Mercedes launches E-Class soft-top & CLS diesel
While we knew that there were an additional 12 launches coming from Mercedes-Benz India this year, this month will see a total of three launches. Today, the German premium car maker has launched the E 400 Cabriolet and the CLS 250 CDI, priced at Rs 78.5 lakh and Rs 76.5 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom Delhi). Along with the launch of the updated B-Class, that makes a total of 10 more launches for the year 2015. Both cars have been brought in as CBUs, which has contributed to the high asking price.
Mercedes-Benz E 400 Cabriolet
The E 400 Cabriolet is a two-door, four-seater convertible with a soft-top, based on the current generation E-Class. The all-electric soft-top opens or retracts at speeds up to 40kmph in about 20 seconds, and the drop-top comes with the usual long list of features and equipment that is expected of the manufacturer. A 7-inch infotainment screen, 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, satellite navigation, parking package including a 360 degree camera, and Active Parking assistance comes as standard while the safety bits are shared with its sedan sibling.
Powered by a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol mill that puts out 328bhp and 480Nm of torque, the E 400 Cabriolet will hit the ton mark in a clained 5.3 seconds, thanks to the seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
Besides the engine (not currently offered on the E-Class sedan), the convertible will be the same in every respect. However, luggae and rear seat space may be a little more comprimised due to the folding roof.
The pricing for this convertible seems rather apt, seeing as it has no real competitors in India. The cheapest convertible currently on sale in India is Audi’s A3 Cabriolet, priced at Rs 44.7 lakh. This isn’t the first time Mercedes launched the E 400 Cabriolet in the country though, hopefully, it’ll do better in India due to the maturity of the market.
Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI
The CLS-Class coupe that has launched in India at Rs 76.5 lakh, slots in just above the E-Class in Merc’s India lineup in terms of size. Displayed for the first time just last year, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI gets the same 2143cc diesel engine found in the A-Class, B-Class and C-Class, though in a 197bhp/500Nm state of tune, mated to a seven-speed automatic.
The exteriors, particularly the front, resembles the A-Class/CLA-Class with multibeam LED headlights, new tail-lamps, a new grille and revised front and rear bumpers.
Cloud based apps will now make an appearance in Mercedes-Benz cars, starting with the CLS 250 CDI. Twitter, radio and Facebook can be accessed directly through the car’s infotainment system. The feature will be subsequently rolled out in the manufacturers’ other models that have the COMAND system.
The CLS 250 CDI’s rivals include the Audi A7 3.0 TDI, BMW 640d Gran Coupe and Porsche’s Panamera, priced at Rs 88.5 lakh, Rs 1.15 crore, and Rs 1.11 crore, respectively. At this price point, the CLS 250 CDI makes a compelling case for itself.
