CLS 500 (306 PS)

STORY

The CLS created a new genre. The first-generation C219 arrived in 2004, based on the 2003 Vision CLS concept. It took the mechanicals of an E-Class saloon and put them under a low, sweeping fastback body with frameless windows, then called it the "four-door coupé". Critics laughed at the marketing term; buyers liked the shape.

The idea had a big influence. Within a few years Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche had all launched their own versions of the four-door coupé, and today the style is found across the industry. But Mercedes did it first, and did it most elegantly.

The CLS put drama ahead of rear headroom and practicality, and gave the range a car bought purely for its looks. It was a design statement that opened an entire new segment and reminded everyone that a Mercedes could be desirable as well as dignified.