan viewed in profile against modern urban skyscrapers.
Mercedes-Benz CLS I (C219), sedan, silver, rear three-quarter view — photo 57523 2048 x 1536 88 CLS63 (?219) 2008
sedan A silver four-door sedan with a sweeping coupe-like roofline, viewed from the rear three-quarter angle on an open paved area with city high-rises in the background.

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (body code C219) debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, establishing the modern four-door coupe niche. Mechanically built upon the E-Class W211 architecture, the C219 featured a completely distinct low-slung body with a sweeping roofline, frameless door glass, and a dedicated four-seater cabin. It aimed to blend the emotional appeal and stance of a coupe with the convenience of a four-door sedan. Airmatic DC air suspension and electrohydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) were key chassis highlights.

Engine options initially included 3.5-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 gasoline powerplants alongside a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel in the CLS 320 CDI. The performance CLS 55 AMG boasted a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 developing 476 hp. In 2006, Mercedes replaced the SBC system with standard Adaptive Brake hydraulic technology and upgraded the AMG variant to the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 delivering 514 hp in the CLS 63 AMG. A minor 2008 facelift brought a twin-louvre grille, redesigned exhaust tailpipes, and revised LED taillights.