Mercedes-Benz India have launched the CLS 250 CDI and E 400 Cabriolet convertible in India today. We covered the event live in the morning as it happened. You can read our live coverage stories by clicking on the links below.
Live launch coverage of the E Class Cabriolet
Live launch coverage of the new CLS 250 CDI
In the meantime, Mercedes-Benz have also disseminated the official press release for the two launches for India. Also, we have some more images from the event to share with you. So here it is, an abridged version of the official release along with an image gallery from the launch event. Scroll directly to the bottom of the page if it’s only the images you are interested in.
Mercedes-Benz intensifies its product offensive: drives in the captivating new E-Class Cabriolet and the stunning all new CLS 250 CDI Coupé. Introduces first time in India– Cloud based Mercedes-Benz Apps
- Strengthens its specialty cars’ portfolio, offering exclusive modern luxury to Indian consumers
- India first-launch of cloud based Mercedes-Benz Apps: unrestricted internet surfing, access to Mercedes-Benz Radio, TuneIn Radio, Weather, Audio News, Facebook
- The E-Class Cabriolet introduced with multiple unique features:
- Spacious, luxurious four seater cabriolet, with multiple choices for color of the soft top for customers. AIRCAP reduces noise levels while driving with the top down
- Packs an extra punch with a more powerful six cylinder petrol engine producing 245kW [333hp] @5250 – 6000 rpm
- LED Intelligent lights ensures consistent use of LED technology resulting in very low energy consumption, and safety in all traffic and weather conditions
- The fabric top can be opened and closed fully and automatically in 20 seconds, even when the vehicle is moving at up to 40 km/h; suitable for sudden downpours in India
- Soft top features an integrated textile drainage channel in the outer side edges
- The CLS-Class Coupé:
- First time featuring a powerful diesel engine with 150 kW power [204hp] @3800 rpm
- MULTIBEAM LED: Innovative lighting technology with 24 out of a total of 36 LEDs controlled individually. Lights are adjusted 100 times per second to give optimum visibility.
- AIRMATIC suspension system: road unevenness dissolves into thin air.
- The E 400 Cabriolet is priced at Rs. 78.50 lakhs and the CLS 250 CDI Coupé is priced at Rs. 76.50 lakhs (All prices are ex-showroom Delhi)
- Major product offensive: Mercedes-Benz has already introduced five new cars in first 3 months; three in one single month of March
- The new E 400 Cabriolet is priced at Rs. 78.50 lakhs and the new CLS 250 CDI Coupé is priced at Rs. 76.50 lakhs. (Both prices are ex-showroom Delhi)
The new E-Class Cabriolet
Driving Performance
The new E-Class Cabriolet is moved by a V6 turbocharged petrol engine with an impressive 245 kW (333 hp) power output and maximum torque of 480 Nm between 1600 – 4000 rpm. The car races from 0 to 100 in a mere 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.
The powerful motor coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission combines a high level of comfort with driving pleasure and efficiency to reduce fuel consumptions and emissions. It impresses with smooth operation and rapid gear shifts. At the same time, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The shift characteristics can be preset from economical to dynamic with the transmission modes “Economy” or “Sport”. Drivers with sporty inclinations can switch gears manually using the DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles – as in motorsport.
The ECO start/stop function is perfectly integrated into the drive system and responds particularly rapidly. This makes for longer engine stands till phases, and therefore ensures more savings. Other advantages include the low noise level and comfortable starting characteristics.
Exterior – sticks to the road and mind
The front section of the E-Class Cabriolet stands for brand self-assurance suggesting refined sportiness. The redesign of the bumper, radiator grille and headlamps lends more dynamism and prominence to the entire front section. There is also a reinterpretation of the twin-headlamp look. Clear lines and distinctive forms dominate in the E-Class Cabriolet. When driving with the roof closed, the soft top is a characteristic feature of the silhouette. When the roof is open, the long, extended beltline becomes clearly visible.
Clear lines and proportions characterize the side design of the E-Class Cabriolet. The long bonnet and elongated beltline along with 43.2 cm (17-inch) light-alloy wheels make a striking visual statement. The 23.5 mm thick three-component fabric soft top has been greatly improved with respect to acoustics and appearance compared to the preceding model series. The “acoustic soft top” ensures the lowest noise level in this segment. The fabric top can be opened and closed fully automatically in just around 20 seconds when the vehicle is moving at up to 40 km/h.
Interior – Upgrade inside
At the same time, the new E-Class Cabriolet includes a thoroughly revised interior with the aim of a new design harmony. . The new car has an even more sporty character in the interior, blending this with an exclusive, luxurious atmosphere. The exclusivity, luxuriousness, modernity and individualization options have been increased even further.
The ergonomic cockpit with its modern look and high-class appeal provides the ideal conditions for pure, unadulterated driving pleasure in the new E-Class Cabriolet. There are numerous controls and stowage facilities on the centre console and dashboard console. This area impresses with its clear, functional design, the use of high-grade materials and their careful processing. The front seats are newly developed and equipped with electric adjustment of the seat cushion height and backrest angle as standard. The four-seater E-Class Cabriolet places great importance on the comfort of passengers in the rear and has two full-fledged seats with electric head restraints which also act as a roll-over protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Systems
COMAND Online is equipped with a hard-disc navigation system featuring a map display. It also features a display with TFT technology and a 7-inch screen. A universal interface in the centre console allows easy connection of portable media players such as iPod® or iPhone®. The audio and video content can be conveniently controlled and reproduced in first-class quality using the onboard infotainment systems.
Mercedes-Benz India also introduces the unique Mercedes-Benz App with COMAND Online, enhancing the internet connectivity to the next level with COMAND Online system. Mercedes-Benz App provides convenient access to a wide range of some of the most popular apps and services on the Internet.
Carefully matched technical components and Logic 7® technology from Harman Kardon guarantee unmistakably authentic surround sound. Passengers in all seats enjoy an enthralling 360-degree sound experience for both stereo and also 5.1 multi-channel recordings. The sound system with its 14 high-performance speakers is specially matched to the particular acoustic conditions in the vehicle.
The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist plays an important part in making parking a safe and easy process. It helps the driver to find a suitable parking space for parallel or end-on parking, and assists him by active steering and braking intervention when entering and exiting parking spaces. The integrated PARKTRONIC warns him if there are obstacles in front of or behind the car. A driver intervention is possible at any time by deactivating “Parking Assist”. The KEYLESS GO can be used to start the vehicle – simply by carrying the electronic key, which is programmed with all access and drive authorisation functions. All the driver has to do is to depress the brake pedal and press the ignition start/stop key once.
Safety and Assistance Systems
The integral safety concept from Mercedes-Benz groups together all active and passive safety components into a well thought-out system – for the safety of the vehicle occupants and other road users. It brings the vision of accident-free driving another step closer for the designers. More than ever before, it meets the requirements for a high level of vehicle and road safety, based on what actually happens in accidents.
During a collision, the nine airbags help to protect the head and torso of the driver and front passenger. In addition they stabilize the entire body. This can reduce the risk of severe injuries in an accident. Adaptive High Beam Assist always makes the best possible headlamp range available. The driver is free to concentrate on the traffic without constantly having to select between low and high beam. Continuous monitoring of the tyre pressures improves driving safety and increases the operating life of the tyres. The tyre pressure of all four wheels is monitored by sensors and indicated in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster.
With new and extended functions, in addition to the standard safety features such as ABS, BAS, ESP, ASR, Hill Start Assist, etc. ATTENTION ASSIST is able to warn the driver when it detects typical signs of drowsiness in steering behaviour. Adaptive High Beam Assist allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently since oncoming traffic or vehicles in front are masked out in the beams’ cone of light. PRE-SAFE® system comes with belt tensioners for driver and front passenger seats, closing function for side windows and positioning of front passenger.
Driving the E-Class Cabriolet is an experience to be savored. The feeling of complete limitlessness can only be enhanced by a sophisticated safety concept which gives you even more freedom by minimizing risks as far as possible. The safety equipment has been adapted systematically to meet the requirements of a cabriolet: special head bags are included as standard . Together with the other airbags and the NECK-PRO head restraints, which can reduce the risk of whiplash, they provide all-round protection for the driver and front passenger.
Safety body. Right from the outset the E-Class Cabriolet was designed with the safety of its occupants in mind. That’s why much of the body consists of high-strength and maximum-strength steel. The passenger compartment, in particular, has cabriolet-specific reinforcement in the floor and side area. At the same time the high torsional strength and the lightweight construction provide the ideal basis for outstanding driving dynamics.
Roll-over protection. The upper windscreen frame and the A-pillars are exceptionally robust. The A-pillars have been reinforced with tubing, offering effective occupant protection together with the roll-over bars in case of roll-over. The roll-over bars’ cassettes are fully integrated in the rear head restraints and fastened to the area behind the rear seat backrest in the body-shell. They can be extended in fractions of a second as soon as the airbag control system’s crash sensors detect the risk of an accident.
The new CLS-Class Coupé
Driving Performance
The new CLS-Class Coupé is moved by a 4-cylinder diesel engine with an impressive 150 kW (204 hp) power output and maximum torque of 500 Nm between 1600 – 1800 rpm. The powerful motor coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission combines a high level of comfort with driving pleasure and efficiency to reduce fuel consumptions and emissions. It impresses with smooth operation and rapid gear shifts. At the same time, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The shift characteristics can be preset from economical to dynamic with the transmission modes “Economy” or “Sport”. Drivers with sporty inclinations can switch gears manually using the DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift paddles – as in motorsport.
The ECO start/stop function is perfectly integrated into the drive system and responds particularly rapidly. This makes for longer engine standstill phases, and therefore even more savings. Other advantages include the low noise level and comfortable starting characteristics.
Exterior – outshines everything
The CLS-Class Coupé combines compelling, exciting design with exclusivity and sportiness. Specific measures in terms of the front end design in conjunction with innovative light technology ensure an even more striking and more dynamic appearance. With a long bonnet, diamond radiator grille in black, a single louvre painted in a matt finish, chrome-look trim element on the front spoiler and distinctive MULTIBEAM LED with integral daytime running lamps are some of the key design elements.
The side design of the new CLS-Class is accentuated with a Coupé-like roof line with chrome trim strip, high beltline with beltline trim strip, powerfully sculpted wheel arches and 43.2 cm (17-inch) 10-spoke light-alloy wheels. The rear end of the car is characterized by wide, slightly darkened tail lights featuring LED technology with adaptive intensity.
Interior Design
With the high-quality, spacious interior the CLS-Class Coupé provides enhanced sportiness, exclusivity and functionality. This is reflected in the free-standing display of the head unit with 20.3 cm screen diagonal (8″), the new steering wheel generation with 3-spoke design, and seats in leather. An even greater eye for detail is also seen in the controls for the seat adjustment finished in chrome in the front doors and the central control panel with four buttons which are integrated directly into the centre console trim. The ergonomic cockpit with its modern look and high-class appeal provides the ideal conditions for pure, unadulterated driving pleasure in the new CLS-Class Coupé. Intuitive Mercedes control and display concept with ergonomically positioned Controller and new 4-key central control panel.
The Memory package provides particular operating convenience if the vehicle is used by several people. Up to three different positions for the power front seats, steering column and exterior mirrors can be stored at the touch of a button and retrieved. The memory programming includes all seat adjustment functions such as seat height and fore-and-aft position, seat cushion angle and depth, backrest angle and head restraint height. Operation is intuitive, using ergonomic switches in the door control panels. For a better view when reversing into parking spaces, the exterior mirror on the front passenger side can be automatically lowered when reverse gear is engaged.
Comfort and Convenience Systems
Navigation, telephone, audio, video, internet – with the COMAND Online control and display system the driver is able to keep these and many other functions in view and under control. Information is shown in colour on a 20.3 cm (8-inch) high-resolution Media Display. Carefully matched technical components and Logic 7® technology from Harman Kardon guarantee unmistakably authentic surround sound. Passengers in all seats enjoy an enthralling 360-degree sound experience for both stereo and also 5.1 multi-channel recordings. The sound system with its 14 high-performance speakers is specially matched to the particular acoustic conditions in the vehicle.
The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist plays an important part in making parking a safe and easy process. It helps the driver to find a suitable parking space for parallel or end-on parking, and assists him by active steering and braking intervention when entering and exiting parking spaces. The integrated PARKTRONIC warns him if there are obstacles in front of or behind the car. A driver intervention is possible at any time by deactivating “Parking Assist” automatically.
In combination with variable damper control, the AIRMATIC air suspension ensures ride comfort and dynamic handling at a very high level. The damping at each wheel is adapted to the current driving situation, and can be set for more comfortable or sporty characteristics as required.
Safety and Assistance Systems
The integral safety concept from Mercedes-Benz groups together all active and passive safety components into a well thought-out system – for the safety of the vehicle occupants and other road users. It brings the vision of accident-free driving another step closer for the designers. More than ever before, it meets the requirements for a high level of vehicle and road safety, based on what actually happens in accidents.
During a collision, the eight airbags help to protect the head and torso of the driver and front passenger. In addition they stabilize the entire body. This can reduce the risk of severe injuries in an accident. Adaptive High Beam Assist always makes the best possible headlamp range available. The driver is free to concentrate on the traffic without constantly having to select between low and high beam. Continuous monitoring of the tyre pressures improves driving safety and increases the operating life of the tyres. The tyre pressure of all four wheels is monitored by sensors and indicated in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster.
With new and extended functions, in addition to the standard safety features such as ABS, BAS, ESP, ASR, Hill Start Assist, etc. ATTENTION ASSIST is able to warn the driver when it detects typical signs of drowsiness in steering behaviour. Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently since oncoming traffic or vehicles in front are masked out in the beams’ cone of light. PRE-SAFE® system comes with belt tensioners for driver and front passenger seats, closing function for side windows and electric roof and positioning of front passenger.
