Available for the first time in the four-door coupé, the four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine has already impressed customers of the E-Class, C-Class and M-Class models.

With an output of 150kW, a top speed of 242km/h and a full 500Nm of torque, it provides driving pleasure, yet will astound at the fuel pump with its consumption figures comparable to those of a compact car. On average the diesel CLS uses between 5.1 and 5.3l/100km, with CO2 emissions of 134g/km.

In addition, the CLS 250 CDI is fitted with the enhanced 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard and the sophisticated ECO start/stop system helps ensure extreme efficiency even when driving in urban traffic.

"As the appeal increases for coupé based diesel cars, we feel the time is right in bringing our diesel variant of our four-cylinder four-door coupé," says Mercedes-Benz Cars divisional manager Selvin Govender.

"The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY delivers on all the finer elements you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, from futuristic design, to superlative quality of comfort features. It gives our customers the opportunity of owning a CLS with an eco-friendly engine at an attractive price proposition," Govender said.

As with other models in the CLS range, the CLS 250 CDI continues its pioneering role as a trendsetter. What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design.

Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately.

This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car's relationship to the other Mercedes coupés and strengthens the brand identity.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas.

The interior of the CLS 250 CDI is also distinguished by a timeless design, which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection.

An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door.

The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. The CLS 250 CDI offers a wide variety of individualisation options. Four interior colours and four trim designs in high quality leather are available.

Nowadays, nobody wants to miss out on the news, the telephone, route guidance or music listening pleasure when in the car. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the new CLS with state-of-the-art infotainment facilities, which stand out for their high performance capability, but above all for ease of use.

Aerodynamics are a key contributory factor to the outstanding efficiency of the CLS range.

Although the latest model is wider than its predecessor and thus offers the wind a larger frontal area, drag has been reduced by up to 10%. As a result of fine-tuning measures on the body and the application of measures such as a cooling air louver and aerodynamically optimised wheels, the Cd value - which defines the drag coefficient - has been reduced by 13%, to 0.26.

The CLS 250 CDI is also available with the AMG Sports package offering exciting combinations of optional extras, including a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather in the three-spoke design, with flattened bottom section, aluminium pedals, AMG bumpers to the front (with single-louvred grille) and rear and AMG alloy wheels in size 18 or 19.

As with all Mercedes-Benz cars, the CLS comes standard with a maintenance package of six-years/120000km with and a two-year/ unlimited vehicle warranty.

"Due to low CO2 emissions of 134g/km, the CO2 tax is extremely low for a vehicle in this segment, as is the exemplary fuel consumption of 5.1l/km," Govender said.

The CLS 250 is priced at R700000. The AMG Sports Package costs R28700.

The specs:

Engine: 2433cc four-cylinder

Power: 150kW at 4200rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1600rpm to 1800rpm

0-100km/h: N/A

Top speed: 242km/h

Fuel consumption: 5.1 litres/100km (claimed/combined)

CO2: 134g/km

Price: R700000