Claas has added a more powerful model to its now seven-strong Arion 400 range that breaches the 150hp mark.

The launch was timed to coincide with the move to Stage 5 emissions standards for the 4.5-litre, four-cylinder FPT engine.

It means the new flagship 155hp Arion 470 offers an enviable power-to-weight ratio and, output-wise, is on a par with mid-sized 500-series models. However, some of that poke comes by way of a boost, which is only available with the pto under load or at speeds above 8kph. There has also been an 8% increase in torque across the board, with the 470 topping out at 630Nm.

See also: Video: Claas Arion 550 Cebis Cmatic on test

Bigger fourth-generation models, from the 430 to the 470, are available with the established choice of two Gima-sourced powershift transmissions – the 16-speed Quadrishift and 24-speed Hexashift. The range remains deprived of a CVT option for now, though the company isn’t ruling it out in the future.

© Claas

There have been notable improvements in carrying capacity, with gross vehicle weight up 500kg to 9t, allowing for a maximum payload of 3.8t. Rear lift on the Arion 430 upwards has also risen by the same amount – now 6.25t – and a bigger 150-litre/min hydraulic pump has replaced the old 110-litre/min unit.

This should pay dividends on loader work, says Claas, where operators can expect the lifting cycle to be twice as quick as before. That’s likely to be a big selling point for the company, considering more than 50% of the previous generation was sold with a factory-fitted loader.

It can be controlled on a multifunction joystick with five programmable buttons, and a crossbeam-free panoramic roof is also on the options list – promising to markedly improve visibility through the lifting arc.

© Claas

Other nice-to-have features include brake-to-neutral, front axle suspension and two-point mechanical cab suspension. Automatic four-wheel-drive engagement is available and, it’s claimed, can improve the turning circle by up to 8%.

As before, the range is available in two spec grades – CIS and CIS+. The firm’s fancier Cebis spec isn’t currently an option on the 400s, but telematics is.

Production is due to start in June, with UK deliveries not scheduled until the autumn.