Paris Motor Show shows new cars

Upgraded generations of the S-Class (220 series) and the CL-Class (C 215 series) debut at the Paris Motor Show. Important innovations in the S-Class include the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system and the 368 kW / 500 hp 5.5-litre V12 M 275 engine with twin turbochargers, used in both the S 600 and the CL 600. Also premiered are the 4MATIC variants of the S 430 and S 500, as well as the C 240 and C 320. For the first time Mercedes-Benz is now offering the S-Class and saloons and estates in the C-Class with intelligent all-wheel drive. The model range in the E-Class (211 series) is expanded to include the E 200 KOMPRESSOR and the E 320 CDI, and in the SL R 230 series a 6-cylinder model makes its debut in the shape of the SL 350. AMG presents four new high-performance cars: the E 55 AMG, with 350 kW / 476 hp the most powerful E-Class to date, is equipped with the 5.5-litre V8 M 113 ML compressor engine – as are the new models SL 55 AMG and CL 55 AMG, in which the supercharged V8 achieves an output of 368 kW / 500 hp. With the 170 kW / 231 hp C 30 CDI AMG the brand from Affalterbach includes a diesel variant to its model range for the first time. The Maybach 57 and Maybach 62, the two variants of the high-end luxury saloon that revive the time-honoured name Maybach, also have their show premiere. With the roadster and the roadster coupé, smart presents two sporty, compact two-seaters intended to go on the market in April 2003.