Upgrades and new models for CLS

Mercedes-Benz Australia has introduced a limited edition CLS 350 designo, priced at $155,400.

Benz announced the new model in the week prior to the head office in Stuttgart releasing information concerning the mildly upgraded CLS range in Germany, replete with a new entry-level variant and the direct-injection CLS 350 CGI.

The prospective base model is the CLS 280, which will come with a 170kW 3.0-litre V6. Peak torque is 300Nm and Mercedes-Benz claims a 7.7-second acceleration time to 100km/h.

Along with the new base model, the CLS 350 CGI will be added to the range with its direct-injection petrol V6 developing 215kW of power and returning a combined cycle test fuel consumption figure of approximately 9.3L/100km.

To distance the facelifted cars from the current models, changes across the range include a two-slat radiator grille in lieu of the superseded model's four-slat look, and backing mesh inserts finished in Atlas Grey. Exterior mirrors are restyled, with the built-in indicators now arrow-shaped.

All models will be equipped with new designs of alloy wheels in 18-inch diameter for the CLS 500 and 17-inch diameter for all other variants -- except the CLS 63 AMG with its 19-inch wheels.

At the rear, the bumper cover lower edge has been dropped further and exhaust pipes are now trapezoidal-shaped, not the oval shape of the superseded model. Tail lights have been restyled and now feature LED illumination.

Inside, the upgraded CLS features a three-spoke steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster with white-faced dials. A new generation of telematics function has been specified by the factory for the new model range.

The new system links the audio system -- which automatically adjusts audio volume control according to road speed -- with the Bluetooth interface. Different audio options have been upgraded with a new 5-inch colour screen and the Comand APS system features a 6.5-inch display. The audio system is now MP3-compatible and will play DVDs and CDs.

Along with the rest of the range, the CLS 63 AMG has been facelifted with the adoption of the new two-slat radiator grille, albeit finished in black. This replaces the earlier model's three-slat grille.

The Carsales Network understands that the facelifted range will not reach Australian shores for some months yet -- and the CLS 350 CGI may not be earmarked for Australian consumption for a couple of years. In the meantime, the designo edition of the CLS 350 (pictured here in red) will revitalise interest in the range.

The CLS 350 designo is assembled at AMG's factory on the outskirts of Stuttgart, where AMG adds special interior and exterior trim finishes in four different combinations to distinguish the CLS 350 designo from the standard model. These combinations are:

In addition to these combinations, the CLS 350 designo offers buyers an exclusive wood and leather gearshift lever, and a wood and leather steering wheel, both coordinated with the selected interior trim colour and material combination.

Standard features include powered fold-in mirrors, heated front seats, keyless start, glass electric sunroof, Harman Kardon Logic7 audio system and multi-contour front seats with active side bolstering, backrest comfort adjustment and massage function.

These added extras total $28,000 retail, according to Benz, but the price of the CLS 350 designo is $15,000 more than the standard car, representing a nominal saving of $13,000.

AMG handles the customisation process for the designo editions (the CLS and the SLK models) from the company's plant in Stuttgart. In addition to the bespoke models, AMG also provide designo features for M-Class, E-Class, CLK, S-Class, SL and CL model ranges.