MBM ramps up Dream Cars line up

By thoriq, 25 August 2018
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Where there’s a dream, there’s a car to match. That seems to be the ethos for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) with its Dream Cars range, which the firm just updated with three new additions – the AMG GT C, the new generation CLS-Class line up, and the E300 Cabriolet.

AMG GT C

Starting with the AMG GT C, this mid-spec offering slots in between the GT S and manic GT R. It shares a similar 4.0-litre biturbo V8 and 7-speed DCT combination as the other two, but it sings to the tune of 557hp and 630Nm instead.

Boasting a wider track over the GT S below it, the GT C benefits with improved traction and handling. As a result, the former is reflected through its quickened 3.7-second 0-100kph sprint time and claimed 316kph top speed over the GT S.

Setting the GT C apart visually from its siblings are several cues like its 20-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, not forgetting its bolder-looking ‘Panamericana’ grille and the AMG Exterior Night aero trims.

If you thought the GT S was a little too tame and the GT R a tad too excessive, this middle child of the range should sate your need for speed in style, provided you pony up the RM1,461,605.60 it commands, and that’s just the base price mind you.

E300 Cabriolet

Last, but certainly not the least, comes the introduction of the new E300 Cabriolet. This topless version of the two-door W213 E-Class packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder heart that powers the rear wheels with 241hp and 370Nm.

Paired with a 9-speed automatic box, 0-100kph takes just 6.5 seconds while top speed is electronically governed at 250kph as well. To sweeten things, this drop-top also gets a sports exhaust kit fitted, so it’ll sound as fast as it goes.

Beyond that, much of the kit it’s laced with come straight off the W213 E-Class range’s bin, albeit the finest ones. Highlights include adaptive suspension and Multibeam LED headlights. All in, this topless wonder can be yours from just RM588,888 onwards.

Third-Gen CLS

Moving along to the new third generation CLS-Class line up, this is arguably one of the most anticipated new addition into the three-point star’s Dream Cars range. For Malaysia, MBM have opted to launch three variants of this sleek four-door coupe.

Shown during the launch were the CLS450 and range-topping CLS53 AMG variants. A CLS350 base model offering was also announced, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol heart and a tempting estimate starting price of RM530,000. However, we’ll have to wait a little longer for that as it’s slated to arrive at a later date.

Kicking off with the CLS450, MBM is offering it in Edition 1 trim initially, which endows it with the sporty AMG Line exterior and interior trims on top of the various S-Class-derived intelligent features and luxuries it already boasts. A more luxury-focused standard variant will also be launched at a later date.

In CLS450 form, this sleek four-door coupe is driven by a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo heart that’s good for 367hp and 500Nm, both managed by a 9-speed automatic box plus 4Matic all-wheel-drive suite, allowing 0-100kph sprints in just 4.8 seconds whilst top speed is electronically governed at just 250kph.

The manic CLS53 AMG, on the other hand, also harnesses a similar powertrain setup, only this time it benefits with higher outputs of 435hp and 520Nm. Nought to 100kph is dispatched in just 4.5 seconds, but top speed is electronically governed – again – at just 250kph.

Notably, both the CLS450 and CLS53 AMG’s six-shooters pack Mercedes’s ingenious new electric motor boost feature that grants a 21hp and 250Nm boost, albeit for a short time only. Effectively, this system’s presence has transformed both CLSs into ‘Mild Hybrids’ if you will.

As for price, the CLS450 Edition 1 goes on sale with a base price of RM650,034.58 whilst the amped-up CLS53 AMG commands a higher RM806,638.35 starting price figure instead.

So, there you have it, the three very latest offerings to enter MBM Dream Cars line up. Do any of these tickle your fancy? Or would you settle for something more opulent like the newly refreshed S-Class range instead?