Benz announces local pricing for new CLS

Mercedes-Benz will kick off the CLS range in Australia with two variants, the CLS 350 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY and the range-topping CLS 63 AMG.

The prestige importer will fill out the range during the fourth quarter of this year with two other variants, the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (a petrol V6 model) and the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. For the time being however, the range is limited to the diesel V6 model and the high-output AMG-tweaked flagship.

Prices are $159,200 for the diesel CLS and $263,500 for the CLS 63. Both models – along with the others in the range — offer newer technology and better value than the models they replace. Most importantly, for buyers of the CLS 63, the new model is not only over $15,000 cheaper, its twin-turbo M157 V8 (displacing 5.5 litres), develops 386kW and 700Nm – something of an improvement on the output of the 378kW, 630Nm 6.2-litre V8 in the earlier car. Doing the right thing by the environment is easier too, now that the new car delivers combined-cycle fuel consumption of 10.0L/100km and CO2 emissions of 233g/km. According to Benz this equates to a 31 per cent reduction.

For its part, the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY boasts a 3.0-litre direct-injection turbodiesel V6 producing 195kW and 620Nm. Driving through a seven-speed automatic, the diesel model uses 6.2L/100km of fuel in combined-cycle running and emits 163g/km of CO2.

To achieve better fuel consumption figures across the range, Benz engineers have placed the new CLS on a diet and worked hard on smoothing the car's aerodynamics — now boasting a drag coefficient of 0.26Cd, a 13 per cent gain on the figure of the previous model.

Frameless doors are now fully constructed from aluminium, as are the bonnet, front quarter panels, boot lid, parcel shelf and sundry other items, including suspension and engine parts. Other fuel-saving measures include the adoption of electromechanical steering, which reportedly reduces fuel use by as much as 0.3L/100km. This amounts to 7g/km of CO2 emissions also.

Safety and comfort are also enhanced in the new model. Benz has introduced LED headlights with the new model, along with a host of driver aids such as Active Bllind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

Pricing for the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY will be announced closer to their respective launch.

For further information, see our news and drive impressions below:

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG at Albert Park
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG
Benz unveils biturbo CLS 63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 & CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
Low-carbon Mercedes CLS, S-Class

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