Lorinser CLS-Class

The Lorinser CLS-Class is a tuned Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan tailored for India's luxury seekers, boasting a potent V8 M273 petrol engine with 435 bhp and 570 Nm torque, paired to automatic transmission for 0-100 kmph in under 5 seconds and 250 kmph top speed. Measuring 4917 mm long, 2107 mm wide, and 1430 mm tall with 2170 kg kerb weight, it seats five in leather with electric driver adjustments, folding rear seats, and rear AC vents. Key highlights include alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with fog lights, ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, dual-zone AC, steering-mounted controls, music system, and 83-litre tank for range. Lorinser's refinements widen the stance for better stability on potholed roads, making it ideal for long-distance cruising or urban prestige. Discontinued in stock form post-2023, this variant shines as a rare import with no direct rivals, offering superior power over the CLS 300d's 245 PS diesel. I see it as the ultimate buying choice for those valuing bold aesthetics, raw performance, and exclusivity in a market craving differentiated luxury.

The Lorinser CLS-Class in India is the pinnacle of tuned luxury, built on the Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d platform with a 2.0-litre diesel engine pumping 245PS and 500Nm through a slick 9-speed automatic, achieving 0-100kmph in 6.4 seconds and topping 250kmph, enhanced by Lorinser's aerodynamic bodywork, lowered suspension, and exclusive wheels for superior poise on undulating roads. I value its 4988mm length, sleek coupe roofline, and frameless doors that scream sophistication, paired with a plush interior boasting dual 12.3-inch screens, Burmester sound, heated/ventilated seats, and 64-colour lighting for five occupants. Key aspects include air suspension for comfort over speed breakers, RWD dynamics with optional traction aids, and a feature suite like 360-camera, HUD, and 7 airbags. Priced from ₹84.7 lakh ex-showroom base plus tuning premiums, it's unrivaled post-Audi A7 discontinuation, perfect for buyers seeking a no-compromise executive express that blends daily usability with weekend thrills, though diesel norms favor it for torque-rich efficiency in our market.

I find the Lorinser CLS-Class to be an exhilarating blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury and bespoke tuning that elevates everyday drives into grand tours across India's diverse roads. With its V8 M273 engine delivering 435 bhp and 570 Nm of torque, it surges forward with effortless power, hitting a top speed of 250 kmph while the coil spring suspension and electronic stability program keep it planted on highways from Mumbai to Delhi or twisty Ghats. The 83-litre fuel tank supports long hauls, and features like xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, and a music system make it a plush cocoon for four adults. In India, where premium sedans demand standout presence, its widened 2107 mm stance and 4917 mm length turn heads without rivals, as the standard CLS 300d lacks this raw aggression. Maintenance might pinch at authorized Mercedes centres, but the exclusivity justifies it for buyers seeking a collector's item over mass-market luxury. I recommend it if you crave uncompromised performance and style that depreciates slower than stock models, making it a smart long-term buy despite import premiums.

I find the Lorinser CLS-Class to be an exquisite fusion of Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess and Lorinser's masterful tuning, delivering a four-door coupe that turns heads on Indian roads while offering unmatched grand touring comfort. In India, where the base CLS 300d commands ₹84.7 lakh ex-showroom, the Lorinser variant elevates it with bespoke aerodynamic enhancements, aggressive body kits, and power upgrades that sharpen its 2.0-litre diesel's 245PS/500Nm output for quicker sprints beyond the stock 6.4-second 0-100kmph. I appreciate how its air suspension glides over pothole-ridden highways, and the Burmester audio with 64-colour ambient lighting transforms long drives from Mumbai to Goa into symphonies of luxury. Safety shines with 7 airbags, multi-beam LEDs, and ADAS like adaptive cruise control, making it ideal for family use despite the sporty stance. Rivals are absent post-Audi A7's exit, positioning this as the segment king for buyers craving exclusivity without compromise. Running costs are high, but the refinement justifies it for those prioritizing prestige over penny-pinching—it's a buy if your garage demands a statement piece that outperforms and outstyles everything else.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the production of the CLS-Class will end on August 31, 2023. This decision is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of models in their lineup. The CLS-Class, known for its coupelike styling, will not be replaced by a new generation. I think this is a significant loss for fans of the CLS, as it was a unique offering in the market.

The CLS-Class has been discontinued due to challenges in justifying its place in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The last production units were completed in August 2023. This move aligns with Mercedes-Benzs focus on electric vehicles and more premium AMG models. I believe this shift will help Mercedes-Benz stay competitive in the evolving automotive market.

In May 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced that it would end the production of the CLS-Class, marking the final model year for the car. The decision comes as the E-Class sedan, which the CLS is based on, prepares for a new generation. I think this change reflects Mercedes-Benzs strategic move towards more electric and high-performance models.

The 2023 CLS-Class underwent a mild refresh, but it was not enough to save the model from discontinuation. The refresh included updates such as a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 362 horsepower. I believe the CLS-Class was a stylish and comfortable option that will be missed by many.

Mercedes-Benz trimmed the available CLS sedans in 2022, dropping the rear-drive version of the CLS450 and the 429-hp AMG-tuned CLS53. Only the all-wheel-drive CLS450 4Matic remained in the lineup before the eventual discontinuation. This move was part of a larger effort to streamline their offerings.

In India, the Lorinser CLS-Class remains a bespoke import with no official ex-showroom price listed, often quoted as "price on request" through specialized tuners, typically starting above ₹1.5 crore based on historical Mercedes CLS benchmarks like the CLS 300d's ₹84.70 lakh ex-showroom pan-India. On-road prices escalate to ₹1.8-2.2 crore in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, factoring 28% GST, 10-15% road tax, insurance around ₹3-5 lakh annually, and high import duties of 100-125% on tuned vehicles, plus RTO registration and green cess. I view this as a premium investment rather than a steal; compared to the standard CLS 300d's on-road at ₹98 lakh-1.05 crore, the Lorinser's enhancements in power, widened body, and exclusive alloy wheels command a 100% markup, appealing to high-net-worth individuals who prioritize rarity over value. Running costs include steep servicing at ₹2-3 lakh yearly, but resale holds strong in India's grey market for modified Mercs. If budget allows, it's worth the splurge for unmatched personalization; otherwise, stick to factory CLS for savings without losing core luxury.

In India, the Lorinser CLS-Class, as a custom-tuned derivative of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d, isn't listed with fixed pricing on official channels, starting effectively from an ex-showroom base of around ₹84.7 lakh for the standard model before Lorinser's enhancements like carbon aero kits and performance upgrades push it toward ₹1.1-1.3 crore depending on importer specifications and options. Ex-showroom pan-India for the core CLS 300d stands at ₹84.70 lakh, but Lorinser additions—sourced via specialized tuners—add premiums for TÜV-certified parts, often imported, elevating costs significantly. On-road prices in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai swell to ₹98 lakh-₹1.5 crore, factoring 12-15% RTO registration, 10-18% insurance, 4-8% road tax, and green cess for diesel luxury sedans over 2.0-litre. I note that while this premium reflects the bespoke value, resale holds strong in India's luxury market, but high import duties on tuning parts inflate ownership versus stock Mercedes. For value-conscious buyers, it's a worthwhile splurge if exclusivity trumps budget, as the enhanced dynamics and rarity boost long-term satisfaction over cheaper alternatives.

I estimate the Lorinser CLS-Class's petrol V8 at 6-8 kmpl in India, dropping to 4-5 kmpl in city traffic like Bangalore jams due to its 2170 kg kerb weight and thirsty 83-litre tank. Highway runs yield 9-10 kmpl at steady 100 kmph. Running costs hit ₹15-20/km on ₹100/litre fuel, high for India—opt for diesel CLS 300d's 19 kmpl if mileage sways your decision, as this beast prioritizes thrill over thrift.

I estimate the Lorinser CLS-Class at 16-18 kmpl on Indian highways with its tuned 2.0-litre diesel and 9-speed auto, dropping to 12-14 kmpl in city traffic amid variable fuel quality and congestion. Running costs hover at ₹4-5/km with diesel at ₹90/litre, higher than rivals due to premium tuning, but superior to petrol luxo-sedans—opt for it if mileage concerns are secondary to performance, as efficiency aids frequent highway runs without breaking the bank.