The suspension: a proven design in a new guise
As on the E-Class, the front suspension takes the form of a 3-link front axle with McPherson struts, which has been especially modified for the new CLS. The key feature of this modified suspension is two individual links (pulling strut and cross strut) in the lower link plane which are positioned at a steeper angle than on the E-Class, thus raising the roll centre to 90 mm. This results in enhanced anti-roll characteristics with the same anti-roll bar diameter and added negative camber on the outer wheel when cornering. This in turn provides for enhanced suspension comfort and enables higher lateral forces to be transmitted to the road surface. The stabiliser is connected to the suspension strut. The forward-sloping pulling strut is designed as a weight-optimised forged aluminium component, while the cross strut fitted in lateral direction is a weight-optimised forged steel component. The tie rod is defined as the third link, forming part of the rack-and-pinion steering system. The arrangement and design of the wheel control parts, and in particular the manner in which the lower A-arm is divided into two individual links, offer more favourable characteristics for the axle kinematics than the fixed A-arm. The kingpin inclination is closer to the wheel centre. This provides for large longitudinal force leverage, thus minimising sensitivity to tyre imbalances and fluctuations in braking force.
The principle of the lightweight independent multi-link rear suspension mounted on a subframe has been adopted on the CLS from the new E-Class, on account of its unparalleled wheel control qualities. All components have been modified in comparison to the suspension's predecessor, for enhanced comfort and added driving dynamics. The new suspension has been designed specifically as a lightweight construction. Almost all wheel control parts are produced in aluminium, in order to reduce the unsprung masses. The axle's kinematics and elastokinematics have been optimised for greater agility and contribute substantially to the vehicle's enhanced comfort as a result of the new configuration and the attendant reduced forces. A further comfort measure is the use of an additional support for the front subframe bearing on the body, which leads to a marked increase in introduction rigidity, thereby addressing the problem of noise vibration harshness (NVH).
See also:
EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
Observe the "Important safety
notes"
section.
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
WARNING
If EBD has mal ...
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are ...
Sets the specified minimum distance
You can set the specified minimum distance
for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span
between one and two seconds. With this
function, you can set the minimum distance
that DISTRONIC PLUS kee ...