Mercedes introduces new luxury car CL class and the S-class diesel version (S320 CDI)

24 Mar 2007

The brand new entrant to DaimlerChryslers'' product portfolio for the Indian market is the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. The launch of the new luxury coupe is accompanied by the diesel version of the earlier S-Class now christened as the S 320CDi. DaimlerChrysler unveiled its latest offerings amidst a display of all the earlier launches in an exercise aptly called "The Brand Showcase" in Mumbai yesterday. A similar brand showcase will also be organized in Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad in the coming weeks.

The show stealers of the brand showcase were indeed the new CL-Class (Luxury Coupe), S-Class (Saloon) and the M-Class (SUV). The Maybach was conspicuous by its absence despite a mention of its ostentatious presence amidst the cars displayed. The Managing Director and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Mr. Wilfried Aulbur, distinguished the latest entrants by describing the new S 320CDi as a "stately car" while he considered the CL-Class as a "fun" car. He also described the CL-Class as a "driver''s delight".

The CL-Class does score over the earlier launches with regard to its sleek design and innovative technology. This luxury coupe features two variations the CL500 and the CL600. The CL500 with a 5.5 liter V8 makes a commendable 388hp at 6,000rpm and 530Nm of torque between 2,800-4,800rpm. It also includes a 7 speed automatic transmission.

The CL-600 with a slightly larger 5.5 liter V12 makes 517hp at 5,000rpm and 830Nm of torque at 1,900rpm to 3,500rpm. In keeping with the coupe tradition this luxury car also features common coupe traits such as: retractable side windows and the large panoramic rear windscreen.

The new diesel S-Class S-320 CDi, delivers 235hp at 3600rpm and 540Nm of torque between 1600-2400rpm. It can accelerate from 0-100kms in 7.5 seconds flat. The S-320 CDi is priced at Rs.71 lacs (Ex-showroom Mumbai).The CL 500 and CL 600 awaits elite buyers at Rs.1.2 crores and 1.6 crores respectively (Ex-showroom Mumbai).

DaimlerChrysler also offers easy vehicle loan schemes with longer pay back periods to attract buyers who aspire to own the dream machines.