World premiere of the new CLK-Class (W209)

Mercedes-Benz at the 72nd Geneva Motor Show:

World premiere of the new CLK-Class

·       Exciting coupé with top-flight design and technology

·       Up to 27 hp more output with six percent lower fuel consumption

·       New, high-performance V8 models CLK 500 and CLK 55 AMG

·       New CLK 200 CGI with direct petrol injection and supercharger

·       More extensive standard appointments with more than 2800 Euro added value

·       Public premiere of the new A 210 EVOLUTION

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long coupé tradition with an excitingly styled and technically sophisticated new model series at this year's Geneva Motor Show (March 7 to 17, 2002): the new CLK-Class.

This two-door car represents an autonomous model series within the Mercedes-Benz product range, and emphasises this role with a new design right down to the last detail, making for an appearance which is both elegant and dynamic. Pronounced stylistic features such as the uninterrupted line of frameless, fully retractable side windows, the louvred radiator grille typical of the brand with its central Mercedes star, the reinterpreted twin-headlamp face and the sweeping lines of the coupé roof underline the self-confident character of the new CLK-Class.

Seven engines with outputs ranging from 163 hp to 367 hp

With a newly developed suspension, more powerful engines and highly sophisticated optional equipment, the new Mercedes coupé offers a driving experience that is unique in this vehicle class. Mercedes customer have a choice between seven engines, three transmission variants, two design and equipment lines and numerous attractive colour combinations. Six of the seven engines are new or have been further developed, and generate up to 20 kW/27 hp more output and up to 15 percent more torque than previously. At the same time the fuel consumption of the CLK-Class models has been reduced by an average of six percent versus the preceding series. 

The CLK-Class range is headed by two V8 models whose performance figures match those of typical sports cars: the CLK 500 (225 kW/306 hp) and the CLK 55 AMG, whose further enhanced power unit now develops an impressive maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp. With these powerful engines the new CLK-Class Coupé accelerates to 100 km/h from rest in only 6.0 (CLK 500) or 5.2 (the CLK 55 AMG) seconds.

Direct-injection petrol engine with 16 percent lower fuel consumption

In addition, a new generation of four-cylinder engines is celebrating its premiere whose unique TWINPULSE system sets new standards in this displacement class in terms of output and torque characteristics, smooth running and fuel consumption. Two four-cylinder models are available: the CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR (120 kW/ 163 hp) with conventional fuel injection and the CLK 200 CGI (125 kW/170 hp) with direct petrol injection. The TWINPULSE system features a combination of different technologies which ensure a high level of driving pleasure together with a low fuel consumption and the smoothness of a six-cylinder engine: balancer shafts, supercharger, intercooler, variably adjustable camshafts and four-valve technology.

In the new CGI engine Mercedes-Benz combines the TWINPULSE system with a pathfinding direct petrol injection system which reduces fuel consumption to just 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption). This is a reduction of approx. 16 percent versus the preceding model. The new CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR has a fuel consumption of 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption) and is therefore approx. 8.5 percent more economical than before.

Mercedes-Benz has extended the range of six-cylinder models in the new CLK-Class with the well-proven 2.6-litre engine generating 125 kW/170 hp. The potent 3.2-litre V6 power unit (160 kW/218 hp) remains unchanged. A new entry in this coupé class is the powerful diesel model CLK 270 CDI, whose bonnet conceals an ultra-modern five-cylinder diesel engine with common-rail fuel injection. This has an output of 125 kW/170 hp and is one of the most economical engines in its class with a fuel consumption of only 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption).

More rigid bodyshell, outstanding Cd value and exemplary safety

Mercedes engineers have achieved further progress in the field of bodyshell technology, particularly with respect to safety and aerodynamics. They have improved the torsional rigidity of the body by 40 percent while almost doubling the proportion of high-strength steel alloys, which ensure maximum strength with low weight. The Cd value of the new CLK-Class Coupé is just 0.28, a new benchmark in this vehicle class. The new Mercedes Coupé is equipped with the most up-to-date occupant protection systems as standard: adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, sidebags, windowbags, as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all the seats. For the first time the weight of the seat occupant is also taken into consideration when activating the two-stage front passenger airbag according to impact severity. Accordingly the CLK-Class completely reflects the practice-oriented Mercedes safety concept while passing the most stringent crash tests.

The new CLK-Class Coupé is 71 millimetres longer, 18 millimetres wider and 42 millimetres higher than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been increased by 25 mm to 2715 millimetres. The occupants benefit from these larger dimensions with even greater spatial comfort: in terms of the distance between the seats, headroom, kneeroom, elbow room and shoulder width the interior of the new CLK-Class has literally gained in stature.

Fine contours, top-quality materials and great exclusivity in the interior

Soft contours, high-quality materials, attractive colours and great attention to design detail create an immediate atmosphere of well-being in the interior of the Coupé. The instrument panel, centre console, door panels and seats are new developments ensure that the interior, too, accentuates the autonomous character of the CLK-Class. All the controls are located within easy reach, the classic dial  instruments in the cockpit provide clear and instant information about the roadspeed, the engine speed and the time and decorative touches such as the chrome instrument surrounds or the large areas of exotic wood or structured aluminium trim in the centre console emphasise the feeling of luxury in the interior. Automatic control systems relieve the driver of effort while providing the greatest possible operating convenience.

In the rear the standard, asymmetrically divided backrests and seat cushions can be separately or jointly folded forward, enabling CLK-Class passengers to vary the loading capacity of the Coupé. Folding the rear seats forward creates an almost level loading surface in the rear.

Standard equipment meets the highest demands on safety and comfort

The standard appointments in the new CLK-Class are even more extensive than in the preceding series and represent an added value of more than 2800 Euro. They include windowbags, automatic belt feeders, power windows in the rear, Headlamp Assist, a rain sensor, mixed tyres and an adjustable steering column, as well as an efficient automatic climate control system which operates on the basis of sensors which continuously measure the interior and ambient temperatures and the air humidity. 

DISTRONIC and other innovations for the first time in this vehicle class

In addition, trailblazing high-tech systems from the Mercedes luxury class are available for the CLK-Class as optional equipment for the first time: DISTRONIC proximity cruise control, the access and drive authorisation system KEYLESS-GO, bi-xenon headlamps and LINGUATRONIC voice control for the telephone and radio.

Mercedes-Benz has developed the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines with dedicated design and equipment features for a more individualised CLK-Class Coupé.

Public premiere of the new A 210 EVOLUTION

Other new Mercedes models at this year's Geneva Motor Show include the A 210 EVOLUTION, the top model in the A-Class, and the Vaneo compact MPV.

The A 210 EVOLUTION is powered by a 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder engine with a maximum torque of 205 Newton metres. This provides a maximum speed of 203 km/h and accelerates the compact car from zero to 100 km/h in only 8.2 seconds. The new A 210 EVOLUTION emphasises its special position in the wide A-Class model range with striking additions such as sporty Mercedes-AMG body styling, attractive 17-inch light-alloy wheels and a sports design radiator grille with perforated silver louvres. Exterior mirrors with integral indicator repeaters are also new in the A-Class as a typical Mercedes design feature.

The exclusive interior underlines the special status of the A 210 EVOLUTION: dark-grey leather, light Alcantara and brushed aluminium ensure a particularly luxurious impression. 

New, multi-talented Vaneo compact MPV for a wide range of uses

The new Vaneo compact MPV serves a wide range of different mobility needs with proficiency: it is a minibus, a saloon, an estate car and an MPV all in one. Thanks to its space-saving sandwich construction, the 4.20-metre-long Vaneo has a unique dimensional concept which provides plenty of space for passengers and luggage or unprecedented room for recreational equipment despite its compact measurements. In other words, with a road footprint equivalent to that of a compact saloon the Vaneo has the spaciousness of a minivan, accommodating five adults and two children or up to 3000 litres of cargo. Thanks to its modern sandwich construction the Vaneo makes 65 to 70 percent of its total volume available for passengers or cargo.   

When it comes to variability, too, the Vaneo compact MPV offers new dimensions. The seat unit in the second row has a 40 : 60 division and may be folded down, collapsed or even completely removed. Even the backrest of the front passenger's seat can be folded down, and this seat too is removable. 

Five engines which have already performed most successfully in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are immediately available for the Vaneo – three petrol units with outputs ranging from 60 kW/82 hp to 92 kW/125 hp and two diesels with 55 kW/75 hp and 67 kW/91 hp – with the choice of a five-speed manual transmission, automatic clutch system or in some cases also a five-speed automatic transmission. The three high-quality design and equipment lines TREND, FAMILY and AMBIENTE and the five innovative accessory packages SNOW, BIKE, SURF, DOG and CARRY provide Mercedes customers with plenty of scope for individualisation.