By ALASTAIR SLOANE
The four-door Vision CLS Coupe concept Mercedes-Benz unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show will go into production next year.
The carmaker says it decided to go ahead with the car after being given the green light by showgoers.
"The overwhelming majority of drivers surveyed by us are enthusiastic about
the four-door coupe," said Professor Jurgen Hubbert, head of the Mercedes Car Group.
"The dialogue with the public confirmed that, with the CLS, we are a coupe generation ahead of the rest. The idea of a four-door coupe opens up exciting possibilities."
The Vision CLS is the latest in a long line of crowd-pulling Mercedes showcars, many of which have gone into production.
It is 4910mm long with a wheelbase of 2854mm and described as a blend of the emotive character of a coupe with the functionality of a saloon.
"The Vision CLS offers a great deal more added value than other coupes in terms of both comfort and practicality," says Mercedes-Benz.
"There is a gap of 829mm between the front and rear seats, which puts the Vision CLS firmly in saloon territory. Furthermore, the boot of the car holds 470 litres, much more than any other coupe and even some saloons."
It is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine producing 195kW (260bhp) and mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The car sprints from zero to 100km/h in just over 6 seconds and has an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h.
Fuel consumption is said to be 7.5 litres/100km, or more than 40mpg.
