At the front, the modified radiator grille stands out with two louvers now instead of the previous four. The diamond-shaped, three dimensional grilles painted in atlas grey that cover the air intakes add further emphasis to the vehicle?s width. And the exterior mirrors have also been given a new look: the built-in LED side indicator lamps are arranged in the form of an arrow; the mirror surface has been enlarged by 32 percent.

The side view is dominated by new light-alloy wheels, measuring 18 inches in diameter for the CLS 350 and CLS 500.

At the back, the CLS features a new rear apron, new tail lights, as well as modified trapezoidal tailpipes. The centre section of the rear bumper now drops down further, while the additional contour running along it adds to the impression of breadth. LED technology is now deployed for the brake lamps, tail lamps and indicator lamps. Just like the side indicators in the exterior mirrors, the rear indicators look like arrows when they light up. Optical fibres at the side are always activated whenever the low-beam headlamps are switched on. A new deactivation function for the low-beam headlamps when the ignition is switched off helps to optimise energy management.

Modifications inside

Interior modifications include a restyled leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with multifunction buttons, as well as a new-look instrument cluster with white dials contrasting distinctly with the chased surface of the back-plate. The previous matt laurel colour scheme has been replaced with new chestnut wood trim elements.

The CLS features the new telematics generation with features including speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3 compatible CD and DVD player, as well as Bluetooth interface between a mobile phone and the vehicle?s hands-free system.

The Audio 20 CD with CD changer, Audio 50 APS with DVD changer and Linguatronic voice control system has now been updated to a 5.0-inch colour screen. The Comand APS comes with a high-resolution 6.6-inch colour display, Linguatronic for audio, navigation and telephone calls, a music register for storing audio files, plus an SD memory card slot.

Power and safety

The V6 six-cylinder engine in the CLS 350 delivers 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The CLS 500 is equipped with the new V8 engine with outputs of 285kW and 530Nm.

The Keyless Go function is now standard across the range, allowing you to unlock the CLS without touching the vehicle with the key and also to start and stop the engine by means of a button on the selector lever.

The CLS range of standard safety equipment includes the occupant protection system Pre-Safe which automatically responds by preparing the vehicle and its occupants for an impending collision. It does this by tensioning the seat belts of the driver and front passenger, adjusting the front seats to an optimal crash position, and automatically closing the sunroof and the side windows if the vehicle is in danger of skidding.

Neck-Pro head restraints are also fitted as standard. During a rear impact the sensor-controlled head restraints are moved forward to provide protection for the driver and front passenger?s heads within milliseconds, thus reducing the risk of whiplash injuries.

The CLS is fitted with flashing brake lights as standard to prevent rear-end collisions. These lights are more effective than conventional brake lights. And due to faster braking reaction times, the braking distance can be reduced by about 5.5m at 100 km/h.

Standard equipment for the CLS model range also includes the Adaptive Brake system which improves safety during emergency situations or when driving on wet roads, as well as making starting on hills easier and preventing unintended forward rolling.

Optional equipment includes the radar based Distronic proximity control system which automatically maintains a constant distance to the vehicle in front in order to reduce driver stress.

Top of the range

The flagship model, the CLS 63 AMG, is still powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with output figures of 378kW and 630Nm. What's new are the AMG sport exhaust system's redesigned rear silencers which produce a healthier rumble through the two sets of oval-shaped, chromed twin tailpipes.

The AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission now incorporates a function which blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. Apart from intensifying the driving experience, the downshift procedure also leads to a reduction in load-alteration effects, which is of particular benefit when braking ahead of corners on the race track. Rather useful, when the CLS 63 AMG accelerates from 0?100 km/h in 4.5 seconds with its top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.

Also new is the black painted radiator grille with two louvers instead of the previous three. The AMG light-alloy wheels, with their new triple-spoke design and a titanium grey paint finish, now measure 19 inches in size instead of 18 as before, and are shod with tyres measuring 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Inside, the CLS 63 AMG features a new AMG sports steering wheel with a three spoke design. Gear selection can be performed manually be means of two aluminium AMG shift paddles.

The front seats have been upgraded to the dynamic multi-contour seats as standard.

Pricing:
CLS 350: R675 000
CLS 500: R825 000
CLS 63 AMG: R1 098 000