Mercedes CLS 250 CDI, E 400 cabriolet launched in India

There seems to be no slowing down for Mercedes-Benz in India. After the recent updates to the A-class and B-class hatchbacks, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has now launched the CLS 250 CDI and the E 400 cabriolet in India. The E 400 cabriolet costs Rs 78.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The CLS 250 CDI is priced at Rs 76.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

This CLS is a facelift, but more importantly, it now only gets a diesel engine. This car was earlier only offered with a V6 engine, but now, in the quest to sell more units, Mercedes has equipped it with a diesel motor. Basically, a four-door coupe version of the E-class, the new CLS 250 CDI gets the same unit that does duty in the E 250 CDI and the ML 250 CDI. This means, the 2.2-litre diesel engine makes 201bhp and 50.98kgm of torque. On the other hand, the E 400 cabriolet gets a bigger 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol motor that churns out 328bhp and a healthy 48.9kgm of torque. Both cars get a seven-speed automatic gearbox, and start-stop function.

Cosmetically, the CLS 250 CDI gets minor styling tweaks and a grille similar to the A-class. The E 400 cabriolet boasts of a fully-electric soft-top that can be opened or closed at speeds up to 40kph.

Both cars come loaded to the teeth with features and fitments. The CLS gets goodies like multibeam LED headlamps, a 14-speaker sound system, air suspension and eight airbags. Cloud-based applications are now available for the COMAND system in Mercedes' Indian cars, starting with the CLS 250 CDI. Internet radio and social media apps can be accessed. The feature will appear in other models in the near future.

Mercedes is bringing these cars to India as CBUs, which then explains the rather steep price tag.