This new ‘face’ of Binz is so-far only to be made available as an extra cost option on its existing E-Class limousine and hearse line-up. Kevin Smith, sales director of the company explains the thinking behind the: “It really comes down to the saying that your fleet is your best marketing asset, and that means having something that is instantly recognisable. In a sense the E-Class has been the victim of its own success. We are not the only coachbuilder using this platform as a base, and operators are increasingly seeing in the Mercedes-Benz brand a quick way of lifting their businesses onto a different plane."

“Though we can boast a myriad of technical innovations and full manufacturer engineering approval, these are all features that in the main only become apparent to the passenger once they have ridden in a Binz vehicle. So by offering our customers this CLS styling option, they now have yet another way of differentiating their service from that of the competition.”

Far from being a simple cosmetic makeover, Binz had to surmount a number of technical challenges when developing this option. Entirely new wings were required, manufactured not from steel – or even aluminium, the traditional coachbuilder’s medium – but from advanced composites. Care also needed to be taken to preserve the base E-Class collision performance characteristics, as well as ensuring that the curves that are so much of the CLS appeal, were to blend seamlessly into the E-Class’ flanks.

Underneath the skin, the CLS version of Binz’s 6-door limousine retains the magic carpet ride of the company’s ‘standard’ model, with AirMATIC suspension and active ride technology recalibrated in concert with Mercedes-Benz to take into account the vehicle’s increases in wheelbase and kerb weight.

About Binz

Binz supply the only side impact crash tested Mercedes-Benz E-Class extended limousines to UK hospitality, diplomatic and funeral service users. Its 6 seat passenger vehicle range is complemented by two E-Class hearses designed specifically for the UK and which have also fulfilled the crash test criteria.

All Binz vehicles hold full European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and retain the base E-Class advanced on-board safety aids such as Acceleration Skid Control, Electronic Stability Control, ABS braking and now PreSafe. These dynamic handling systems have been recalibrated by Binz in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz to take into account the increases in wheelbases and rated gross vehicle weights.

Privileged access to key E-Class design and test data like this, and wide use of Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) components such as heavy-duty axles and brakes, has led Mercedes-Benz (DaimlerChrysler United Kingdom Ltd) to accept Binz vehicles for full warranty and service support through its UK service network.

Since 2004, Binz has delivered over 300 vehicles to UK operators and now offers a vehicle range extending from E 220 or E 270 CDi based diesels, up to the flagship E 350 based V6 petrol model.