Mercedes-Benz has revealed the prices of their new CLS Coupe that in February will replace a model that has achieved iconic status since its introduction in 2003.
Two models make up the range that will be marketed here – both diesel powered and both equipped with fuel-saving and tax-cutting emissions-reducing Blue EFFICIENCY technology.
First in the range will be a four-cylinder CLS 250 CDI automatic which launches at €65,750 ex works. Delivering a C02 figure of 138g, it will benefit from a road tax of €156 per annum.
The second version is a V6 CLS 350 CDI automatic which will sell at €71,700 – a figure some 23% lower than the previous 320 CDI which sold at €84,850. With a C02 figure of 159g, it will have annual road tax of €447.
With a belief that BlueEFFICIENCY has brought about a revival in big car sales, Mercedes-Benz predicts that demand for the new CLS will likely outstrip the numbers available – a factor that they hope will enhance its appeal.
In this context, Mercedes-Benz is taking an optimistic view of the motor market for 2011 despite the austerity measures that are gripping the Irish economy. Predicting an overall market of 80,000 units – within which they expect to advance their own percentage share – they see the implementation of further price-driven initiatives and the arrival of six new model lines providing a springboard for further growth in the year ahead.
Price cuts
Elsewhere within their range, price reductions first introduced in the new C-Class and E-Class are being carried through to the S-Class with the S350CDI BlueTEC dropping in price from €98,600 to €96,500 from January. Following a 14 percent price cut introduced last June, this latest initiative sees the S-Class drop from €111,585 to its new €96,500 level over the last six months. Thanks also to its new BlueTEC engine, it qualifies for Band E road tax of €630 per annum.
One other development likely to boost S-Class appeal sees standard specifications upgraded with the fitting of items previously available only as options. The package is worth around €8,000 and includes a command and navigation system and memory seats.
Looking beyond the early part of the year, other new models arriving in 2011 include a new C-Class coupe and new SLK, both due in April, plus a new B-Class and M-Class, both due in November/December.
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