Mercedes-Benz CLS Certified Car Key Locksmith Services

Mercedes-Benz's introduction of the CLS sparked much debate about the “four-door coupe” label, with many initially viewing it as a mere marketing gimmick. However, this body style has a longer history than many realize, and since the CLS debut, numerous manufacturers have embraced the concept. Traditionally, a coupe was defined by having no more than two doors, but terms such as “two-door sedans” and “four-door coupes” have existed for decades. Early examples include the Mazda RX-8 with its small rear-hinged “suicide” doors and the Rover P5 Coupe from the 1960s, which came in both sedan and coupe versions with four doors. Interestingly, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) does not define a coupe by door count but by rear passenger volume, specifying it as having less than 33 cubic feet (934 liters) of rear interior space.

At the 2004 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz made a bold statement by unveiling the production version of the Vision CLS concept, a striking four-door coupe that closely followed the concept’s design and marked a design departure for the brand. With this model, Mercedes-Benz was the first premium automaker in the 21st century to revive this niche segment, which had long been misunderstood and forgotten. The company officially reintroduced the four-door coupe style in 2005 with the launch of the first-generation CLS, which was facelifted in 2008.

Although Mercedes-Benz popularized the term “four-door coupe”, the body style itself was not entirely new. The 1962 Rover P5 Mark II is widely regarded as the first true four-door coupe. Much like the hamburger’s name, which traces its origins not to America but to Hamburg, Germany, the term “four-door coupe” evoked the image of a car with rear doors but sporting a sloped roof and coupe-like silhouette. Mercedes-Benz’s CLS became the most successful example of this form, with a refreshed and more luxurious version arriving in 2010 that expanded this premium niche market.

While Mercedes was not the first to build a four-door coupe, its 2004 launch reignited interest in this design approach. The second generation debuted in 2010, receiving a facelift in 2014 that featured notable updates. The facelift’s most eye-catching change was the adoption of LED headlights, replacing the previous bi-xenon units. A horizontal satin-silver slat stretched across the black grille, lending the car a sportier and more aggressive front end. The lower apron featured an A-shaped central air intake reminiscent of the SLS AMG, and LED daytime running lights appeared suspended in the side scoops over a black mesh grille. This version also introduced advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, supported by radar sensors cleverly integrated behind the grille.

In 2014, Mercedes-Benz refreshed both the four-door coupe and Shooting Brake variants of the CLS. This update came just as the European market was adopting the Euro 6 emissions standards, which not only tightened pollution limits but also introduced requirements for vehicle safety systems and recyclability. Mercedes focused on necessary updates but also used the refresh to keep pace with competitors. Exterior changes included a new front fascia with multi-beam LED headlights that appeared futuristic for their time. The grille design evolved with a thick double horizontal slat supporting the prominent central star. AMG models received a unique 3D diamond-pattern grille that visually suggested speed and power. Chrome trims were removed from the greenhouse area, and the rear taillights gained a darker red tint.

Mercedes-Benz first revived the four-door coupe concept in 2003 with the CLS, and by 2018 it had reached its third generation. The CLS became an instant hit, prompting other premium automakers to develop their own competitors. BMW introduced the 6-Series Gran Turismo, Jaguar brought out the XF, and Audi launched the A7 Sportback. Despite the competition, the CLS remained the original trendsetter in this segment. The third-generation CLS featured a sleek coupe design with long, flowing lines, narrow front LED headlights, raked A-pillars, an arched roofline, and sloping C-pillars that created a distinctive silhouette. LED taillights were standard, reinforcing its modern look. Though purists initially resisted the concept, the CLS found strong customer acceptance by offering a sportier alternative to traditional sedans with a more refined and luxurious character.

In 2021, Mercedes-Benz launched a facelifted version of the CLS that added new options and enhanced features. Over 450,000 units of the CLS had been sold worldwide since its debut, proving the model's commercial success despite compromises such as limited rear headroom and smaller trunk capacity. The updated model featured a redesigned front fascia with a standard AMG-style bumper, a black A-shaped wing, silver-chrome front splitter, and a 3D radiator grille. Side skirts bore the AMG signature, while the rear end retained its diffuser and rhomboidal exhaust tips, unchanged from previous versions.

For Mercedes-Benz owners, especially those in Greater Boston and surrounding areas, maintaining the elegance and security of a CLS or any four-door coupe is crucial. SherlockLock is the trusted automotive locksmith provider renowned for expert service with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Whether you require car key replacement, emergency lockout assistance, or sophisticated key fob programming, SherlockLock combines technical expertise with fast, reliable service. With a deep understanding of Mercedes-Benz security systems and advanced electronic keys, SherlockLock ensures your luxury vehicle remains protected and accessible - an essential partner for owners of such refined and innovative models.