The Mercedes-Benz CLS 220 BlueTEC, part of the X218 Shooting Brake (estate) facelift introduced in 2014, represented an interesting intersection of luxury, practicality, and fuel efficiency within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Produced through 2018, this variant offered a diesel-powered option for buyers seeking the stylish silhouette of the CLS in a more versatile body style. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it slotted below the more powerful CLS 350 and CLS 550 models, appealing to customers prioritizing economy without sacrificing the brand’s premium character. This model aimed to capture a segment of the market that desired a sophisticated, long-distance cruiser with lower running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS |
| Generation | CLS Shooting Brake (X218, facelift 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | CLS 220 BlueTEC (170 Hp) 9G-TRONIC |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3-4.4 l/100 km (54.7 – 53.5 US mpg, 65.7 – 64.2 UK mpg, 23.3 – 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 127 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm, 226 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 3000-4200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 79.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1400-2800 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1400-2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 651.924 |
| Engine displacement | 2143 cm3 (130.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 99 mm (3.9 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.4 l (10.99 US qt | 9.15 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2370 kg (5224.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 590 l (20.84 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1550 l (54.74 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 59 l (15.59 US gal | 12.98 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4953 mm (195 in.) |
| Width | 1881 mm (74.06 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2075 mm (81.69 in.) |
| Height | 1419 mm (55.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2874 mm (113.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1596 mm (62.83 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1629 mm (64.13 in.) |
| Front overhang | 898 mm (35.35 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1181 mm (46.5 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.18 m (36.68 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 9 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
INTRODUCTION
The CLS 220 BlueTEC Shooting Brake, launched in 2014 as part of the X218 facelift, combined the elegant coupe-like profile of the CLS with the practicality of a station wagon. Mercedes-Benz introduced the Shooting Brake variant to broaden the CLS’s appeal, offering a more functional alternative to the traditional four-door coupe. The 220 BlueTEC model, powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, was designed to deliver a balance of performance and fuel economy. It occupied a key position in the lineup, providing an entry point into the CLS range for buyers who didn’t require the higher power outputs of the six and eight-cylinder options. The facelift brought with it updated styling cues, improved technology, and refinements to the engine range, including the adoption of the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the CLS 220 BlueTEC lies the OM651.924 2.1-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, a mainstay of the Mercedes-Benz diesel lineup, utilizes a sophisticated commonrail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The engine is equipped with a bi-turbocharger system – a small turbocharger for quick response at low engine speeds and a larger turbocharger for increased power at higher RPMs. An intercooler further enhances performance by cooling the compressed intake air. The engine produces 170 horsepower at 3000-4200 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 1400 and 2800 rpm. This broad torque curve is a hallmark of diesel engines, providing strong pulling power across a wide range of engine speeds. Paired exclusively with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, the CLS 220 BlueTEC benefits from closely spaced gear ratios, optimizing both fuel efficiency and acceleration. The 9G-TRONIC transmission allows the engine to operate within its optimal efficiency range more frequently, contributing to the car’s impressive fuel economy figures.
Driving Characteristics
The CLS 220 BlueTEC, with its 170 hp and 400 Nm of torque, offered a relaxed and refined driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the engine provided ample power for comfortable highway cruising and effortless overtaking. The 9G-TRONIC transmission played a crucial role in delivering smooth and seamless gear changes, enhancing the overall driving comfort. Compared to the more powerful CLS 350 or CLS 550 models, the 220 BlueTEC felt less urgent in its acceleration, taking 8.6 seconds to reach 62 mph (8.2 seconds to 60 mph). However, the strong low-end torque made it feel responsive in everyday driving situations. The closely spaced gear ratios of the 9G-TRONIC helped to keep the engine in its sweet spot, maximizing efficiency and minimizing noise. The rear-wheel drive configuration provided a balanced handling feel, although it wasn’t as engaging as the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system available on other CLS models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The CLS 220 BlueTEC Shooting Brake came reasonably well-equipped as standard. Typical features included automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a multi-function steering wheel, and a high-quality audio system. The interior design mirrored the luxurious aesthetic of other CLS models, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather packages, a premium sound system, and various driver assistance systems such as lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The trim levels were generally defined by the selection of optional packages, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific preferences. The standard dashboard configuration featured analog gauges with a central color display screen, providing information on vehicle settings, navigation, and entertainment.
Chassis & Braking
The CLS 220 BlueTEC utilized an independent suspension system at both the front and rear. The front suspension employed a McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear featured a multi-link setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining good handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking maneuvers. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLS 220 BlueTEC was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and stylish design. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the outright performance of its larger counterparts. Compared to the CLS 350, the 220 BlueTEC offered significantly better fuel economy – around 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) combined versus the CLS 350’s 7.6 l/100 km (31 US mpg). The 220 BlueTEC also undercut the CLS 350 in price, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. In terms of reliability, the OM651 engine family had a generally good reputation, although diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues could occur with infrequent long-distance driving.
Legacy
The CLS 220 BlueTEC Shooting Brake remains a desirable used car option for buyers seeking a stylish and fuel-efficient luxury estate. The OM651 engine, while not the most powerful, is known for its durability and relatively low running costs. The 9G-TRONIC transmission has also proven to be a reliable unit. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The CLS 220 BlueTEC represents a unique blend of luxury, practicality, and efficiency, making it a compelling choice in the used car market.
