Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Hochgurgl, Germany/Austria, Nov 29, 2010

Four bestsellers involved in winter test: Exceptional traction combined with varying characters

Two coupés, one luxury saloon and a family SUV: the full spectrum of Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC models can be experienced on the test drives in Hochgurgl.


The second-generation CLS: also available with 4MATIC

With the arrival of the CLS in 2003, Mercedes-Benz created a brand new vehicle category which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The new CLS builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor yet at the same time is an entirely new edition – one that boasts 4MATIC all-wheel drive too. The eye is immediately caught by the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The characteristic CLS outline, with its elegantly elongated proportions, forms another dominating attribute. The interplay between lines and surfaces has been fashioned anew to enhance the effect of the dynamic, athletic form. The front structural ridge above the wing slopes down at the rear.

Referred to by the designers as the "dropping line", this design feature is also a reinterpretation of a styling hallmark that echoes back to the matchless wealth of forms present in the great Mercedes sports cars of the past. A bold and muscular sports-car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS.

The CLS is furthermore the first car in the world to offer the option of LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the fascinating colour effect of LED technology – resembling daylight – with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon generation. This new system offers the same Intelligent Light System that has already proven itself in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps, but combined with LED technology for the first time.

The ultimate in efficiency: this is the hallmark of both engines which are being used in the new CLS 4MATIC models. The output and torque of both units have been increased compared with the previous models, while their consumption has been reduced dramatically. The six-cylinder diesel in the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY has an output of 195 kW (265 hp) and the V8 in the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY produces 300 kW (408 hp). The eight-cylinder model includes the ECO start/stop function as standard.

Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in resolving the classic trade-off between low weight and high strength in the new CLS. The CLS is thus the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to have frameless, all-aluminium doors. In addition, the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various support sections as well as substantial parts of the chassis and engines are all made from aluminium too.

The aerodynamics make an important contribution to the outstanding efficiency of the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 4MATIC too. It has been possible to reduce aerodynamic drag by as much as ten percent thanks to an improvement in the Cd value, which now stands at 0.28.

Supreme driving dynamics coupled with superlative driving comfort on long journeys: the electromechanical Direct-Steer system makes its world premiere in the new CLS. This pioneering innovation is a radical step forward in the relationship between driver, car and road. This is because for the first time engineers have the freedom to freely choose and program a wide variety of parameters which can influence steering perception. Over a dozen driving assistance systems are on hand in the new CLS to help prevent traffic accidents or at least reduce their severity. New on board are Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist.

Technical data for the CLS 4MATIC models:

The ultimate in refined motoring: S-Class and CL-Class

They mark the pinnacle of motoring – and not just within the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio. With the new generation of the CL and new engines for the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has once again raised the bar for efficiency and prestige in the luxury saloon and coupé segment. The CL and S-Class come with highly efficient direct-injection petrol engines whose output has been increased at the same time as lowering fuel consumption.

In the new S 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY V8 versions, the combined fuel consumption dropped to 9.8 and 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres respectively, equating to 228 and 237 g/km of CO2. Crucial to this enhanced efficiency is the newly developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct petrol injection in combination with the standard-fit start/stop function and the new 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. Innovations like the Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist see to it that the CL and S-Class continue to be the yardstick for automotive progress in the area of active safety too.

The key technical data for the CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY:

The key technical data for the S-Class 4MATIC models:

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class: spacious, prestigious and exceptionally comfortable

An all-rounder in peak form: since June 2010, the overall appearance of the R-Class has benefited considerably from the completely restyled front section in particular, and borrows elements from the Mercedes-Benz saloons and SUV models. In addition to the fresh exterior, the inner virtues of the R-Class are also impressive. These include economy of space on a par with the latest MPVs, as well as the comfort, high-class appeal and prestige associated with classic Mercedes-Benz luxury saloons. At the same time, the latest generation offers the same level of interior diversity for which its predecessor was renowned, and also boasts the robustness and all-wheel drive properties of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It has certainly thrilled customers – year-on-year sales have doubled!

In addition to the sophisticated petrol engines adopted from the outgoing model, with their customary effortless power delivery and excellent drive comfort, the appeal of the R-Class is further enhanced by a choice of optimised diesel engines. The new R 350 CDI 4MATIC blends the high performance of a V8 model with the low fuel consumption of an economical V6. It burns just 8.5 litres of diesel* per 100 kilometres, thereby undercutting its predecessor by 0.8 litres – yet is able to offer significantly enhanced performance. Whereas previously, the output topped out at 165 kW (224 hp), the V6 diesel unit now delivers a highly impressive 195 kW (265 hp) as well as 620 Newton metres of torque. This powerpack endows the sportiest of all the diesel-engined R-Class models with superlative performance credentials. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h.

* Combined NEDC consumption

Mercedes-Benz offers one of the cleanest diesel models in the world with the
R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. The V6 engine produces an output of 155 kW (211 hp) together with 540 Newton metres of torque. Compared with its predecessor, this model likewise manages to achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions combined with superior performance. Equipped with AdBlue® emission control, the compression-ignition engine consumes an average of 0.3 litres less, at 8.4 litres of diesel* per 100 kilometres, thereby giving off the same level of emissions as a comparable petrol engine. As a result, this model already meets the EU6 emission limits planned for 2014. The remaining petrol and diesel models in the R-Class range all meet the EU5 standard.

* Combined NEDC consumption

The key technical data for the new-generation R-Class: