On the eve of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin, the Stuttgart-based automaker presented its all-new CLC coupe, which provides customers a new and compelling entry-level model for the Mercedes-Benz coupe family. “Because of its expressive styling, premium equipment, and state-of-the-art technology, the all-new CLC especially meets the needs of young people looking for a dynamic car,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “That’s why I’m convinced that the CLC will enable us to continue to win over many new customers for Mercedes-Benz.” The new sports coupe will be launched on the European market in June 2008.
A sports coupe with high potential for winning customers
The CLC is the successor of the C-Class sports coupe, which has been sold to approximately 320,000 customers from around the world since 2001. The majority of these customers were first-time Mercedes-Benz customers. The sports coupe was one of the many successful models of the Mercedes-Benz product initiative, boasting a very high conversion rate of about 70 percent. In addition, the two-door vehicle succeeded in keeping customers loyal to the Mercedes-Benz brand, and over 40 percent of the buyers subsequently purchased an even larger model.
New CLC features many all-new or improved components
The CLC delivers the high standards for safety, comfort, environmental compatibility, and functionality that are a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have developed many new or improved components for the CLC. The technical highlights include an all-new direct steering system for even greater agility when cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems with a color display, a Europe-wide DVD or hard disc navigation and media interface, and a powerful four-cylinder engine that now delivers 135 kW/184 hp.
Sporty styling highlights new Mercedes-Benz design idiom
The CLC’s sporty appearance clearly sets it apart, as the vehicle’s front and rear were completely redesigned in accordance with the modern Mercedes-Benz design idiom. The CLC’s interior boasts sport seats with improved lateral support, a three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, an automatic climate control system, and brushed aluminum trim elements. Mercedes-Benz has also put together a special sports package for customers with particularly sporty tastes. The package includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tires, headlights with black inner surrounds, sports suspension with lowered body, a leather sports steering wheel, and dark brushed aluminum trim elements.
Engines: Fuel consumption slashed by up to 10.8 percent
Mercedes-Benz will offer the all-new CLC with a choice of four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines, featuring power outputs ranging from 90 kW/122 hp to 200 kW/272 hp. The 135 kW/184 hp power plant in the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR now develops an extra 15 kW/20 hp while consuming just 7.8 to 8.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (NEDC). This is up to 0.7 liters less than in the previous model. With its advanced turbodiesel engines, the CLC belongs to the category of five-liter cars in terms of consumption. In the NEDC, the CLC 200 CDI consumes only 5.8 to 6.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or up to 10.8 percent less than the outgoing model. As a result, the CDI models can cover more than 1,000 kilometers on a single tank (62 liters) of fuel.
