Mercedes-Benz celebrates three world premieres at the International Motor Show in Geneva

Mercedes-Benz will use the 74th International Motor Show in Geneva to showcase the latest results of its second strategic product initiative. Three new Mercedes models will celebrate their world premieres: the alluring four-door CLS-Class Coupé, the sporty SLK Roadster and the new generation of the C-Class. Mercedes-Benz will also be presenting the new G 55 AMG, powered by a 350-kW/476-hp supercharged V8 engine, and the further developed international emergency call system TELEAID to the public for the first time.

The new model once again underlines Mercedes-Benz’ role as a pioneer and trendsetter in automotive thinking. With its exquisite styling, exclusive appointments and ground-breaking technology, the CLS-Class appeals most strongly to drivers for whom cars and motoring are a true passion.

The overall design is an accurate reflection of the coupé’s emotional, experience-oriented character. Based on familiar Mercedes-Benz stylistic elements, the lines of the CLS-Class bring out the best in normally conflicting characteristics such as dynamics and size, power and elegance, aesthetics and functionality.

Elegant, luxurious and spacious: The interior of the CLS-Class

The elegant styling of the CLS-Class extends throughout the interior, engaging colours creating an inviting ambience and topquality materials ensuring an extremely pleas-ant in-car environment. Soft leather and exquisite wood form the most important design elements of the interior, with the steering wheel and automatic transmission selector lever finished in leather trim as standard and the seats boasting an elegant fabric/leather combination. Customers can also choose from a range of three leather trim options and four interior colour shades.

Hand-crafted burr walnut wood lends the interior of the CLS-Class a particularly elegant and sophisticated feel. A large and lavishly sculpted trim element distinguished by the satin-painted wood dominates the instrument panel.

The four-door coupé concept also allows the rear passengers to get in and out of the car in comfort. Luxurious individual seats offer them impressive freedom of movement, whilst the 829-millimetre gap between the front and rear seats and the 1468 millimetres of elbow room put comparable saloons in the shade. The newly developed seats for the driver and front passenger are electrically adjustable and can be ordered as an option with an active ventilation function or as dynamic multicontour seats.

The CLS-Class can point to luxury-saloon-class levels of boot space, offering up to 505 litres of capacity (VDA measuring method) for the driver’s and passengers’ luggage.

Powerful, smooth and economical: The engines for the new CLS-Coupé

A choice of two state-of-the-art petrol engines are available for the CLS-Class, both distinguished by majestic power development and exceptional torque characteristics. Dynamic driving pleasure is just a push of the right foot away.

Fitted with the newly developed V6 engine (200 kW/272 hp), the CLS 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds (provisional data). Maximum torque of 350 Newton metres is available as low down as 2400 rpm, providing imposing pulling power for mid-range sprints or overtaking.

The responsive V6 engine links up with another new development fitted as standard in the CLS-Class: the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. The first transmission of its type for passenger cars, 7G-TRONIC makes a key contribution to the outstanding acceleration of the CLS 350 and its exemplary fuel consumption figures of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined, provisional data).

The six-cylinder coupé also comes as standard with THERMATIC automatic climate control, a stereo system, speed-sensitive steering, leather steering wheel, 17-inch light-alloy wheels and wide 245/45 R 17 tyres.

With its 5.0-litre V8 engine, the CLS 500 is a match for full-blooded sports cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster in terms of output, whilst also offering the eight-cylinder comfort of a top-class saloon. The engine develops 225 kW/306 hp and generates peak torque of 460 Newton metres. Once again, the seven-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard. The CLS 500 powers from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds (provisional data) and on to a maximum speed which is limited at 250 km/h.

Other features of the standard equipment package for the CLS 500 which aren’t fitted as standard in the CLS 350 include AIRMATIC DC air suspension, THERMO-TRONIC luxury automatic climate control and 18-inch light-alloy wheels with wide 245/40 R 18 tyres.

Thinking ahead and setting the pace: The CLS-Class safety systems, including PRE-SAFE

Equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology such as adaptive front airbags,windowbags and sidebags, plus belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all seats, the CLS-Class offers impressive, typically Mercedes levels of occupant safety. In addition, customers will soon be able to order the multi-award-winning Mercedes safety system PRE-SAFE, which recognises critical driving situations in advance and activates occupant protection measures before an accident occurs. These include instantly tightening the seatbelts, which bring the driver and front passenger into a more favourable seating position ahead of a possible collision. This allows the airbags to provide effective protection for the occupants in the event of an impact.

When it comes to active safety, the new CLS-Class is fitted as standard with the Sensotronic Brake Control SBC™ system and the latest generation of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, a clear display of Mercedes-Benz’ technological leadership in the automotive industry. And the coupé is available as an option with a host of other innovations which make life on the road even safer. The highoutput bi-xenon head-lamps with the active cornering headlamp system, which Mercedes-Benz is offering for the first time with a cornering light function, are a good example.

DISTRONIC proximity control, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, the control and display system COMAND APS with its Europewide DVD navigation func-tion and the keyless access and drive authorisation system KEYLESS-GO are further examples of Mercedes technology which can be ordered as an option to ensure even greater comfort and driving pleasure.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a coupé study at the 2003 International Motor Show in Frankfurt aimed at gauging the public’s appetite for the new CLS-Class. The widespread enthusiasm which greeted the four-door newcomer provided the Stuttgart-based car maker with the response it needed to give series production the green light. The CLS-Class Coupé will arrive in Mercedes-Benz’ sales and service outlets and dealerships in autumn 2004.

Sporty, innovative and more powerful than ever: The new SLK-Class

The new SLK-Class is another passenger car celebrating its world premiere at the Mercedes stand at the Geneva Motor Show. As refreshing, enlivening and potent as an Italian espresso, the new Roadster displays impressive sporting prowess. Underpinning these outstanding performance credentials are the powerful new engines, a sporty suspension set-up, more direct steering and a precise six-speed manual transmission.

The roadster also builds on the proven strengths of its predecessor in the shape of a further developed, space-saving vario-roof, even more innovative safety features – including adaptive airbags and new head/thorax side airbags – and unique new developments such as the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, bi-xenon headlamps with the cornering light function and the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC (all optional).

Customers can choose from three new engines, developing from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/ 360 hp. These include, for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder unit from Mercedes-AMG. This V8 powerplant delivers 265 kW/360 hp from under the bonnet of the SLK 55 AMG and propels the sports roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

The newly developed Mercedes six-cylinder in the SLK 350 develops 200 kW/272 hp and ensures dynamic driving pleasure. The fourvalve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class and gives notice of its sporting character with imposingly fully-throated sound development. The SLK 350 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds) and from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.1 seconds).

The 120-kW/163-hp four-cylinder engine powering the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR uses eight-percent less fuel than the outgoing model of similar output. NEDC combined consumption stands at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The new SLK-Class replaces a highly successful first-generation model which sold over 308,000 units globally and secured a leading position worldwide in its market segment.

More dynamic, higher-quality and more attractive: The new generation of the C-Class

Sharing the Geneva limelight alongside the CLS-Class and SLK-Class at the Mercedes-Benz stand will be the new generation of the C-Class. The Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé models have all been carefully revised and set new standards in terms of driving dynamics, comfort levels and high-class looks and feel, in particular. The chassis, steering and six-speed manual transmission now have sportier inclinations, allowing the C-Class to offer an even more agile driving experience. A four-cylinder supercharged power unit developing 141 kW/192 hp will be added to the engine range for the Saloon and the Estate in spring 2004. The direct injection diesel engine under the bonnet of the C 220 CDI now delivers 110 kW/150 hp, whilst an eight-cylinder unit makes its debut in this model series, the new 270-kW/367-hp engine powering the top-of-the-range C 55 AMG.

The C-Class interior has been further upgraded, with the meticulously designed controls, line-specific seats and standard-fitted THERMATIC automatic climate control the outstanding features of the facelifted cockpit. Innovative scratch-resistant paintwork developed using nano technology also comes as standard and helps to further extend the durability of the C-Class range. Bi-xenon headlamps with the cornering light function, steering wheel gearshift buttons for the automatic transmission and new audio/navigation systems round off the high-tech optional extras available for this successful model family.

Cutting-edge technology, impressive comfort over long distances and sporty agility have helped the C-Class attract over 1.26 million customers worldwide since May 2000. Never before has Mercedes-Benz sold so many vehicles from one model series within such a short space of time.

The C-Class Saloon and Estate are among the lowest-depreciating vehicles on the used-car market, holding onto considerably more of their value than average after two years, according to a study carried out by EurotaxSchwacke. German motoring magazine Auto-Bild, meanwhile, crowned the C 200 CDI Estate “Value Champion 2004”.

More powerful and even more majestic: The new G 55 AMG with V8 supercharged engine

First unveiled 25 years ago, since when 182,000 units have been sold, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has developed a worldwide reputation. At the Geneva Motor Show the Stuttgart-based auto maker will present the most powerful version of the durable cross-country vehicle yet: the G 55 AMG. The new arrival’s supercharged V8 engine brews up 350 kW/476 hp of power and puts maximum torque of 700 Newton metres on tap as low down as 2650 rpm. The G 55 AMG thus outstrips the output of the predecessor model, with its naturally aspirated V8 power unit, by 34 percent and boasts an increase in torque of 32 percent. In other words, the G 55 AMG is blessed with remarkable reserves of power for both on and off-road motoring, treating its passengers to unrivalled authority, exclusiveness and driving dynamics.

There is certainly no doubting the performance credentials of the G 55 AMG, with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h leaving some sports cars in its tyre tracks.

The new G 55 AMG is available as a five-door station wagon with a long wheelbase and will be arriving at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships in June 2004.

Fast, accurate and international: The new Mercedes emergency call system TELEAID

The emergency call and information system TELEAID will soon function across the length and width of nine European countries. Mercedes-Benz will unveil the further developed technology for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. In the event of an accident, the system sends out an emergency call signal which identifies the precise location of the vehicle and guides the rescue services to the scene of the accident. In addition, the SOS signal also contains data on the severity of the accident. There is also a button which passengers inside the vehicle can press to call for assistance or contact service experts from Mercedes-Benz in the event of mechanical breakdown. The emergency call centre establishes a mobile phone connection with the vehicle occupants in order to determine the exact assistance measures required. If the call is not answered, TELEAID headquarters immediately alerts the police and rescue services.

The further developed emergency call system will be available around the clock from spring 2004 in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Mercedes-Benz will offer the system initially in the E-Class and the S-Class and the flagship CL-Class Coupé.