2012 Mercedes CLS pricing announced,more images released

• More design: second generation showcases a new design language

• More agility: lightweight construction and new electromechanical
  Direct-Steer system

• More visibility: LED high-performance headlamps

• More safety: active blind spot assist and active lane keeping assist

• More efficiency: up to 25 percent less fuel consumption

• More customisation: a host of high-quality materials and stylish colours

Breathtaking design, consistent use of lightweight construction, sports-tuned chassis, more powerful and more efficient engines, in conjunction with optimum driving safety: as of now, the second generation of the four-door CLS coupé can be ordered from Mercedes-Benz Euro­pean sales partners. With its exciting and sensuous design, and refined sportiness, the new CLS has the advantage that Mercedes-Benz, as the inventor of the segment, is a full generation ahead of its competitors. As a trendsetter for design, the new CLS also sets new standards in the interior with a range of customised features. There is a choice between five interior colours, five trim part variants and three types of leather.

At the start of sales, there will be two six-cylinder models available, offering greatly enhanced power and efficiency: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY developing 195 kW(265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY developing 225 kW (306 hp) and including the ECO start/stop function as standard. The prices are €63,427 and €64,617, respectively (all prices including VAT). Both models will be shipped to European dealers in January 2011.

Just two months later, the engine range will be expanded with the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY developing 150 kW (204 hp) from €59,857. At 5.1 litresof diesel per 100 kilometres, the combined fuel consumption is excellent for this performance class and corresponds to CO2 emissions of 134 grams per kilometre.

Sales of the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V8 engine and developing 300 kW (408 hp) start in December 2010, with deliveries commencing in April 2011. Both variants also feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. All four engines are new to the CLS, and will improve fuel consumption by up to 25 percent in com­parison with its predecessors. A further new feature is the advanced automatic transmission, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which comes as standard with all CLS models.

The standard electromechanical Direct-Steer system also helps improve the vehicle’s efficiency; it will have its world premiere in the upper class segment in the CLS. This is a radical step in the relationship of driver, vehicle, and road. For the first time, the engineers had the freedom to choose and program the parameters influencing the steering behav­iour. They defined a Mercedes-Benz steering feel. Consequently, as well as realising fuel-saving improvements, vehicle handling and agility were signifi­cantly enhanced. The electromechanical Direct-Steer system has made a further innovation possible – the Active Parking Assist (€868.70). The CLS can not only detect parking spaces, but can also actually park the vehicle for you.

The CLS is the first car in the world to feature fully dynamical LED high-perfor­mance headlamps (€1,773.10) as an option, combining the fascinating colour impression close to natural daylight of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon generation of headlamps. For the first time, the new lighting system offers the proven Intelligent Light System offered in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps in conjunction with LED technology. With a total of 71 LEDs, the headlamps look very striking, accentuating the unmistakable looks of the CLS.

More than a dozen driver assistance systems in the new CLS help prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of injuries. New on board are Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Both are available in the Driving Assistance package Plus in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes for €2,677.50. The two new assist systems not only detect unintentional lane changes and vehicles located in the blind spot, but can also correct the direction of travel with gentle application of the brakes if the driver ignores the visual or sensory hazard warnings.

The CLS “Edition 1” is limited to the first year after the market launch. The outstanding features of this special model (option price starting at €6,664) include matt exterior paintwork in manganite grey SHAPE, shimmering metallic leather upholstery designo corteccia pearl, floormats with “Edition 1” lettering, black designo roof liner and aluminium pedals. For the interior trim elements in the “Edition 1”, there is a choice between poplar light-brown satin, ash black high-gloss or, as an optional extra, AMG Carbon (at €10,115).

Here is an overview of the prices:

* including 19 percent VAT