Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches C-Class Coupe, CLS, and SLK
Riding on strong momentum from a record-breaking 2011, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) starts 2012 on a strong footing having just did a triple launch with the C-Class Coupe, SLK Roadster, and CLS four-door coupe making simultaneous entry into our market.
“With greater choices of Mercedes-Benz models available to suit customers’ individual lifestyles, we are confident our niche CBU models will contribute between 10 to 15% of total car sales this year with these three new models as CBU top sellers,” said Kai Schlickum, MBM Vice President for Sales and Marketing.
The range of new models is led by the four-door CLS, whose global debut we witnessed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. MBM offers the CLS 350 BlueEfficiency priced at RM760,888 before insurance, and the more discerning customers can also order the V8-powered CLS 500 at an unspecified price.
Mechanically based on the E-Class, the CLS uses the same suspension architecture, but has ditched the E’s hydraulic-assisted steering for electric power. Power for the CLS 350 comes from the 3.5-litre V6 direct injection engine that produces 306hp @ 6,500rpm and 370Nm @ 3,500 – 5,250rpm. The engine is naturally aspirated, which explains a notable torque deficit compared to the charged 3.0-litre motors of BMW (306hp/400Nm) and Audi (300hp/440Nm).
Meanwhile, the SLK Roadster is offered at SLK 200 BlueEfficiency specification at a price of RM460,888. Powering it is the familiar 1.8-litre M271 turbo direct injection engine that made its Malaysian debut in the E 200 CGI. Here in the SLK 200, the 1,796cc four-cylinder engine is offered in the same state of tune, making 184hp and 270Nm. Those seeking more can special order the SLK 250 BlueEfficiency which has the M271 in 204hp/310Nm state of tune, or the SLK 350 BlueEfficiency, with the same M276 engine as the CLS 350 above.
Last but not least, we have the C-Class Coupe available in C 180 BlueEfficiency and C 250 BlueEfficiency guises. Prices start at RM305,888 for the 180 and RM388,888 for the 250. There is also a C 350 BlueEfficiency available on, yes, you guessed it, special order. Digressing a little, MBM has stated you can now place an order for any member of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car family worldwide, and the company will bring it in, subject to local taxes of course. Due to environmental concerns with our market’s Euro 2 fuel, this stipulation does not apply to the diesel-powered CDI models.
The C 180 is powered by a detuned variant of the M271 engine available for the first time in Malaysia. Mercedes quotes outputs of 156hp and 250Nm with fuel consumption rated at 6.5-7.0 l/100km on the NEDC combined cycle. This same consumption figure is quoted for the 204hp/310Nm C 250, and the reason for this is that under the NEDC’s light throttle testing conditions, the 1.8-litre engine, despite differing state of tunes is likely to return similar fuel consumption. Differences will only be noticeable when both cars are subject to harder driving with more frequent runs at high revs.
All of the new models launched here are fully imported, and deliveries will commence this month. They are backed by a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.
