Kuala Lumpur - Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) launched three new exciting and dynamic models - the C-Class Coupé, the SLK and the CLS, to kick start the company’s strategy to surpass 2011’s record sales performance.

The introduction of the three models in Malaysia is in line with the increased interest in luxury cars as well as positive consumer sentiment that drove demand within the segment.

MBM closed of 2011 with record breaking sales of 5431 passenger cars that reinforced Mercedes-Benz leading position in the local premium passenger car market in 2011.

“We are excited to start the year with these three stunning models and are confident that they will do well in the local market. There is a healthy demand locally for niche Mercedes-Benz models and we already have customers keen to view the cars.

“These models effectively widen and deepen the brand’s offerings of niche models to its customers as they are brand shapers for Mercedes-Benz and will complement MBM’s portfolio of niche Completely Built-Up (CBU) models already available in Malaysia.

“With greater choices of Mercedes-Benz models available to suit customers’ individual lifestyles, we are confident our niche CBU models will contribute between 10 to 15 per cent of total car sales this year with these three new models as CBU top sellers,” said Kai Schlickum, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

In 2011, the C-Class accounted for over 40 per cent (2249 units) of MBM’s total passenger car sales, making it the most popular model in the brand’s fleet. This year, the German automaker expects sales of the C-Class to surpass that of 2011 with the introduction of the C-Class Coupé.

The new C-Class Coupé, SLK and CLS have been charting success globally within their market segments since their introductions throughout 2011.

Introduced on the international scene in June 2011, the C-Class Coupé garnered significant demand with some 23,700 units delivered to customers globally in 2011.

Sporting a flat silhouette with powerful shoulders and narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design from the side, the new C-Class Coupé includes distinctive Coupé features such as the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched-out roof. At the front, it shares the same styling as the latest C-Class with the exception of the double-louvre style radiator grille that is emblematic of a Coupé. The interior reinforces its sporty credentials - Coupé seats with integral head restraints and single seats in the rear with a delicate finish.

In Malaysia, drivers can choose between three petrol and engine variants, all with direct injection. These are the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY which is available on special order. Automatic versions feature the further-enhanced 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission.

The third generation SLK was rolled out to international audiences in March 2011. It continues its popularity as a trendsetting roadster since it was first introduced in 1996.

In Malaysia, the SLK continues to awe roadster enthusiasts and has enjoyed steady sales with over 170 units delivered.

The new SLK takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to a new level. Exemplary efficiency and sporty flair come courtesy of powerful new 4- and 6-cylinder engines and they are up to 25 percent more economical than their predecessors. Its classic roadster proportions are emphasized through its compact passenger compartment positioned far back and a short tail end, behind the long and well-proportioned bonnet, facilitated by the upright radiator grille. In spite of the, more striking, steeper front and larger frontal area the Cd value has been cut to just 0.30.

The new SLK also features the Mercedes-Benz draught-stop system AIRGUIDE and offers the Dynamic Handling package in its SLK 200 model. Three variants of the SLK are available and are all powered by new engines with direct injection.

The first four-door coupe in the luxury car market when introduced in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, has sold over 170,000 units worldwide, with 164 units delivered in Malaysia.

The second generation CLS four-door Coupé launched globally last year has attracted strong interest thanks to its exciting design and refined sportiness. The innovative front design is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated but formed separately, highlighting its long sporty bonnet. The elegantly long proportions dominate the look of the new model while the effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. Novel features include the front edge of the structure above the wings which slopes off towards the rear and lightweight construction making it the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to have frameless, all-aluminium doors.

The suspension system is enhanced with a key new component - the electromechanical power steering system that made its debut in the new CLS. Fuel consumption is reduced through two significant aspects. The steering system contributes to overall efficiency as it only uses energy when the vehicle is actually being steered while the four engines available offer higher output and torque and lesser fuel consumption of up to 25 percent.

Two variants are available in the Malaysian market - the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 225 kW (306 hp) and through special order, the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, with a V8 engine and 300 kW (408 hp).

“The response has been nothing short of enthusiastic since the launch of the three new models in Germany and we have already received encouraging enquiries on their availability here in Malaysia,” Schlickum said.

The new C180 Coupé & C250 Coupé retails at RM305,888.00 and RM 388,888.00, respectively. The new Mercedes-Benz CLS350 is priced at RM 760,888.00 while the new Mercedes-Benz SLK200 is RM 460,888.00. The models available in Malaysia begin delivery within the month.