Motoring Weekly

Mercedes in top gear

March 19 - 25, 2008
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Mercedes-Benz continued its commitment to further reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions with new products in four model series at last week's Geneva Motor Show.

Topping the list of the new Mercedes dream machines celebrating their public premiere was the SL-Class. Mercedes-Benz has refined the iconic roadster to a level of detail that goes well beyond a mere model facelift.

The new, decidedly sporty and assured exterior design reflects the handling characteristics of this Mercedes roadster, which is now even more agile with a new direct-steer system while offering even more safety and comfort.

Two new six-cylinder engines will round off the SL range from spring 2008.

The SL 280 develops 231 hp and provides an attractive entry into the SL sports car world. The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed and particularly lively sports engine.

Output has increased by 16 percent to 316 hp compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, while maximum torque has improved by 10nm to 360 newton metres.

The flagship models in this series continue to be the SL 500 with a V8 engine and the twelve-cylinder SL 600.

Following a comprehensive model facelift, the Mercedes-Benz SLK is now even more dynamic and the company claims it provides an even more emotional driving experience.

The most important visual changes include a redesigned front and rear end, as well as a carefully modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz also installs the V6 sports engine from the SL-Class in the new SLK 350, where it develops an output of 305 hp at 6,500 rpm, 33 hp more than the six-cylinder unit in the previous SLK 350.

Compact body dimensions and powerful proportions underline the sporty appearance of the new CLC. With its striking coupŽ radiator grille, which has a large Mercedes star at its centre, as well as the new projection-beam headlamps, the Sports CoupŽ follows the modern Mercedes design idiom.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC is akin to a modern bespoke suit. Sports seats with further improved lateral support, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim are standard equipment.

The new CLC is available with a choice of four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines developing outputs from 122 hp to 272 hp.

The unique, four-door CLS CoupŽ, which pioneered a new automotive segment, has also been made more attractive than ever by specific fine-tuning. The front aspect is dominated by a modified radiator grille, which now has two rather than the previous four louvres.

The exterior mirrors also have a new shape, with integrated, arrow-shaped LED indicator repeaters and more than 30 percent larger lenses. The tail lights are now also in LED technology: the brake lights, rear lights and indicators feature particularly fast-responding light-emitting diodes.

Great attention to detail has also been lavished on the updated interior: a newly designed leather steering wheel with three spokes and multifunction buttons is part of the package, as is a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dial faces form an attractive contrast to the structured surface of the backplate. New chestnut wood inserts replace the previous trim.

Mercedes-Benz now offers an entry-level CLS 280 with an up-to-date 2,996cc V6 engine, a maximum output of 231 hp and a maximum torque of 300 newton metres.







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