You read correctly. That is not a typo as Mercedes-Benz has launched a CLS with a 1.5-litre engine.

This model by Mercedes-Benz China has been created as an affordable CLS. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor which makes 135 kW and 280 Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz claims this model accelerates to 100 kph in 8.7 seconds. It also has a top speed of 250 kph.

It wears the designation of CLS 260 and Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel economy figure of 7.2 L/100 km. As mentioned, it's a China-only model and there's no chance it will come to South Africa. Mercedes-Benz South Africa offers only 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines on its CLS range with the CLS 53 AMG sitting at the top of the pile. The other model is the diesel-powered CLS 400d.

Buy a Mercedes-Benz CLS in Cars.co.za

Further Reading

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400d 4Matic (2019) Review

Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 (2019) Launch Review

All-New Mercedes-Benz CLS Breaks Cover