MERCEDES-BENZ gave world debuts to two cars at the Genava Show - the flagship CL coupe and the CLK 55 AMG. The new CL will be available with a choice of two engine options - the CL 600 has a new 6.0-litre 367bhp 12-cylinder engine and the CL500 has a 5.0-litre 306bhp V8 engine. The CL500 will enter UK showrooms at the end of this year and the CL600 in spring 2000.

The main technical innovation on the new coupe - a world first - is the introduction of active body control which sees electronically controlled hydraulic cylinders on each wheel stop the roll and pitch movements which drivers usually experience when starting off, cornering or braking. The CLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine producing 379bhp and acceleration of 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds. It is expected that the car will come to the UK towards the end of this year and will cost around £60,000.

The show also marked the European debut of the ML430, a V8 version of the M-Class producing 268 bhp and torque of 390 Nm at 3000 rpm. Costing £42,640 on-the-road the ML430 has been upgraded and standard features include colour-coded bumpers, leather and wood trim, electric seats, alloy wheels, rocker sills, rub strips and exterior mirrors.