KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has kicked off the new year with three all-new models - the C Class Coupe, SLK and CLS.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice-president for sales and marketing Kai Schlickum said the three fully-imported models were “brand shapers” and would enhance the appeal of the company’s local offering of niche models.
All three are packed with new features and styling details while also being more powerful and fuel efficient than previous generations.
Making its official appearance in Malaysia, the two-door C Class Coupe shares the same styling as the latest C Class sedan with the exception of the double-louvre style radiator grille and a sloping rear windscreen.
The model is available with 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission and in three engine options - the C 180 BlueEfficiency with 156bhp, C 250 BlueEfficiency (204bhp) and C 350 BlueEfficiency (306bhp), which is available on special order.
The C 180 Coupe and C 250 Coupe are priced at RM305,888 and RM388,888 respectively.
Features include AMG Sports package, improved Comand Online system with 17.8-cm screen, hard disc navigation system with Internet access, and Linguatronic voice-operated control for audio, telephone and navigation system.
The third-generation SLK, while retaining the classic roadster proportions of a long bonnet and short tail, gets a more striking and steeper front in addition to improved aerodynamics with a coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.30 from 0.32 previously.
The model also features the new Airguide system consisting of pivoting transparent perspex sections attached to the reverse of the roll-over bars which reduces cabin wind whenever the car is driven fast with the roof down.
The SLK 200 is powered by a 1.8-litre direct injection engine delivering 184bhp. Priced at RM460,888, the sports car is also equipped with a 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission and a Dynamic Handling package.
The main striking of the three is the second-generation CLS, which combines elegance and sportiness in the body of a four-door coupe.
Featuring better aerodynamics, the front of the CLS draws styling cues from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwing sports car.
The car is available in two variants - the CLS 350 BlueEfficiency with a 306bhp V6 engine, and through special order, the CLS 500 BlueEfficiency with a 408bhp V8 engine. The CLS 350 is priced at RM760,888.
The CLS features lightweight construction and is the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to have all aluminium frameless doors.
Also new is the electromechanical power steering system that reduces fuel consumption along with Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist to enhance safety.