CLS will not clash with GT 4-door: Benz

MERCEDES-BENZ says its new, third-generation CLS coupe-style sedan will not compete for buyers with the incoming Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe, despite both offering similar dimensions and layouts.

 

Set to touch down in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of next year, the GT 4-door Coupe will go up against range-topping performance versions of models including the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte.

 

Speaking to GoAuto at the launch of the third-generation CLS, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific PR and corporate communications manager Jerry Stamoulis said that the two vehicles would not compete for sales.

 

“We don’t think (the two vehicles will compete)”, he said. “So there is no 63 AMG (for the CLS), it only goes to 53, and the 63 end of the CLS market was quite limited, especially in Australia and we saw a lot of customers heading towards maybe an E63 sedan.

 

“Where our CLS53 range will be the top of the range for CLS, the GT 4-door Coupe is a much sportier option, where we’ll have a 63 S, nought to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, it has rear-wheel steer, technology similar to an AMG GT-R, so it’s that next level above an E63 again, but with a four-door coupe styling.”

 

The CLS53 AMG, which is due to arrive Down Under in November, produces 320kW/520Nm from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, with the EQ Boost mild-hybrid starter/alternator that can add up to 12kW/250Nm of extra grunt for short period of time.

 

Meanwhile, the GT 4-door Coupe will be offered in a range of different AMG-fettled tunes, up to the GT63 S which pumps out a considerable 470kW/900Nm from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, making it the most powerful variant in the entire AMG range.

 

It will also be offered in 430kW/800Nm GT63 guise, as well as a 53 variant with the same powertrain as the CLS53.

 

While pricing for the GT 4-door Coupe is yet to be released, it is expected to be considerably more expensive than the CLS.

 

The current two-door GT line-up varies in price from $258,711 plus on-road costs for the GT Coupe up to $348,711 for the GT R, while the CLS range starts at $136,900 for the CLS350 and tops out at $179,529 for the CLS53 AMG.

 

Mr Stamoulis said that the majority of CLS buyers are already existing customers, whereas the GT 4-door Coupe may attract new buyers to the brand.

 

“A CLS customer tends to come from within our brand. I’m sure it’s one of those vehicles that people want to see and want to drive, or order something that they specifically want.

 

“So CLS is similar to the S-Class in that way, where a customer likes to pick the colours, the interior and so on that suits their personality.”

 

Most CLS buyers come from a household with more than one Mercedes-Benz in the garage, and would be an addition to their collection rather than a replacement for an existing vehicle.

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