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The
Stuttgart-based brand
Leading-edge
Mercedes technology for handling safety and superb
comfort
Mercedes-Spitzentechnik für hohe Fahrsicherheit
und perfekten Komfort |
YCLS-Class: Four-door Coupé a generation
ahead
Stuttgart - At
the beginning of October 2004 the new Mercedes-Benz CLSClass four-door
Coupé is being given its market launch.
The
car is based on a unique vehicle concept which for the first time combines
the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and practicality
of a saloon. Spaciousness, luggage capacity and day-to-day practicality are
at the level of a saloon, while the design lines possess the emotionally
charged character of a coupé. With this currently unique combination,
the new CLS-Class is one coupé generation ahead. The technical
specification also points the way to the future: in addition to adaptive
front airbags, sidebags and windowbags, the preventive occupant protection
system PRE-SAFE is to become available for the new Mercedes Coupé
in the near future. The engine range includes two powerful petrol units:
in the CLS 350 a newly developed V6 with 200 kW/272 hp and in the CLS 500
a muscular eight-cylinder unit with 225 kW/306 hp. Both engines are partnered
by the new seven-speed automatic transmission, 7G-TRONIC, as standard. In
the top CLS 500 model features such as AIRMATIC DC air suspension and
THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control provide S-Class levels of comfort.
The precursor to the new CLS-Class was a coupé study which Mercedes-Benz
presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn 2003. The enthusiastic public
response to this four-door coupé encouraged the management in Stuttgart
to give the green light for series production. As a unique synthesis of a
coupé and a saloon, the new CLS-Class offers a great deal more added
value than other coupés. In this way Mercedes-Benz is once again
emphasising its role as a trendsetter for new ideas in the automotive world.
The sophisticated aesthetics of this coupé design, the exclusive
appointments and the trailblazing technology are particularly aimed at people
who have a passion for motor cars and motoring.
Comfort and spaciousness to saloon
standards
The
four-door coupé concept even allows passengers in the rear convenient
access and egress. They have the benefit of two comfortable single seats
and enjoy generous freedom of movement. There is a distance of 829 mm between
the front and rear seats, which together with the shoulder and elbow-level
width (1422 and 1464 millimetres respectively in the rear) puts the CLS-Class
firmly in saloon territory. Newly developed seats with electric adjustment
as standard are available for the driver and front passenger; on request
these can be equipped with active ventilation or as a dynamic multicontour
seat. Furthermore, the boot of the new CLS-Class holds up to 505 litres (VDA
measuring method) - much more than any other coupé and even many a
saloon. |
Choice of powerful six and eight-cylinder
engines
Both the engines available for the CLS-Class exhibit effortless performance
and exemplary torque characteristics, providing the best possible conditions
for dynamic driving pleasure. The CLS 350 is equipped with a newly developed
V6 engine which has an output of 200 kW/272 hp and delivers its maximum torque
of 350 Newton metres from a mere 2400 rpm. Both are peak values in this
displacement class. The six-cylinder Coupé accelerates from standstill
to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The lively
V6 engine harmonises with the likewise new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic
transmission, which is standard equipment. This is the worlds first
passenger car transmission of this type, and makes a major contribution to
the strong acceleration and exemplary fuel consumption of the CLS 350 - 10.1
litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption). Standard appointments
in the six-cylinder Coupé include THERMATIC automatic climate control,
a stereo radio, speed-sensitive power steering, a leather-covered steering
wheel, 17-inch light-alloy wheels and 245/45 R 17 wide-base tyres. With the
5.0-litre V8 engine the new CLS 500 need fear no performance comparison with
thoroughbred sports cars, while offering the eight-cylinder comfort typical
of a luxury-class saloon. This power unit has an output of 225 kW/306 hp
and an impressive 460 Newton metres of torque. Once again the standard
seven-speed automatic transmission plays its part here. The CLS-Class V8
Coupé accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The
fuel consumption is 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption).
The additional standard equipment in the CLS 500 (as compared with the CLS
350) includes AIRMATIC DC air suspension, THERMOTRONIC luxury climate control
and 18-inch light-alloy wheels with 245/40 R 18 wide-base tyres.
Occupant protection with adaptive airbags
and PRE-SAFE
The new CLS-Class is equipped with the latest safety systems such as adaptive
front airbags, windowbags and sidebags, as well as belt tensioners and belt
force limiters on all seats, offering an extremely high level of occupant
protection. In future the prize-winning Mercedes safety system PRE-SAFE will
be available. In critical driving situations this system activates precautionary
measures for the vehicle occupants. These measures include split-second
tensioning of the seat belts, which brings the driver and front passenger
into a more favourable seating position even before a potential collision.
This enables the airbags to protect the occupants more effectively if an
impact occurs.
Leading-edge Mercedes technology for
handling safety and superb comfort
In
the field of handling safety Mercedes-Benz emphasises its technological
leadership among car brands in the new CLS-Class with Sensotronic Brake Control
SBC and the latest-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
as standard. A number of other innovations are also optionally available
for the four-door Coupé to make driving even safer. These include
powerful bi-xenon headlamps with Headlamp Assist, which Mercedes-Benz now
combines with cornering lights. DISTRONIC proximity cruise control, LINGUATRONIC
voice control, the control and display system COMAND APS with Europe-wide
DVD navigation and the access and drive authorisation system KEYLESS-GO are
further optional Mercedes innovations which guarantee even greater comfort
and even more driving pleasure. |
DaimlerChrysler Communications,
September 2004 |
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