Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s flurry of activity this
month continues with the launch of four Dream Car models, one of which is
the Mercedes-Benz CLS, which makes its debut in the country in CLS 450 form and
in Edition 1 guise. The third-generation four-door coupe’s arrival also marks
the introduction of the automaker’s new M256 petrol engine.
In this application, the 3.0 litre turbocharged
inline six-cylinder unit has 362 hp at 5,500 to 6,100 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600
to 4,000 rpm for base output numbers. The mill features a 48-volt lithium-ion
on-board power network, which supplements the 12-volt system in place, as well
as an integrated starter generator system, which combines the functions of a
starter and alternator.
Besides aiding the 12-volt system by supplying
additional power for required components, the system is also able to offer a
boost function for a short period, providing up to 250 Nm of torque and 21 hp of output when needed. Paired with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic
transmission, performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds and
a 250 km/h top speed.
The design of the C257 adopts a softer, more elegant
look closer to the first-gen rather than being a progression of its
heavily-creased predecessor, and highlights include bold tapered headlights, a
trapezoidal grille and two-piece, angular-shaped LED tail lights.
The Malaysian-spec CLS 450 comes with an AMG Line
exterior and a Night package, and rides on 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels
in black with a high-sheen rim flange. Standard fit items include an Agility
Control lowered comfort suspension and Multibeam LED headlights with adaptive
high beam assist plus. The car’s frontal cabin layout follows on that seen in the W213
E-Class, with a horizontal dashboard design and flowing surfaces and a
Widescreen Cockpit with twin 12.3-inch displays and a glass cover.
As for interior features and equipment, the CLS 450
features an AMG Line interior, an AMG sport steering wheel dressed in Nappa
leather and galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles. The Edition 1 route adds a Copper
Art interior, with seats finished in black pearl Nappa leather, diamond design
print on the centre section and copper-coloured accent. Copper-coloured
topstitching, meanwhile, can be found across the cabin.
Elsewhere, the dashboard is lined in black nappa,
while the centre console and trim is finished in black open-pored ash wood with
an Edition 1 laser engraved logo as standard. Floor mats with Edition 1 badging
complete the pack. Other items include AMG illuminated door sill panels, an electric
sliding glass sunroof and premium ambient lighting, the last offering the
by-now familiar palette of 64 colours.
There’s also an Air Balance package, an IWC analogue
clock, surround view camera, wireless charging and a COMAND Online navigation
system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as a Burmester
surround sound system to handle audio-based duties. The new CLS seats five, with rear
backrests that can be folded in a 40:20:40 split configuration. As for the
boot, volume measures in at 520 litres, the same as before.
Driver-assist systems include the usual active brake
assist and lane keeping assist as well as Distronic distance pilot and
Parktronic parking pilot with a 360-degree camera The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 Edition
1 is priced at RM 650,034 on-the-road without insurance and zero-rated GST.
Opting for the designo paint option brings the price to RM 654,751.
Currently, the CLS 450 is only available in Edition
1 form, but the standard car will eventually come in. Also, the company also
announced at the launch today that a second CLS variant, the CLS 350, will make
its way in at sometime later this year, likely in November, at an estimated
price of RM 530,000.
