Upgraded CLS

Mercedes-Benz has announced that a revised CLS will be with us from the middle of this month, a matter of weeks after the car's international unveiling.

The importer is already taking orders for the new range, which introduces improved equipment levels and a subtle facelift.

Visually, the grille adopts a two-slat style in lieu of the four-slat grille from the previous model. Mesh inserts in Atlas Grey fill the air intakes at the front. External mirrors now feature arrow-shaped LED indicators and the mirrors themselves are larger by 32 per cent. In the case of the CLS 63 AMG flagship, the grille is finished in black.

Alloy wheels have been redesigned and restyled tail lights (now LEDs), exhaust outlets, rear apron and bumper revitalise the car's stern. The new exhaust outlets are trapezoidal, as opposed to the oval outlets of the superseded model.

Headlights now switch off automatically once the driver switches off the ignition. Also, in the cabin, the CLS has been upgraded with a new telematics system and a revised leather-bound steering wheel featuring a three-spoke design and multi-function remote controls.

Using the NTG 2.5 generation of telematics, the revised CLS provides speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for telephone numbers and audio frequencies, an MP3-compatible CD/DVD facility and Bluetooth connectivity.

The instrument cluster has been revised and chestnut coordinating trim replaces the previous matt laurel look.

For the Australian market, the model range remains the entry-level CLS 350 (now $143,900 -- an increase of $3000), the CLS 500 ($182,400 -- also up $3000) and the CLS 63 AMG ($257,800 -- up $4000).

Additional features for the CLS 350 upgrade comprise a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system with 12 speakers -- including subwoofer -- and an additional amplifier; in-car TV tuner (analogue and digital); electrically folding exterior mirrors and universal audio system interface to suit portable audio sources. According to Mercedes-Benz, these extra features are worth $4000 alone.

The V8-powered CLS 500 gains multi-contour front seats with heating and the universal audio system interface for various portable entertainment sources. These extra features are reportedly worth $3000 retail.

For the CLS 63 AMG, new standard features include: Distronic adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated luxury front seats, Keyless-Go auto access and start, 19-inch alloy wheels (replacing the 18-inch wheels fitted previously), performance steering wheel and the universal audio system media interface connections for various portable sound sources. Tyres for the 19-inch wheels measure 255/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R19 at the rear. These features represent $8000 extra value, according to the importer.

The seven-speed automatic transmission fitted to the CLS 63 AMG has been upgraded with an automatic downshift facility to throttle up, in order to match the engine speed to the road speed. Two shift paddles allow the driver the option of sequential-shifting.

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