The 2018 Mercedes CLS has been launched in India at INR 84.70 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The third generation of the world's first coupe-style four-door sedan becomes the 12th launch by Mercedes-Benz India this year.
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Speaking on occasion, Mr Michael Jopp - Vice President, Sales & Marketing Mercedes Benz India said-
With the growing penchant for dream cars, we are glad to launch the most elegant and dynamic third generation CLS. Known for many firsts, the new CLS we have launched today also pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. Like its predecessors, the third CLS generation emanates self-assured sportiness in an exemplary style. The stylish new CLS 300 d blends flawlessly into the current Mercedes-Benz coupé family with abundant design features. We are confident that the third generation CLS will offer superior luxury and comfort to our customers and will continue to delight them. Mercedes-Benz India will keep striving to push the boundaries in the luxury car segment by driving innovation not only in our versatile line-up but also in our customer service offerings and the overall vehicle ownership.
The 2018 Mercedes CLS retains the steeply raked roofline and the frameless doors of the outgoing generation but features tauter surfaces and softer creases. This is in sync with the company's new Sensual Purity design language. As a result, the latest model looks a tad sleeker and doesn't have the visual bulk of its predecessor.
The interior features clean lines that are in harmony with the exterior. The equipment list includes a 12.3-inch infotainment unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other highlights of the equipment list include Virtual Cockpit all-digital instrument console, jet turbine-inspired AC vents, a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, Air Body Control air suspension, and MultiBeam LED headlamps.
The 2018 Mercedes CLS shares its platform with the E-Class. The new model is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. Its wheelbase, at 2,988 mm, is 61 mm longer than before. Boot space, at 520 litres, is the same as before.
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In India, the 2018 Mercedes CLS is available with just one engine option - a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that outputs a maximum power of 241 bhp along with a peak torque of 500 Nm. It comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The new model is claimed to be capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. It has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.