HAVE you ever fancied yourself in one of these – a Mercedes-Benz CLS? It’s an S-Class, but rather different in appearance.
The original CLS was launched five years ago creating a brand new sector – the coupe-styled four-door saloon. Now there’s a brand new model, but while it still wants to occupy the same luxury segment as before, the new range is stretching out its ambitions to business owners with a new four-cylinder model.
The new 200bhp 250CDi engine in the CLS has CO2 emissions of 134g/km, which would give the car a benefit in kind company car tax rating of 20% for the 2011/12 tax year.
Mercedes’ product manager, Nick Williams, said: “This engine is also better on fuel economy – it’s capable of up to 55mpg – and will therefore be a lot more appealing to business and company car buyers.”
Mr Williams said that four petrol and diesel engines would be available on the CLS range, which goes on sale April, with petrol models also equipped with a stop-start system for the first time in conjunction with the 7G-TRONIC auto gearbox.
“Diesels are overwhelmingly favourite with customers on the current model and we expect that to continue with the new car,” Mr Williams added.
The new Mercedes CLS has a sportier, more aggressive appearance at the front and more muscular shoulders at the rear. As to be expected there are some new technologies being introduced by Mercedes on the CLS.
These include optional LED headlamps, said to offer a better view of the road at night, and with an average operating life five times longer than more conventional bi-xenon headlamps.
The new four-door coupe is also packed with many of Mercedes’ latest safety kit, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot assistance, brake assist and so on, all packaged in slightly larger interior dimensions.
Mr Williams said that CLS will come with high levels of specification while keeping prices close to the existing line-up. Standard features include leather upholstery, 18 inch alloy wheels, the Mercedes COMAND multimedia interface with satnav, climate control, and metallic paint.
Prices for the new four-cylinder CLS model have yet to be revealed.
Meanwhile, as Mercedes runs down existing stock, the CLS model is being offered on a £509 a month contract hire rate – Mercedes dealers call it an operating lease – for the current six-cylinder diesel CLS 350 CDI, or £525 for the Grand Edition model, on a 10,000 miles a year/three-year deal.
Story source: Headlineauto.
New luxury four-door coupe with 20% company car tax
