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Mercedes-Benz Unveils All-New CL Coupe in New York

30 March 1999

Mercedes-Benz Unveils All-New CL Coupe in New York; New S-Class Also Makes Area Debut at New York Show        

    NEW YORK, March 30 -- The all-new Mercedes-Benz flagship CL
coupe made its U.S. debut today at press activities preceding the New York
International Auto Show, April 3-11 at Manhattan's Jacob Javits Convention
Center.  The all-new premium luxury coupe, which made its international debut
at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, will reach Mercedes-Benz retail
centers in the U.S. early next year.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990330/NYTU001
             http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990330/NYTU001-b )
    The new coupe will be offered exclusively as the CL500 model in the U.S.
market, powered by a new-generation 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8.  A second CL
model equipped with a new-generation V12 may be added in the following year.
The limited-production CL500 is expected to be priced at or below the outgoing
model, in line with Mercedes' ongoing value strategy.
    The new coupe bears such Mercedes design hallmarks as four distinctive
oval headlights, with a unique interpretation that underscores the exclusive
and fine design.  Rounded fenders, a delicate yet dynamic roofline and a
wrap-around rear window highlight this jewel of a coupe.
    Inside, the all-new CL from Mercedes-Benz will take luxury and convenience
to a level befitting a 21st century flagship, with lavish appointments and
integration of navigation and entertainment systems.

                        ABC Spells Active Body Control

    The new Mercedes-Benz CL coupe will feature revolutionary Active Body
Control (ABC), a high-performance active suspension system that virtually
eliminates body roll and pitch during cornering, braking and acceleration.
For years, automotive engineers have dreamed of active suspension to
counter-act the body roll caused by cornering, but technical limitations have
held them, since viable active suspension depends on advanced electronic
controls and very fast-acting hydraulic servos at each wheel.
    The driver will experience the benefits of ABC not only in terms of
superb, sporty handling, but in a new level of ride comfort, as well.  ABC
makes use of high-speed servos and sensors to give the system its split-second
reaction time.

                              Leaner and Lighter

    Exceptional aerodynamics (a drag coefficient of 0.28) and intelligent
lightweight design contribute to superb driving performance.  The new model is
more than 500 pounds lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of a
variety of materials such as aluminum, steel, plastics, and magnesium.  The
all-new Mercedes-Benz CL coupe is also three inches shorter and over two
inches narrower than its predecessor, but without sacrificing occupant
comfort.

                              Technology Abounds

    In addition to standard-equipment ABC active suspension and ESP stability
control, the new CL coupe will come with a number of new advanced-technology
standard features, among them:

    -- TELE-AID: a standard automatic call system with precise vehicle
       location via Global Satellite Positioning (GSP), emergency response and
       other enhanced services.
    -- COMAND: (Cockpit Management and Data System) for controlling the
       standard satellite-based navigation system, Bose(R) premium audio
       system and optional telephone/CD changer.
    -- Voice recognition: a new-generation system, which recognizes normal
       conversational commands for controlling the phone in hands-free
       operation.
    -- Head protection curtain airbags: provide occupants with high level of
       protection in side collisions (in conjunction with standard door
       mounted side airbags).
    -- Automatic climate control: includes sensors for humidity, air
       pollutants and sun strength.
    -- DISTRONIC: Radar-controlled cruise control maintains a set distance
       from vehicles ahead.
    -- Ventilated front seats: fans in front seats enhance driver and
       passenger comfort in both cold and warm weather.

    Like Mercedes-Benz flagship coupes before it, the all-new CL will
undoubtedly take its place among the most desirable cars in the world,
combining timeless design and high performance with the Mercedes-Benz safety
standard, advanced technology and, of course unparalleled luxury.