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Here we have the new CLS Grand Edition special-edition model from Mercedes-Benz. I guess the boys from Stuttgart are doing special editions now (oh boy). Essentially the CLS Grand Edition is a matte exterior paint job and lots and lots of leather on the inside. Not really stretching there, are they, and yet another reason why I'm not that big a fan of "special editions". Don't get me wrong, the CLS is a nice car, and I like what Mercedes is trying to do with the four door coupe (although that's more than a bit of an oxymoron, no?). They (and others) are slowly whittling away at the three-box look that most sedans are cosigned to … but this whole special edition thing? Scary. It's the top of a slippery slope. Mercedes is setting foot at the start of a road that leads to where GM (among others) ended up circa 1982. Remember when GM seemed to have a "special edition" of almost every car they made? "What makes this special edition of the Chevette so special?" "The stickers on the side that say 'Special Edition'". Now no, I'm not saying that Mercedes is going to end up at that ignominious fate, but this is a bad portent. First AMG turns from an out-source tuner into a part of the company into something more than just performance … then there's this whole "Black Series" (ooo, scary!) business … now "Special editions". We're watching guys, don't go and dilute yourselves. Full Mercedes presser und many more photos after the jump. 
Stuttgart – The new CLS Grand Edition special-edition model sees Mercedes-Benz introducing a new highlight to the segment for four-door premium coupés. A matt designo paint finish lends spectacular definition to the lines of the coupé and makes the CLS Grand Edition really catch the eye. This exclusive style is echoed in the interior with high-grade designo leather and high-quality equipment details. All of which makes the multi-design-award-winning Mercedes-Benz Coupé unmistakable.
Coupés are truly special cars. Not least the Mercedes Coupés, which have always epitomised automotive elegance, exclusivity and refinement at the very highest level. With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz paved the way for four-door coupés. The trend-setting model from Stuttgartinspires coupé enthusiasts with its exciting and muscular styling.
Even more pronounced lines through new paint
The new Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition catches the eye straight away. A unique "designo magno platinum" matt paint finish brings the lines and contours of the premium Coupé fully to the fore and emphasises its multi-award-winning design. As well as being an eye-catching feature, the matt paint finish is highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. In keeping with the avant-garde paintwork, the radiator grille louvres are also painted in "designo magno platinum".
The Grand Edition customers can select from a choice of metallic paint finishes: obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey.
The additional exterior equipment for the CLSGrand Edition includes: *
Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, active light function and cornering light function in the fog lamps, headlamp cleaning system, and dynamic headlamp range adjustment
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Exclusive, high-sheen AMG18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with pockets painted in titanium grey, shod with 245/40 R 18 (front) and 275/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
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A "Grand Edition" insignia on the front wings designo interior displaying sporty, elegant touches
The no-nonsense elegance continues inside the car. Here a perfectly matched
designo interior and a roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, together with the standard-fit tilting/sliding glass roof, define the sporty, elegant style. Special touches are provided by the designo leather upholstery in "marron" – with the option of substituting this shade for sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis.
The trim elements in high-quality laurel wood can be ordered with either a matt or a high-gloss finish. The same material is used for the selector lever and the wood/leather steering wheel. Sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs underline the sporting credentials of the CLSGrand Edition.
The extensive range of equipment includes the sophisticated COMAND APSMultimedia control and display system, comfort telephony, PARKTRONIC and "Grand Edition" velour floor mats.
Pioneering engine technology in the CLS 350 CGI
There are four engine variants available for the CLSGrand Edition, including the V6 unit for the entry-level CLS280 model and, perhaps most impressively of all, the CGIdirect-injection power plant for the CLS350 CGImodel, offering high output and low fuel consumption. This V6 engine with piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion develops 215 kW/292 hp and consumes just 9.1 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).
The Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition can be ordered from January 2, 2009. Prices start at 67,294.50 Euros incl. VAT (CLS280 Grand Edition). The deliveries to customers start in March 2009. 
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