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New Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class About To Arrive
4th May, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mercedes-Benz has confirmed Australian pricing and specifications for the new CLS-Class saloon. This magnificent four-door coupé – the pioneer of a whole new automotive segment – has been fine-tuned to provide customers with even greater appeal. The three-car range offers not only gentle revisions to its already stunning styling but improved levels of standard equipment, adding even greater value for those seeking cutting-edge sports styling with trademark Mercedes luxury, driving and quality. This optimised version of the eye-catching CLS-Class will be in Australian showrooms within weeks. Styling: unmistakable and stunning Understated summarises the result of the restyling programme for the CLS. At the front the modified radiator grille stands out, with two louvres now instead of the previous four. The diamond-shaped three-dimensional grilles, painted in atlas grey, cover the air intakes and project an even greater air of self-assurance, as well as adding further emphasis to the vehicle's width. The exterior mirrors have also been given a new look. The LED side indicator lamps that are built into them are arranged in the form of an arrow to produce a most eye-catching effect, especially in the dark. The mirror surface has been enlarged by 32 per cent to afford a clearer view of the traffic behind and thereby boost active safety. The side view is dominated by new, attractively styled light-alloy wheels, measuring either 18 inches (CLS 350 and CLS 500) or 19 inches (CLS 63 AMG) in diameter. When viewed from the rear, the new-generation CLS makes its mark with a new rear apron, new tail lights, as well as modified tailpipes. The centre section of the rear bumper now drops down further, while the additional light-catching contour running along it adds to the impression of breadth. This is further emphasised by the exhaust tailpipes, which are trapezoidal in shape, and not oval as before. LED technology is now deployed for the tail lights: the brake lamps, tail lamps and indicator lamps all make use of the extra-fast-reacting light-emitting diodes. Just like the side indicators in the exterior mirrors, the rear indicators look like arrows when they light up, which is particularly striking in the dark. The same is true of the optical fibres at the side, which are always activated whenever the low-beam headlamps are switched on. A new deactivation function for the low-beam headlamps when the ignition is switched off helps to optimise energy management. The new bodywork details harmonise perfectly with the multi-award-winning design of the CLS and make the four-door coupé always look as if it is about to take off. Almost four years on from its world premiere, the electrifying, muscular lines of the trendsetter are as unique and as unmistakable as ever. New inside: three-spoke steering wheel and new telematics generation Great attention to detail was paid while updating the interior too: modifications include a restyled leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with multifunction buttons, as well as a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dials now contrast distinctly with the chased surface of the backplate. The previous matt laurel colour scheme has been replaced with new chestnut wood trim elements. The CLS features the new NTG 2.5 telematics generation, whose high-performance componentry combines straightforward operation and logical menu navigation with flawless in-vehicle entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-compatible CD and DVD player, as well as a Bluetooth interface which can establish a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle's hands-free system. The standard-fitment COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) navigation comes with a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephone calls, a music register for storing audio files, plus an SD memory card slot. Australian model range: range of powertrains, enhanced equipment The current Australian model range for the CLS-Class remains unchanged but significantly enhanced in value. The three models available for sale continue to be the 200 kW CLS 350 V6, the powerful 285 kW CLS 500 V8 and the exhilarating CLS 63 AMG, powered by AMG’s own hand-crafted 6.3-litre aluminium V8, which boasts 378 kW of driving power. Building on this successful model series’ already rich standard equipment list are even more features for the model. These are detailed below. - CLS 350 Pricing for the 200 kW CLS 350 moves to $143,900 (up $3,000 from $140,900). The new model gains four popular optional extras as standard equipment:
Combined, these additional standard features represent more than $4,000 of value to customers. - CLS 500 The new CLS 500 is priced at $182,400 (up from the current $179,400). The new-generation version of this 285 kW V8 stunner gains the following additional equipment as standard:
Together, these features have a combined value of close to $3,000. - CLS 63 AMG flagship model with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC The flagship model in the CLS range, the CLS 63 AMG, is powered by AMG’s own race-bred 6.3 litre V8 engine, producing 378 kW and 630 Newton metres of torque. The new car is priced at $257,800 (up from the current price of $253,800) and gains the following additional standard equipment:
These additional features, now added as standard equipment, amount to more than $8,000, offering customers of this exciting sports machine even greater value. The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine that powers this head-turner now makes its presence known in an even more distinctive fashion: the AMG sports exhaust system's redesigned rear silencers deliver an even more captivating soundtrack through the two sets of oval-shaped, chromed twin tailpipes. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission now incorporates a function which blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. This does more than just intensify the engaging driving experience - the virtually load-free downshift procedure also leads to a reduction in load-alteration effects, which is of particular benefit when braking ahead of corners on the race track. The CLS 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h. Also new is the black-painted radiator grille with two louvres instead of the previous three, which blends in perfectly with the AMG bodystyling. The AMG light-alloy wheels, with their new triple-spoke design and a titanium grey, high-sheen paint finish, now measure 19 inches in size instead of 18 as before, and are shod with tyres measuring 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Inside, the CLS 63 AMG boasts a new AMG sports steering wheel with a three-spoke design. The grip areas are specially contoured and trimmed in perforated leather. Gear selection can be performed manually by means of two aluminium AMG shift paddles. On sale May 2008 The new-generation CLS-Class range will be in Australian Mercedes-Benz showrooms mid-May. The key facts
* Fuel consumption according to ADR 81/01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The
"Classic Motor Sport Tour" includes visits to Goodwood Revival,
Donington Grand Prix Collection, Grand Prix Historique de la Vienne, Manoir de L'Automobile and Museum de L'Automobile at Le Mans and, for a
farewell dinner, Atelier Renault on Champs Elysees. Also included are city tours of London and Paris, Classic Team Lotus Works tour and Brands
Hatch race master (with an opportunity of a drive in a high performance Renault). This great tour includes return economy air fares, departure
tax, transfers, 13 breakfasts, 3 dinners and 13 nights accommodation.
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