The Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 holds a legendary place in automotive history as the flagship launch model of the C219 CLS-Class, which single-handedly pioneered the modern "four-door coupe" segment. By combining the sweeping, aerodynamic silhouette of a sports coupe with the practical four-door configuration of a sedan, it shattered traditional design templates and forced rivals to create competitors like the Audi A7 and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.