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Mercedes-Benz has brought in the CLS coupe at Rs 84.7 lakh (ex – showroom, India) and it is available only in the 300 d trim. Back in 2004, Mercedes-Benz introduced the first gen CLS and it was the world’s first four door coupe. The second generation CLS made its debut in 2011. The third gen model was launched globally earlier this year and it made its debut in the LA auto show in 2017. Even though it retains the silhouette of the earlier models, the exterior styling has evolved and is a blend of elegance and style in one neat package.
The lines are sharper and the front fascia carries forward the company’s new design language; the design of grille resembles that of the AMG GT and the diamond studded styling, too, resembles other models in the family. A thin flat chrome bar runs in the middle, with the large three pointed star housed in the middle of the grille. Mercedes- Benz says that the front end resembles that of a shark, due to its fully inset nose. The CLS coupe gets gets the company’s multibeam LED headlamps with high beam assist. The shape of the front grille too adds to the aforementioned characteristic trait. However, the CLS is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model. The car is more aerodynamic, with a cd of 0.26. The new CLS is 51mm longer and the wheelbase is increased by 65mm as compared to the outgoing model.
The new CLS is based on the Modular Rear Architecture that also underpins the C-Class and E-Class. Powering the CLS is a 2-litre inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel, which churns out 241hp and 500Nm. The engine is matched to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and the drive is sent to the rear wheels. It accelerates from 0-100kmph in 6.4 seconds and the top speed of the CLS coupe is 250kmph. Suspension duties are managed by four-link front suspension and five-link rear suspension. The car also gets an optional air suspension with adaptive damping. There are three different driving modes to choose from – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ which alter the coupe’s driving dynamics and ride quality. The car rolls on 18-inch alloys.
On the inside, the CLS coupe gets a new digital cockpit, like its more expensive siblings like the S-Class. For creature comforts, you get illuminated air conditioning vents (it briefly changes colour to red or blue depending on cool or warm setting, how cool is that!), HUD and ambient lighting with 64 colour options. Dominating the dashboard is a high res widescreen with two 12.3-inch displays beneath a continuous glass cover. The infotainment system is equipped with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Mercedes-Benz says that the seats were designed exclusively for this model. You also get an electrically operated sunroof. For the first time, the CLS can seat five and the rear seats can be folded down in 40/20/40, liberating more space inside. The CLS coupe is also equipped with a 13-speaker Burmester audio system.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS borrows a lot of features from the S-Class like lane assist, brake assist and speed limit assist among others. The car gets radar based assistance systems and you also get an optional Driving Assistance Package that comes with a host of driver aids and safety kit. Speaking of safety, the car gets seven airbags and an ‘active bonnet’ for pedestrian safety as standard.
“With the growing penchant for dream cars, we are glad to launch the most elegant and dynamic third generation CLS. Known for many firsts, the new CLS we have launched today also pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. Like its predecessors, the third CLS generation emanates self-assured sportiness in an exemplary style. The stylish new CLS 300 d blends flawlessly into the current Mercedes-Benz coupé family with abundant design features. We are confident that the third generation CLS will offer superior luxury and comfort to our customers and will continue to delight them. Mercedes-Benz India will keep striving to push the boundaries in the luxury car segment by driving innovation not only in our versatile line-up, but also in our customer service offerings and the overall vehicle ownership.”
In 2018, the company has launched 11 products for India including the new CLS coupe. Recently, the company launched the G63 AMG and it is the only G-wagen that you can buy in India. The Mercedes-Benz CLS competes head on with the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A7.
