CLS a hit Down Under...

Flying in the face of some industry pundits, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class four-door coupe sold more than 50,000 units worldwide in 2005.

Launched internationally in October 2004, the CLS has performed well above expectations, claims Mercedes-Benz.

In Australia, the popularity of the CLS-Class has been equally strong with over 500 vehicles delivered since its Australian debut in June this year -- a figure well above initial expectations.

The CLS is based on the E-Class saloon, but features a unique low-roof coupe-style body.

“The positive response to the CLS-Class worldwide and in Australia highlights the company’s role as a trendsetter in the development of new vehicle concepts and illustrates the success of the Mercedes-Benz product strategy,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director responsible for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

Demand for the four-door coupe is particularly high in the USA where 13,600 customers have opted to purchase the CLS since the model was launched there in January 2005. The second largest market for the CLS is Germany, which accounts for more than 20 per cent of global sales.

The most popular engine variant of the CLS-Class worldwide and in Australia is the CLS 500, which is the choice of more than 40 and 50 per cent of buyers respectively. The second most popular variant is the CLS 350, followed in Australia by the CLS 55 AMG.