Mercedes Benz Gives The Go-Ahead For The New CLS-Class

Stuttgart -- The much-admired four-door Vision CLS Coupé study that Mercedes Benz presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) is going into series production. The decision was taken by the Stuttgart-based automobile manufacturer on the strength of the extremely positive results of a survey carried out during the IAA. "The overwhelming majority of drivers surveyed by us are enthusiastic about the four-door coupé. We are thus confirmed in our idea for this innovative vehicle concept and have given the go-ahead for the new Mercedes Benz CLS-Class to go into production," said Professor Jürgen Hubbert today, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and head of the Mercedes Car Group in Stuttgart. Preparations for the production of the four-door coupé can thus get underway at the tradition-steeped DaimlerChrysler factory in Sindelfingen.

With the CLS-Class, Mercedes Benz is creating a hitherto unique synthesis of two different vehicle concepts: the exciting design and the highly emotive character of a coupé in perfect harmony with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. Thus, the four-door vehicle clearly offers a great deal more added value than other coupés, at the same time as arousing the interest of those people who have a passion for motor cars and motoring. In the words of Professor Hubbert: "The dialogue with the public at the IAA confirmed that, with the CLS, we are a coupé generation ahead of the rest."

The Vision CLS is the latest in a long line of crowd-pulling Mercedes showcars. In recent years, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has unveiled a whole host of new and inspiring vehicle concepts, most of which have gone on to enter series production. Successful examples of this include the A-Class, the M-Class, the SLK Roadster, the SLR-McLaren and the future Grand Sports Tourer. They underscore the role of Mercedes Benz as a trendsetter in the automotive world and the importance of vehicle studies as forerunners for new vehicle classes. With the CLS-Class, Mercedes Benz will also be defining a new, interesting market segment.

Equipped with leading-edge safety technology, such as adaptive front airbags, window and sidebags, as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats, the new CLS-Class fulfils the high standards associated with Mercedes luxury-class cars. Furthermore, the four-door coupé offers a whole host of other innovations that make driving both safer and more comfortable. These include the AIRMATIC DC pneumatic suspension, the 7G-TRONIC seven-gear automatic transmission, the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) brake system, a bi-xenon Active Light System, cornering light and the sensor-controlled THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control.