Beijing, August 20, 2009 – Mercedes-Benz today announced the launch of the design icon CLS 300, the latest addition to the CLS-Class lineup. CLS 300 inherits the groundbreaking concept of the CLS-Class – integrating the stunning design and dynamism of a sports car together with the comfort and elegance of a saloon – and offers even more appeal as it comes with a highly competitive value of RMB 798,000. Today's launch of the model enriches the CLS-Class family to consist of CLS 300, CLS 350, CLS 500 and CLS 63 AMG, offering customers with more choice in becoming a part of the four-door coupe that has revolutionized the automotive industry.

"The CLS-Class, renowned for its design masterpiece that has revolutionized the four-door coupe segment, is tailor-made for the design-oriented and trendsetting customers, who strive for a stylish car that reflects their aesthetic personality," said Bjoern Hauber, General Manger of Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "In China, the lineup witnessed a year-on-year growth of 19% in the first seven months of this year, and it has become the best-seller among all Mercedes-Benz sports cars in the past consecutive three months – giving us confidence for the success of CLS 300, especially with its attractive price value."

As a design icon, the appeal of CLS 300 shines at first sight through its stunning exterior image. The side view is dominated by a dynamic exterior body, featuring an arrow-shaped exterior auto dimming mirror and a 17 inch 10 spoke light alloy to produce an extremely muscular eye-catching effect. On the front, the model features a modified radiator grille with two fins that provides an ultimate sporty image. In addition to the striking look, Mercedes-Benz designers were able to reduce the drag coefficient to 0.30, giving CLS 300 an extraordinary aerodynamic performance.

As a sports car, CLS 300 is packed with a powerful performance under the hood. Featuring a V6 engine, with a displacement of 2996 cc, the model delivers an output of 170 kW and a torque of 300 nm – accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds to facilitate a dynamic driving experience. The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission provides greater gear range, which responds to the slightest changes of engine speed. The availability of this 7G-TRONIC transmission not only leads to strong acceleration, but also contributes to economic fuel consumption.

While the exterior and engine express the vehicle's sporty character, the interior design glows with luxury at its finest. With an elegant leather upholstery, wood/leather selector lever and steering wheel, CLS 300 basks with the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz saloon. The model also pampers drivers through the integrated COMAND APS with HDD Navigation, which allows occupants to control the functions of navigation and entertainment functions with utmost ease. An AUX-IN slot for external audio devices and a DVD player are also available, guaranteeing a pleasurable ride. Communication in the car is made effortless through the Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. CLS 300 also features high-safety specifications with the inclusion of rear sidebags, and advanced lighting systems – cornering lights and PreAFS Bi-Xenon headlamps – which provide more illumination under all weather conditions.

Through CLS 300, Mercedes-Benz is feeding the rising demand among customers for products with smaller displacement engines without compromising performance and luxury. With such detailed attention to the market, it is no surprise that the three-pointed star continues its success story in the China market.