The Mercedes-Benz CLS gets a facelift
Most consumers often have their eyes set on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or C-Class but lurking in the corners of Mercedes-Benz long busy line-up of coupes and cabriolets, is the sometimes-forgotten CLS nameplate. To make things even more interesting, the CLS has gotten a refreshingly new and stylish look.
Mercedes-Benz has chosen to give the CLS a sportier look than usual. The entry-level model AVANTGARDE exterior will come standard with features such as a new front apron with striking air intakes, 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. Both new designs will come available with 19-inch light-alloy wheel that either has a 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke rims.
Also available on the CLS will be an AMG Line exterior, which brings out a sportier look than before. It features AMG styling components such as an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, sporty, distinctive air intakes with vertical bars and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black. Other features also included are 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.
In addition to this, the interior too has gotten some changes. Two new trim finishes, including for the centre console, will be available in open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood. The range of leather seat upholstery has also been expanded including the two new colour combinations such as Neva grey/magma grey and sienna brown/black. The cabin has gotten the upgraded infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) from 2020. As standard, the CLS will have two large 10.25 inch/26 cm screens arranged side by side for a widescreen look. Two 12.3-inch/31.2 cm screens are optionally available. The information for the driver and central display are easy to read on the large, high-resolution screens.
If none of these interests you, then Mercedes-Benz has announced that a Limited Addition model of the CLS will be available too. Only 300 units of these Limited-Edition models have been planned so far and will offer consumers such exclusive features such as paintwork that consists of the colours cashmere white magno and selenite grey magno. Black non-metallic racing stripes will be located above the side sills as well as black painted 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Now the question on everyone’s mind must be what will the latest CLS be packing under the hood. While the the CLS 300 d 4MATIC does features a four-cylinder diesel engine with a mild hybrid powertrain. It comes integrated with a second-generation starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system that produces 195kW plus an additional 15 kW electric boost. On top of the range will be the CLS 53 4MATIC+ which makes a combined power output of 320 kW. It gets an integrated starter-generator that briefly delivers an additional 16 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. It will come equipped with the incredibly fast-shifting AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and will have the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz CLS cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS starts from around R1,200,000 for the base CLS 350d model, while the AMG CLS 53 will set you back approximately R1,650,000, making it a proper premium four-door coupe that sits comfortably between the C-Class and S-Class in Mercedes' lineup.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS worth buying?
The CLS is worth buying if you want something different from the usual German executive saloon crowd, offering distinctive coupe styling with four doors and plenty of luxury tech, though you'll pay a premium over a similarly specced E-Class for that swoopy roofline.
Q: What are the main changes in the Mercedes-Benz CLS facelift?
The facelifted CLS gets a sportier exterior with new front and rear aprons, upgraded 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, fresh interior trim options including brown walnut and grey wood, plus the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch screens.
Q: What's the difference between CLS AVANTGARDE and AMG Line?
The AVANTGARDE gets silver chrome accents, 19-inch wheels, and a more refined look, while the AMG Line brings proper sporty kit including black A-wing styling, 20-inch AMG wheels, side sill trim, and a boot spoiler for that extra aggressive stance.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The CLS 350d diesel delivers around 6.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, while the AMG CLS 53 petrol will drink closer to 8.9 litres per 100km, so choose your poison based on whether you prioritise efficiency or that sweet AMG soundtrack.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a maybe buy if you've got deep pockets and want to stand out from the E-Class masses. At R1,200,000 for the entry-level model, you're paying a hefty premium for that swoopy coupe styling, but you do get genuine four-door practicality with serious road presence. The facelift brings welcome updates like the MBUX system and sportier styling, making it feel more current against rivals like the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. However, if you're budget-conscious, a well-specced E-Class Coupe gives you similar luxury for considerably less money. The CLS makes sense if you're after exclusivity and don't mind paying extra for a car that turns heads at the country club, but practical buyers should probably stick with the more sensible E-Class range.
