Enhanced Efficiency, Expanded Lineup

According to the announcement, sales of the new CLS will commence in Europe in January 2011. "Through the use of the ECO start/stop function and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, independently developed by Mercedes-Benz, all engines achieve up to a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous generation."

At launch, two models will be available: the "CLS350 BlueEFFICIENCY" equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine (306 ps) and the "CLS350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY" with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel (265 ps). In March, an entry-level "CLS250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY" featuring a 2.2-liter inline-4 turbodiesel (204 ps) is scheduled to be added.

Furthermore, in April, the top-tier "CLS500 BlueEFFICIENCY" with a 4.6-liter V8 twin-turbo engine (408 ps) will be introduced, creating a lineup designed to appeal to a wider range of customers than before.

The new CLS will be publicly revealed at the Paris Motor Show, opening on the 30th. Priced from 59,857 euros (approximately 6.7 million yen) in Germany, its more accessible price point compared to the previous CLS class is also a significant draw.

BRAND HISTORY
When tracing the history of the automobile, the pioneers who emerge are two Germans: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. It goes without saying that in 1885-86, these two men independently created gasoline-powered automobiles, laying the foundation for our car-centric society. Their respective automotive companies were sometimes seen as rivals, but to overcome the post-World War I recession, they joined forces, leading to the establishment of Daimler-Benz AG through a merger in 1926.

The name "Mercedes," given to the products, originated when Emil Jellinek, a customer of Daimler's, requested that his eldest daughter's name be used in exchange for his undertaking of sales outside Germany. It was registered as a trademark by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1902.

Thus born, Mercedes, and subsequently Mercedes-Benz, has continued to lead the way in automotive development, consistently introducing cutting-edge technologies such as the safety passenger cell, airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and Night View.