Mercedes-Benz China

New Generation CLS Draws Yet

Another Glamor Spell in China Luxury Coupe Segment

BEIJING, July 14, 2008 – Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. announced today the launch of the new generation CLS 4-door coupe in China. The new CLS hits the market with enhanced interior and exterior styling and new equipments. It not only features a combination of the latest COMAND APS, which brings an even greater convenience and joy in driving, a sportier look and a powerful engine, but also integrates the most advanced safety technologies, excellent ride comfort and agility. With the added benefits, prices of new CLS 350 and CLS 500 remain the same with the previous version, i.e. RMB 998,000 and RMB 1,227,000 respectively. With the launch of new CLS, Mercedes-Benz further solidifies the leading position in the luxury coupe segment.

"Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, introduced in the Chinese market in 2005, created a new 4-door-coupe market segment with its exclusive positioning. With its unique design and innovative concept, CLS contributed an impressive amount towards Mercedes-Benz sales of the niche products in the first half of the year. The new generation CLS will undoubtedly reinforce the leading position of Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class in the luxury coupe segment." said Mr. Bjoern Hauber, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.

The new generation CLS puts forward a sporty and stylish striking design, attracting trendsetters with its unique and advanced design concept. The elegant curves of its sleek roofline stretch between the long front and rear overhangs. The side view is dominated by the new, attractively styled light-alloy wheels. At the front, it is the modified radiator grille that stands out, with two fins now instead of the previous four. The exterior mirrors have also been given a new look. The elegant arrow-shaped LED side indicator lamps that are built into them are arranged in the form of an arrow to produce a most eye-catching effect, especially in the dark. The trapezoidal tailpipes make the after part of the car look larger in cooperating with a lower rear bumper.

As the first 4-door coupe in the world, CLS-Class is the perfect combination of comfort, elegance and dynamism. The new generation CLS coupe is characterized with high standards of driving comfort. It comes equipped with the new COMAND APS, via simple and intuitive operation and a more user-friendly menu navigation, helping to control the functions of telematics and entertainment with ease. The fully-integrated HDD navigation system provides ease and convenience for drivers, ensuring easy access to the destination. The Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling makes telecommunication while driving a convenient task. To further meet the entertainment needs of drivers, the upgraded AUX-IN interface is easily connected with external audio devices such as MP3 and iPod. A high-resolution 6.5-inch color display provides unparalleled in-car DVD viewing and music enjoyment for owners. KeyLess-Go, heated front seats, electric roller blind for rear window, spacious leg and shoulder room, and THERMOTRONIC 4-zone climate control are all featured to provide drivers with supreme comfort.

Besides the sporty exterior design, the new generation CLS coupe also commits itself to dynamic performance as all models will be equipped with V6 or V8 engines. Driving experience is further enhanced with the evident increase in the output and torque levels. The both lively engines harmonize with the likewise 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which comes as standard equipment. This makes a major contribution to the strong acceleration and economic fuel consumption.
The new generation CLS coupe inherits the core value of Mercedes-Benz's high-safety specification. PRE-SAFE®, a unique cutting-edge safety technology, along with NECK-PRO head restrains for front seats, automatically identify potential accidents and help drivers evade the dangerous situation. Moreover, the Bi-Xenon headlamps enhance safety under all-weather conditions.

Since the first CLS-Class was introduced worldwide, Mercedes-Benz has become the explorer and leader in the trendy 4-door coupe segment. With an everlasting creative and stylish concept, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is sure to endure the glamour it draws in the premium coupe market segment.