The New Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG 'IWC Ingenieur'

55 Units With Particularly Exclusive Equipment

MONTVALE, N.J., May 4 -- In cooperation with the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, Mercedes-AMG has developed an exclusive model known as the CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur." Only 55 units of the unique four-door coupe will be produced for the United States. The car has a powerful AMG 5.5-liter supercharged V8 engine and boasts exclusive equipment details. The design of the newly designed AMG instrument cluster is based on the new "Ingenieur" watch family from IWC, which made its world debut at the Geneva watch show on April 5, 2005. The 55 units of the CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" will each be customized at AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and the first deliveries will be made in fall 2005.

  
   
   An Exclusive Vehicle, Inside and Out

The CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" is distinguished by a host of unique vehicle details, including a dark titanium grey metallic exterior finish. All of the exterior decorative elements, including the radiator grille louvers, fog light rings, side window bezels, handle inserts and rear trim, as well as the 19- inch AMG light-alloy wheels, come in the same matte titanium color, which matches the top-quality titanium case of the new "Ingenieur AMG" watch from IWC.

The exclusive nature of the new CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" is also apparent in its interior. One striking feature here is the completely redesigned AMG instrument cluster. With rhodanized and silver needles, white lighting and black dials with a new typographical style, the cluster's analog clock, speedometer and tachometer are designed in line with IWC's new "Ingenieur AMG" watch. The titanium shade of the watchcase is repeated in the edge trim and the decorative rings of the AMG instrument cluster. Additionally, unlike the series-produced CLS55 AMG, the interior boasts decorative elements in high- quality piano lacquer. This intricate exterior finish, which involves applying several layers of black and varnish, results in a particular deep, luscious sheen.

Companion Timepiece with High-Precision Movement

A new watch named the IWC "Ingenieur AMG" has been launched to complement the CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur." This robust, sporty timepiece is available in five variants: an "Ingenieur Automatic AMG" in titanium with a titanium strap or a soft black strap; an "Ingenieur Chronograph AMG" in titanium with a titanium strap or a soft black strap; and a limited-edition "IWC Ingenieur Automatic CLS55 AMG," of which only 55 have been made. This model is available exclusively to customers of the CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur." Each timepiece has a red minute graduation and a titanium casing with the AMG logo engraved on the back. The "Ingenieur Automatic AMG" additionally has a red second hand, while the "Ingenieur Chronograph AMG" features a red stop hand. Like every "IWC Ingenieur," these models are equipped with a robust high- precision movement, and their sophisticated waterproofing system means that they are waterproof to depths of up to 120 meters. The very first IWC "Ingenieur" was produced in 1955, and only 1,000 were ever made. Today they are sought-after collectors' items.

Cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and IWC Schaffhausen

The CLS55 AMG "IWC Ingenieur" is the result of the partnership between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and IWC Schaffhausen that was agreed on October 1, 2004. Both companies are known for their passion for the highest precision combined with a sense of understatement. Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen each place great emphasis on precision engineering, high technology and craftsmanship, as guaranteed by products that meet the highest expectations in terms of quality.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

MBUSA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving eleven consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.