Mercedes-Benz Launches New Luxury Coupe Icon – The CLS-Class in Malaysia
Mercedes-Benz Launches New Luxury Coupe Icon – The CLS-Class in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 2 September 2005: Daimler Chrysler Malaysia Berhad launched the CLS-Class, putting forth a new icon for the luxurious car market. This unique four-door coupe-style concept is something that the rich and famous can now look forward to being seen in. The CLS-Class certainly looks more low-slung and sporty in comparison to the mainstream Mercedes-Benz’s that everybody else would have.
Whereas an SLK might portray a ‘frivolous’ or too young an image, the CLS would not appear out of place at a business rendezvous, nor would it appear to be overly staid at a holiday resort.
Chic, luxurious and sophisticated, the CLS-Class combines leading edge Mercedes Benz technology, impressive driving dynamics and boasts of the finest selection of materials in its interior.
“The concept, design and technology of the new CLS-Class are particularly aiming at people who have a passion for style, motor cars and motoring. In other words, the new CLS is the Mercedes-Benz for the connoisseur, who seeks and appreciates the really special things in life,” said Konstantinos Tsiknas, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia.
“With the new CLS, Mercedes-Benz is once again moving a whole automobile generation ahead of the rest. This model will strengthen our leadership in the luxury car segment in Malaysia,” he added.
The core of the CLS is under the hood. The engine range available for this model includes two powerful petrol units; in the CLS 350, a newly developed 3.5 litre V6 comes with 200 kW /272 hp, and in the CLS 55 AMG, the power plant is the muscular 5.5 litre V8, engine developing a massive 350 kW/476 hp of power.
Coupled to the engine is an awesome 7G-TRONIC transmission with seven forward speeds. This combination allows the CLS to achieve top-class values for acceleration and fuel consumption – 7.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/hr, and 10.1 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption).
First presented at the Frankfurt Motorshow 2003 as the design concept “Vision CLS” , the enthusiastic public response to the coupe-style rendition encouraged the management in Stuttgart to give it the green light for production.
The CLS seems to be able to reconcile seemingly contradictory characteristics such as dynamism and size, power and elegance, aesthetic appeal and practicality. It is large, yet appears to be sporty and elegant at the same time.
The front end design is new, but one will never mistake it for another brand; the Mercedes-Benz face and DNA is ever present in the typical slatted radiator grille with a centrally positioned Mercedes Star. The bonnet rolls back smoothly all the way to the low-slung windscreen, giving the CLS a wedge-shaped and sleek profile. The side glass area is deliberately made to look smaller, a combination achieved by lowering the roof and raising the waistline; this type of look was popular in the fifties. Interestingly, the windows are frameless, a typical feature in a coupe.
The interior of the CLS was designed in the DaimlerChrysler Advanced Design Studio in Como near Milan, Italy, one of three design studios owned by DaimlerChrysler. Opulent use of leather and fine wood finish, again something that was popular a half century ago, give it that extra touch of class. Single seats in the rear, in addition to the front buckets make the CLS a four seater. A tilt /slide sunroof is standard equipment.
From the onset, the CLS is designed as a driver’s car, with push-buttons located on the steering for changing gears, and also a keyless entry and starting system that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle and start off without actually having to insert the key.
The CLS also comes with AIRMATIC DC, the latest development of the air suspension Mercedes uses in its S-Class. The ‘DC ‘ stands for ‘Dual Control’ and emphasizes the dual function of the system, which now emphasises the dual function of the system, which now uses the latest micro-electronics to control springing and damping. When taking a bend at speed or under other demanding conditions, the system stiffens the outside shock absorbers to reduce rolling and pitching movements to improve the handling stability of the vehicle. Airmatic DC also includes an automatic all-round level control system which ensures that the same spring travel remains available even when the vehicle is heavily laden.
The CLS 350 is offered in Malaysia in two versions. For RM688,888 (price on-the-road without insurance), you get the base model without the Distronic proximity control system, Airmatic DC air suspension, and the Logic7 sound system, and 17 inch instead of 18 inch wheels. For the extras, you will need to pay and additional RM50k.
