CL TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT THE LONDON MOTOR SHOW

The all new Mercedes-Benz CL coupe makes its UK debut at the London Motor Show before going on sale early next year. It is one of four new models from Mercedes-Benz which have their UK show premier in London.

Combining class leading technical innovations with a new sporty appearance and classic Mercedes lines, the sophisticated new CL is regarded by many as the epitome of motoring elegance. When it goes on sale from early 2000, the flagship CL will be available with two engine options, the 5.8 litre, 367 hp, 12 cylinder CL600 and 5.0 litre, 306 hp, V8 engined CL500. The CL500 appears on the stand.

The CL coupe provides new dimensions of driving dynamics with Active Body Control (ABC). This unique active suspension system marks another world safety first for Mercedes-Benz. Electronically controlled hydraulic cylinders on each wheel reduce body movement when pulling away or braking as well as during cornering. It therefore offers a higher level of safety than cars with conventional suspension technology.

Also making its UK debut at the London Motor Show is the CLK55 AMG. The technology that Mercedes-AMG engineers have used on this coupe has undergone extreme testing on international race circuits.

The CLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine that develops 347 hp and gives a top speed limited to 155 mph. With a 0 to 62 mph time of 5.4 seconds it is the fastest accelerating Mercedes-Benz production model. Prices for the CLK range start at �27,390 for the CLK 200, which is also on the stand. London sees the UK show debut of the ML 430, a V8 version of the Mercedes-Benz M-class. The 272 bhp, 4.3 litre engine gives 288 lb.ft at between 3000 and 4500 rpm and has massive reserves of pulling power both on and off road. Standard passive safety equipment on the M-class includes airbag for driver and front seat passenger and side airbags.

The M-class has been enhanced and the ML430 benefits from the addition of colour-coded bumpers, rocker sills, rub strips and exterior mirrors. Leather and wood trim are included as standard along with electric seats and alloy wheels. The price of the ML430 is �42,640.

Major enhancements to the E-class range can be seen on the new six-cylinder E320 CDI engine. This 3.2 litre direct injection diesel engine produces 197 hp and 470 Nm between 1800 rpm and 2600 rpm. The direct injection system uses the advanced �common-rail� technology. Common-rail describes the way in which fuel is piped and injected into the cylinders. Conventional direct injection diesels generate fuel pressure individually for each cylinder. In the new CDI engine the pressure is built up independently of the injectors and is permanently available in the common fuel line.

In terms of torque and power the common rail system has clear benefits. All the CDI engines are turbocharged and have four valves per cylinder resulting in superior power development. Prices for the E320 CDI saloon start at �31,780 and �34,080 for the estate.

Two A-class models represent the fastest selling Mercedes-Benz models ever in Britain. Since its launch in September 1998, more than 15,000 drivers in the UK have chosen to buy a Mercedes-Benz A-class. The new 125 hp A190, enjoying its first UK show debut in London, has a top speed of 123 mph and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 8.8 seconds. With a close-ratio gearbox and greatly increased torque, the A190 is both dynamic and fun to drive. The A190 is available in either Elegance or Avantgarde specification. Also on the stand is an A140.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the flagship S-class to world-wide acclaim. It represents the highest standards of quality, luxury and technology. The S-class has over 30 technical innovations, many of which can also be seen on the new CL coupe. The model shown on the stand is the S430 long wheelbase.

The ever-popular C-class range has just celebrated its 100,000th sale in the UK and is shown in both saloon and estate versions. The sophisticated traction control system, ESP, becomes standard across the C-class range of saloon and estate cars. ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) recognises when there is a danger of skidding and automatically intervenes to stabilise the car.

It now means that ESP is standard across the entire Mercedes-Benz range from the top-selling A-class to flagship S-class, with the exception of the V-class people carrier.

The outstanding SLK sports car continues the long-standing tradition at Mercedes-Benz, which has produced such legendary models as the 190SL and 300SL. Appearing on the stand the SLK sports a special designo interior. The designo range of special paints, leathers and trim options allows Mercedes-Benz customers to tailor their vehicles to their specific requirements.

Completing the line up for Mercedes-Benz will be the SL Roadster, shown with the 2.8 litre V6 engine. The hugely successful SL has become a modern classic.

All Mercedes-Benz cars benefit from 30-year mobilo-life cover. This effectively gives lifetime anti-corrosion protection and breakdown recovery. Combined with a three-year warranty, and a 24 hour, 365 days a year, Customer Assistance Centre, Mercedes-Benz has now a class leading warranty and support package.

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• The Mercedes-Benz CL was featured last week as a NEWcar

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