CLAAS has introduced the new Arion 5 CMATIC tractor series, replacing the long-running Arion 500 range with three four-cylinder models spanning 145 to 180 hp and making continuously variable transmission standard across the lineup.
The new Arion 5.140 CMATIC, 5.160 CMATIC and 5.180 CMATIC are built at CLAAS’ tractor plant in Le Mans, France. Although the tractors retain the basic four-cylinder engine concept of their predecessors, the update represents a substantial shift in drivetrain strategy, operator technology and positioning within the CLAAS tractor portfolio.
Most notably, the previous choice between Hexashift powershift and CMATIC continuously variable transmissions is gone. Every new Arion 5 is now equipped with CLAAS’ own CMATIC stepless transmission.
Arion 5 Engine and Power
Power continues to come from a 4.5-liter four-cylinder DPS engine, with the new range covering three maximum-output levels.
The Arion 5.140 CMATIC produces 145 hp and 619 Nm of maximum torque, while the 5.160 increases output to 165 hp and 697 Nm. At the top of the range, the Arion 5.180 CMATIC develops 180 hp and 730 Nm.
Maximum torque is reached at 1,500 rpm across the range. Unlike systems that depend on a temporary power boost to reach their headline figure, CLAAS says the 180 hp maximum output of the 5.180 is continuously available.
The three tractors have curb weights of 7,280 kg for the 5.140, 7,600 kg for the 5.160 and 7,700 kg for the 5.180. Maximum permissible gross weight is 10,250 kg on the 5.140 and 11,000 kg on the two larger models.
That gives the flagship 5.180 a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 42.8 kg/hp, an important figure for a tractor intended to cover loader work, grassland operations, tillage, drilling and transport rather than specialize in one role.
CMATIC Transmission Becomes Standard
The switch to an all-CMATIC lineup is arguably the biggest mechanical change.
CLAAS’ power-split continuously variable transmission replaces the transmission choices available on the outgoing Arion 500 generation. The drivetrain continuously coordinates engine speed and transmission ratio according to tractor load, travel speed and power demand.
For road transport, the Arion 5 CMATIC can reach 50 km/h while running the engine at just 1,490 rpm, reducing engine speed during high-speed transport.
The transmission also incorporates an automatic trailer overrun brake designed to improve stability during transport and a wheel-loader mode specifically aimed at repetitive front-loader work. The loader strategy adjusts drivetrain behavior to improve controllability, traction and tire life.
A new K80 hitch option is rated for up to 4 metric tons of vertical load, further strengthening the tractor’s suitability for heavy trailers and slurry tankers.
Auto Load Anticipation
One of the more technically significant additions is CLAAS’ adaptive drivetrain management with Auto Load Anticipation.
Rather than waiting for engine rpm to collapse when an implement enters the ground, the system uses an algorithm-based control strategy to anticipate the upcoming increase in load. Engine speed and the CMATIC transmission ratio can then be adjusted before the load peak arrives.
For example, when a cultivator is lowered into the soil, the drivetrain can prepare for the expected resistance rather than reacting only after the tractor is already under load.
The technology is designed to reduce sudden engine-speed drops while maintaining performance without requiring the operator to manually adjust engine or transmission settings. CLAAS’ adaptive drivetrain management technology received a Silver Innovation Award at Agritechnica 2025.
For operators, that development may ultimately matter more than the new exterior styling. A CVT’s effectiveness depends heavily on how well its software manages the relationship between engine load, hydraulic demand, ground speed and transmission ratio. CLAAS is increasingly moving that decision-making away from the operator and into the drivetrain controller.
150 L/Min Load-Sensing Hydraulics
The new Arion 5 CMATIC is equipped with a 150-liter-per-minute load-sensing hydraulic system and can be configured with up to six hydraulic spool valves.
A front linkage is standard, giving the tractor more flexibility for front and rear implement combinations. CLAAS also lists optimized lower-link stabilizers that allow quick conversion between Category 3 and Category 3N configurations.
CLAAS positions the range for equipment including mower combinations and tillage or seeding implements approximately 3 to 5 meters wide, depending on the application and operating conditions.
Fuel capacity across all three models is 215 liters.
Arion 5 Cab Upgrades
Operator comfort has received considerably more attention than a conventional mid-cycle tractor update might suggest.
The tractors combine PROACTIV front-axle suspension with a fully suspended cab, while the CMOTION multifunction controller integrates transmission control, rear linkage operation, headland management and eight freely assignable functions.
CEBIS is now integrated as the standard control terminal in the right-hand armrest. It provides control and monitoring for functions including hydraulics, rear linkage, ISOBUS UT and the optional CEMOS DIALOG operator-assistance system.
A new premium seat can be specified with semi-active suspension, heating, ventilation and massage functions.
CLAAS has also added a new multimedia system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+, bringing the cab closer to the specification increasingly expected in higher-horsepower tractors.
Optional dynamic steering approximately halves the number of steering-wheel turns required from lock to lock, which should be particularly useful during loader work and frequent headland turns.
Up to 20 LED work lights are available, complemented by new illuminated entry steps.
GPS PILOT and CEMIS 1200
The technology package extends beyond basic tractor controls.
GPS PILOT with the CEMIS 1200 terminal provides automated steering, while CLAAS connect links the tractor with the company’s digital farm and fleet-management environment.
Operators can prepare guidance lines using field boundaries in CLAAS connect and transfer them digitally to the tractor. Guidance lines can also be shared directly between compatible machines.
A new automatic reference-track switching function selects the appropriate guidance line according to the tractor’s position and direction of travel, reducing manual intervention when moving between headlands, field sections or differently oriented guidance tracks.
CEMOS DIALOG is available as an option. The self-learning operator-assistance system can recommend settings including ballast and tire pressure while helping optimize field performance and efficiency.
New CLAAS Tractor Design
Visually, the Arion 5 adopts CLAAS’ latest tractor design language, following the styling direction already seen on machines including the Xerion 12, Axion 9, Axion 8 and Arion 6 CMATIC.
But the new bodywork is arguably the least important part of the update.
The larger shift is CLAAS bringing technologies previously associated with its higher-powered tractors into a relatively compact four-cylinder platform. Adaptive drivetrain control, CEMOS integration, sophisticated guidance functions, a fully suspended cab and an all-CVT transmission strategy move the Arion 5 considerably closer to the company’s larger tractor families.
The new series will make its first public appearance at Innov-Agri in Ondes, France, on September 9 and 10, 2026.
CLAAS Arion 5 CMATIC Specs
| Model | Maximum Power | Maximum Torque | Curb Weight | Maximum Gross Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arion 5.140 CMATIC | 145 hp | 619 Nm | 7,280 kg | 10,250 kg |
| Arion 5.160 CMATIC | 165 hp | 697 Nm | 7,600 kg | 11,000 kg |
| Arion 5.180 CMATIC | 180 hp | 730 Nm | 7,700 kg | 11,000 kg |
All three tractors use a 4.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a CLAAS CMATIC continuously variable transmission, a 215-liter fuel tank and a 150 l/min load-sensing hydraulic system.
About CLAAS
CLAAS is a family-owned agricultural machinery manufacturer headquartered in Harsewinkel, Germany, with a product portfolio spanning combines, forage harvesters, tractors, balers, forage equipment and digital farming technologies.
In fiscal 2025, the CLAAS Group generated €4.918 billion in sales and €230.3 million in net income. The company employed 11,654 people as of September 30, 2025 and reported 35 locations across 20 countries, with business activities extending to more than 100 countries worldwide.
CLAAS invested €319.9 million in research and development during the 2025 fiscal year, highlighting the scale of its ongoing investment in machinery, automation and agricultural technology.
