The Vision CLS

The interior is equally impressive: the light colour shades are utterly captivating whilst the high-quality materials make any stay on board an absolute pleasure. Leather and wood are the main interior design elements. Traditionally worked, natural-grain leather is used for the trim on the dashboard and the A-pillar panels in the showcar interior. And an extra touch of refinement is provided by the elegant diamond-shaped grain of the supple, light beige-coloured leather which adorns the seats and interior door panels.

Real wood – as opposed to imitations – has always been an important material for enhancing the elegance and sophistication of Mercedes-Benz interiors. In the Vision CLS, the eyes are instantly drawn to the handcrafted oak trim with its light tone and attractive open-pore grain. A trim strip made from this finest of natural materials spans almost the entire face of the dashboard, thus creating an air of sophistication. And, like the leather appointments, it helps give a natural feel to the interior of the Vision CLS.

Daylight is another important design aspect of the Vision CLS interior. A large, transparent roof panel made of glass stretches from the windscreen to the rear end, bathing the interior in light and thus giving the occupants a overriding feeling of space. In addition the glass roof has the effect of bringing the driver and passengers closer to their outside environment, thus making a ride on board the Vision CLS even more of a pleasurable experience.

The smooth-flowing design lines create a seamless visual link between the dashboard, the doors and the rear of the vehicle. This design element, combined with the sophisticated colour scheme and specially selected materials, creates a truly balanced and harmonious ambience. The effect is enhanced by the centre console and transmission tunnel, which merge to form an elegant feature that sweeps gracefully rearwards, deftly dividing the two luxury rear seats. Compartments beneath the padded, leather covered armrests between the front seats and in the centre console at the rear provide ample space for cup and bottle holders.

The cockpit: chronometer-style elegance and precision

The new-look instrument cluster is a blend of classical and modern styling elements. Situated in the centre of the cluster is a large, round speedometer flanked by two somewhat smaller dials: the clock and the rev counter. Each of these dials is, in turn, flanked by a bargraph-style indicator: the fuel and coolant temperature gauges. Light-coloured dials, a decorative wood trim and front panels featuring chrome rings with a dull lustre accentuate the high-quality, chronometer-style look of the instruments.

Ergonomic design à la Mercedes-Benz makes the various systems much easier to use, thus enabling the driver to enjoy mile after mile on the road. The centrepiece of this ergonomic concept is the four-spoke steering wheel which has four illuminated "paddles" for calling up important information or controlling selected functions at the touch of a button. Devices such as the radio, telephone and navigation system, among others, can be easily operated in this way.