Mercedes-Benz' CLS-Class now ready for orders

Less than a year after German-based carmaker Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Vision CLS concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the company has announced that orders for the CLS- Class may be made by customers hoping to purchase the vehicle.

The company said in a media release that the CLS-Class would be available in two model versions: the CLS 350 and the CLS 500.

Compared with other Mercedes-Benz sedans, the CLS has a very low roofline, giving a sportier feel to the elegant, yet stylish car. The frameless windows reinforce the vehicle's coupe character, even though it has four doors.

During the motor show, the Vision CLS concept car was second only, as star attraction, to the handmade SLR McLaren, dubbed as the new generation of the silver arrow.

Jurgen Hubbert, an official at the DaimlerChrysler AG Board -- the producer of Mercedes-Benz, Jeep and Chrysler -- said earlier in a release that the CLS was "a coupe one generation ahead of the rest".

"The idea of a four-door coupe opens up exciting possibilities. Featuring a sophisticated design and exclusive interior appointment, the Vision CLS is aimed primarily at people who have a passion for motor cars and motoring," he said.

The CLS 350 version is equipped with a newly developed V6 3.5- liter engine that has an output of 272 horsepower (hp) and delivers maximum torque of 350 Newton-meters (Nm) at 2,400 rpm.

The V6 engine is accompanied by the new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. This is the world's first passenger car transmission of this type and is a major contributory factor to the vehicle's strong acceleration.

The 5.0-liter V8 engine offers a maximum output of 306 hp and maximum torque of 460 Nm.

Since safety has always been an important issue, the CLS will also have standard safety equipment such as airbags, sidebags and windowbags. Further innovations include an electrohydraulic brake system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) and automotive Cornering Light what is that? (needs some explanation).

The CLS 350 is priced at 54,346 euros (US$67,389) while the CLS 500 is on offer at 67,280 euros.

For those who want to have their CLS still sportier, the CLS 55 AMG will be available on the market from spring 2005. The car will be powered by an AMG 5.5-liter V8 supercharged engine and will have more luxurious, leather AMG sports seats. This version is tagged at 96,164 euros. -- JP