By Khulekani Dumisa

To date, more than four million examples have been sold to customers all over the world, including more than 450,000 CLS models since the launch of the first generation in 2004. Mercedes-Benz is hoping to keep the momentum with the latest iteration.

Looks

Mercedes-Benz is touting the new look of the updated CLS as being even sportier. The entry-level model with Avantgarde exterior as standard features a new front apron, two louvres at the sides, and a front splitter in silver chrome. The rear apron has a black diffuser-look insert and a silver-chrome trim strip. 19-inch light-alloy wheels come with new designs: 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke rims.

The AMG Line exterior include an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, air intakes with vertical bars and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black. Other features include AMG sill trim on the side and AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid. In combination with AMG Line Exterior, two new colours can be selected for the 20-inch, high-gloss AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in bi-colour look: tremolite grey or high-gloss black.

All models with Avantgarde exterior or AMG Line Exterior receive a new radiator grille. Special features of this grille are the Mercedes-Benz pattern (a three-dimensional star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces), a louvre in high-gloss black with chrome inlay and the integrated Mercedes star. The new paint colour for the CLS is spectral blue metallic.

Interior

The interior has also been improved. There are two new trim finishes, including for the centre console, are available in open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood. The range of leather seat upholstery has also been expanded: Neva grey/magma grey and sienna brown/black are the two new colour combinations here.

As part of the update, the CLS receives a redesigned multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather. The spokes are finished in high-gloss black with silver chrome edging, the paddle shifters in silver

CLS 53 4MATIC+

The CLS 53 will headline the range at launch. The CLS 53 4MATIC+ makes a healthy 320 kW additional from its integrated starter-generator that briefly delivers an additional 16 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque and supplies the 48-volt on-board network.

In terms of looks, Mercedes-AMG has updated the sporty top model of the model series with numerous visual highlights and attractive equipment packages. These include the redesigned front end with the sporty AMG bumper in A-wing form with black flics and visible air curtains, as well as the AMG signature grille with vertical bars. The surrounds of the windscreen frames are made of polished aluminium or, in combination with the Night Package, in high-gloss black. The exterior mirrors are painted in the colour of the vehicle.

Models with the AMG Night Package or AMG Exterior II Carbon Package are an exception: the mirrors there are finished in high-gloss black or have a housing made of carbon fibre. Mercedes-AMG drivers also steer the CLS with the latest-generation steering wheel, here in nappa leather finish and with the familiar AMG steering wheel buttons with display.

In terms of optional extras, two new packages allow the coupé to be even sportier: the AMG Night Package II, available in combination with the AMG Night Package, includes the radiator grille, Mercedes star at the rear and typography in darkened chrome.

The AMG Dynamic Plus Package comes with red-painted brake callipers with black AMG lettering, an AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre or alternatively in nappa leather and an additional “RACE” driving mode with the Drift mode.

Mercedes-Benz will also make available a new Limited Edition with only 300 planned units.

Power

The range is powered by 3 diesel and 3 petrol engines with power in the diesel line-up ranging from 143kW/400Nm (CLS220d) to 243kW/700Nm (CLS400d). Meanwhile the petrol iterations see power starting from 220kW/400Nm (CLS350) and moving all the way up to 320kW/530Nm (CLS53).

Local launch and availability is yet to be announced.