In an attempt to make the CLS as affordable as it can, Mercedes-Benz China has launched a new entry-level model that’s powered by a tiny gasoline engine.
Dubbed the CLS 260, it slots under the 300 and 350 in the People’s Republic, and features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-pot. Shared with the smaller C-Class, the lump develops an identical 181 HP (184 PS / 135 kW) at 6,100 rpm and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.
The power is channeled to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and, in this form, the CLS 260 can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.7 seconds and reach a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. The average fuel consumption, according to the local standard, is 32.7 mpg US (7.2 l/100 km).
