The car, which costs Euro163,380 or Euro223,330, depending on the engine, has been pre-ordered by 75 enthusiasts of the Mercedes Benz state-ofthe-art Coupé. The new model is the seventh generation, which created a buying frenzy when it was first launched in 1952.

Ciaran Allen, sales manager at Motor Distributors, says he hopes to source another 25 CLs during the year to satisfy pent-up demand by many current owners who have been waiting eight years for a new model.

It comes with a choice of two powerful engines. The CL 500 has a 5.5-litre V8 powerplant which produces 338bhp and has a maximum torque of 530 Nm from 2,800rpm. It outperforms the existing engine by 26% in terms of output and 15% in terms of torque. The 0-100km sprint takes 5.4 seconds.

The more powerful CL 600 has a 5.5-litre V12 engine producing 517bhp and 830 Nm of torque from 1,900 to 3,500rpm. It reaches 100km in 4.6 seconds. Both engines are limited to 250km/h.

Later, two more powerful AMG engines will be available but prices have not yet been fixed. The CL gets all the latest Mercedes technology and safety features. There is a nightview assist system which uses infra-red headlamps to give clear vision in fog and in the dark.

Also, a new system called pre-safe is a milestone for MB. During emergency braking or skidding, computers move the driver's seat to the best position for seatbelts and airbags to have the maximum effect. It also inflates cushions in the two front seats to envelop the occupants and snaps shut the windows and sunroof as further protection.

The pre-safe system works in conjunction with a brake assist plus programme which detects through an infra-red beam if the car is going to rearend the one in front. If the driver does not react to an audible warning, computers slow the car down by using 40% of the braking power. There is also a parking guidance system and four-zone air conditioning is standard, as are voice-activated phone and radio controls.

Optional equipment includes a TV, seat ventilation, air-powered massage system and a device to give extra bright lights for country driving.