The latest generation Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe has arrived in New Zealand with a new design, engine and a packed list of features.
Mercedes-Benz NZ is replacing four variants of the outgoing luxury CLS with one model, the 450 4Matic.
The third generation CLS pioneers a new design language from Mercedes-Benz with clearer contours, reduced lines, two-section tail lights and wide, low-set headlamps.
The front end now features a diamond grille that widens towards the base. The bonnet is completely flush with the front body panels, and the flat, wide headlamps follow the contour of the grille.
Read more: Mercedes-Benz CLS launched in Spain
Side-on, the CLS features a high arching waistline with frameless side windows. Mercedes say the new design follows their design philosophy of ‘Sensual Purity’, but its also functional as the new CLS has a drag co-efficient of just 0.26.
Under the bonnet, the CLS is equipped with a new engine, a 3.0-litre petrol in-line six-cylinder with 'EQ Boost' technology.
The new system features an integrated electric motor know as EQ Boost to assist the combustion engine. When decelerating, the new CLS can drive without the combustion engine while the battery is supplied with power from high-efficiency recuperation.
This makes fuel savings possible that were previously the exclusive to high-voltage hybrid technology. Mercedes say this technology enables a six-cylinder engine to deliver the pulling power of an eight-cylinder engine for short periods. Without EQ Boost, the new engine generates 270kW of power and 500Nm of torque, with EQ Boost adding a further 250Nm when needed.
The new engine is paired with Mercedes-Benz's latest 9G-Tronic transmission, 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and sports exhaust system.
The ride promises to be both comfortable and sporty with air suspension now included as standard, as is Mercedes' Comand Online system on a 12.3-inch high-resolution media screen and Burmester 13-speaker surround-sound system with 590-watt output.
Also standard in the cabin is a head-up display, leather heated front seats with memory function, and Brown Ash open-pore wood surfaces.
CLS owners will also be able to choose their own interior ambient lighting from 64 different colours.
The CLS 450 is the first model outside the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class range to be fitted with 'Energizing Comfort Control', Mercedes' in-cabin wellness programs.
It uses the climate control, lighting and music to enhance driver performance levels, tailored to the mood and need of the occupants. Also included is Air-Balance, which improves air filtering and fragrancing of air inside the cabin.
Externally, the CLS 450 is fitted with LED headlamps with 84 individually controllable LEDs and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, AMG exterior styling and sunroof.
Safety features include nine airbags, a 360-degree camera for parking, automated cruise control, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE PLUS including PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, which prepares occupants for an imminent collision including emitting a noise that aims to reduce the risk of damage to occupants’ hearing during the event.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is on sale in showrooms now priced from $157,890.
