• 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  etc.
• 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

NewZNew (Chandigarh) : Mercedes-Benz today underscored its claim of combining refined sportiness with luxury for discerning Indian consumers with the simultaneous launch of two specialty cars, the new CLS-Class Coupé and the E-Class Cabriolet. Pursuing an intense product drive in sync with its ‘15 in 15’ strategy, the company has now introduced five new products in the market this year, of which three new models are introduced in the month of March. This underlines Mercedes-Benz’s strong consumer focus and product offensive planned for 2015. By bringing the best products from its global portfolio into the country, the Three Pointed Star continues to provide appealing options to customers delving the top end of the luxury car spectrum. The CLS-Class Coupé and the E-Class Cabriolet were launched by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in Delhi. Both the cars will be available for sale at dealerships across India as CBU (completely built unit).

[blockquote author=”Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, ” pull=”pullright”]“Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with luxury and we are at the forefront of providing the most luxurious cars to our discerning customers. This year we have already introduced a diverse range of cars for the Indian market which we are confident, will continuously fascinate and delight our customers. The CLS-Class Coupé and the E-Class Cabriolet are two of the most attractively designed products which evoke unparalleled motoring passion and are fine examples of our ‘top of pyramid’ product strategy. We are also introducing for the first time in India, Mercedes-Benz Apps which takes the COMAND Online internet connectivity to the next level. The cloud based Apps provide convenient access to a wide range of some of the most popular apps and services on the internet. We are confident that today’s tech savvy, on the move customers and enthusiasts will be thrilled to experience these in Mercedes-Benz range of cars.” [/blockquote]

The four-seater Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is the most desirable vehicle at the top end segment. By combining intelligent, efficient technology with luxurious equipment that offers superb comfort, it indulges with a passion fit for superlative driving. That is why this car is a highlight of the successful E-Class family. The design of the exterior and interior alike is fresh and sharp, as befits many of the stand-out new technical aspects. New additions include a powerful and efficient six-cylinder petrol engine, premium interiors, safety features and trend-setting assistance systems. Visually, the Cabriolet draws on the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom. Exclusive, luxurious equipment for sublime refinement underlines the close affinity with the E-Class family.

“Three words sum up the E-Class Cabriolet: captivating, athletic, passionate. This sensational cabriolet, with many innovative appointments, offers first-class comfort for four occupants with ample space. With its striking design features, state-of-the-art product innovations, safety and assistance systems, the E-Class Cabriolet becomes a truly aspirational car. This cabriolet is a perfect synthesis of design and engineering excellence, and the refinement achieved by this design whets the appetite for long trips – be on winding routes or wide tree-lined roads. With its many unique features, the E-Class Cabriolet has once again secured its unparalleled dominance in the competitive environment.” Mr. Kern added.

The high-quality, exquisitely finished materials enriched by elegant detailing create an ideal environment for exciting and sporty motoring in the E-Class Cabriolet, thanks to the reduced noise level. With its four seats, the new E-Class Cabriolet is generous when it comes to space for the rear passengers; ensuring that even longer trips are enjoyed in complete comfort from start to finish.

The new CLS-Class Coupé sees Mercedes-Benz extending its portfolio of exclusive lifestyle vehicles, offering a clear yet emotional and sporty design along with innovative engineering. The key highlights of the CLS 250 CDI include an efficient, new diesel engine and new high-performance MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, which transcends the lighting system into an all-new dimension. With the high-quality refined interiors, the CLS 250 CDI fosters a tangible feeling of modern luxury. The four-door CLS Coupé looks more dominant and athletic than ever before. Driving enjoyment and safety are enhanced by innovative driver assistance systems as well as by the latest engine and transmission technology.

“The CLS Coupé has always been a design icon on wheels. Its exciting design and thrilling proportions have been subtly adapted and we are confident that this will once again set the customers’ pulse racing. The CLS Coupé makes trips most pleasurable with its extensive range of standard equipment and appointments, including a 20.3 cm display and new interior colour schemes which create special surroundings for special moments. The new high-tech additions such as the innovative MULTIBEAM LED headlamps also give the car a technological leadership position.” Mr. Kern further added.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for the comprehensive networking of all the sophisticated technologies that assist and support the driver. One example of this is the MULTIBEAM LED light system in the CLS Coupé, which can improve visibility in a wide range of conditions. In each headlamp, 24 out of a total of 36 LEDs are controlled individually. MULTIBEAM LED additionally increases the range and light output – without dazzling oncoming traffic. The active light function with preview function illuminates the bend before the steering wheel is turned and prior to leaving the bend again.

Mercedes-Benz Apps:

In a key initiative for the new generation tech savvy Indian customers, Mercedes-Benz India for the first time ever, introduces the Mercedes-Benz Apps with the COMAND Online system , which takes the COMAND Online internet connectivity to a whole new level. Mercedes-Benz Apps provides convenient access to a wide range of some of the most popular apps and services on the internet. In addition to unlimited internet browsing connectivity feature, the following apps are currently a part of the Mercedes-Benz Apps service portfolio in India based on app content relevance. These are:

Mercedes-Benz Radio: It’s an exclusive web radio with an inspiring and unique selection of music and carefully selected content created just for Mercedes-Benz owners

Tunein radio: TuneIn Radio offers the ability to listen to radio stations and podcasts from around the world. TuneIn’s directory carries over 80,000 live stations and 2,000,000 podcasts

Weather: Customers can stay a step ahead of the weather by viewing a daily or a 5-day forecast for their current location or a location they specify. The Weather App also allows them to view a nationwide weather map and move the map to display weather at a specific location

News (Audio news with text-to-speech function): The News App with a news-reading function allows the customer to access on-the-go worldwide news information from the vehicle. The read out aloud (text–to–speech) feature by simply selecting the audio symbol allows you to listen to all the news as you drive without distraction of looking at the screen.

RSS News feeds: Reading news on the move is part of many of our customers’ daily life. RSS feeds help subscribers stay informed about current news and manage their subscribed feeds. With RSS Reader Service, subscribers can scan headlines of news items to mark them for future reading or listen to full articles that can be read aloud to them while they’re driving

HRS Hotel search: The app allows search and selection of accommodation according to various hotel categories, in the current location, at the navigation destination or in any location specified. Details like telephone numbers allows users to call for reservation

Morning star® Finance (Available only with CLS-Class): Customers can get up-to-the-minute global market data from Morningstar, Inc., a leading provider of independent investment research and services. Searches can be done for information from over 416,000 investment offerings including stocks, currencies and commodities. Customers can also create a Watch List to keep them on top of their financial game.

The Mercedes-Benz apps with cloud-based platform allows updates to be added automatically and wirelessly. To secure a safer drive by avoiding driver distraction, certain app features are unavailable while the vehicle is in motion. Enhancement of driving pleasure and safety, both are adequately taken care off by this innovative driver assistance technology.

Mr. Kern elucidated, “Mercedes-Benz customers are highly tech-savvy and are always on the move. Mercedes-Benz for the first time in India is launching the advanced Mercedes-Benz Apps across the product range which are equipped with COMAND Online. This will ensure the customers get access to all the important information and always remains connected. Owing to cloud based connectivity, it will ensure the customer vehicle will always remain updated with the latest Mercedes-Benz Apps without even visiting the dealership. The introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Apps is yet another effort from us to create value to our customers through our innovations”.

With the launch of the stunning CLS 250 CDI and E-Class Cabriolet 400, Mercedes-Benz Apps are now available with all Mercedes-Benz cars which are equipped with the COMAND Online system, New Telematics Generation (NTG) 4.5 and above.

The use of cloud-based connectivity means updates and access to the latest apps are available and sent to the vehicle over-the-air. This also ensures the customer’s vehicle will remain current with the latest Mercedes-Benz Apps without the need to visit the dealership. The portfolio of applications continues to expand throughout the life of the vehicle. These apps can be accessed via internet data connectivity through a Bluetooth® tethered smartphone* including Apple iPhone and Android-based smartphones.

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.