By: IOL Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - Mercedes-Benz's original 'four-door coupé' is now well into its second generation and to keep it feeling fresh among all the other boutique sedans out there, the carmaker has just treated it to a makeover.
Exterior and cabin design changes have been kept on the subtle side, with the biggest talking point being its futuristic Multibeam LED headlights, but some of the models do sport significant mechanical changes.
NEW V6 TURBO
In the petrol-powered line-up, the CLS 400 replaces the CLS 350 and enters the modern age with a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 replacing the previous normally aspirated unit of the same displacement. The new engine pushes 245kW and 480Nm (up from 225/370) and, according to claims, dashes to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
It's two turbocharged bigger brothers carry on before, in the form of the 4.7 V8 CLS 500 that produces 300kW/600Nm and the monstrous 430kW/800Nm 5.5 V8 CLS 63 AMG S, the pair screeching to 100 in 4.8 and 4.1 seconds respectively.
FRUGAL DIESELS
The diesel models take a more leisurely but frugal approach to life, starting with the revised CLS 250 CDI that features fourth-generation common rail direct injection and two-stage turbocharging. As before, the 2143cc motor delivers 150kW and 500Nm and let's not dwell on the 7.5s 0-100 time, the highlight here is its NEDC (laboratory) fuel consumption figure of 5.3 l/100km. The punchier oil-burning option is the 190kW/620Nm CLS 350 BlueTec V6 that sips 5.4 l/100km on the combined lab cycle and get to 100 in 6.5s.
NINE GEARS
This model, along with the CLS 500, is fitted with a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, which is the world's first such unit to feature a hydrodynamic torque converter. Other derivatives soldier on with Merc's trusty seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus.
LARNEY LED LIGHTS
The other big innovation in this sleek new sedan, sorry… coupé, is the Multibeam LED headlights, which are an optional feature. The snazzy new lights promise “far unrivalled” illumination of the road ahead in terms of both brightness and reach, and without dazzling oncoming motorists. The system can adjust the light distribution to suit any situation instantly and automatically.
Never mind if they break the budget though - all facelifted CLS models are fitted as standard with new LED high performance headlights that join the new 'diamond' grille, revised bumper with large air intakes and darkened tail lights in setting the 2014 model apart from its predecessor.
BIG SCREEN, INTERNET
Bringing the cabin up to date is a new 20.3cm infotainment screen, redesigned three-spoke steering wheel and simplified central control panel. Indecisive types won't like style options though as buyers can choose from five interior colours, six types of trim and different grades of leather.
When it comes to infotainment options, the CLS 250 CDI comes standard with the Audi 20 CD system but it can be ordered with the Comand Online system, which is standard on the rest of the models. Both allow unlimited internet surfing when the vehicle is stationary, with the correct phone in sync. What's more, the Comand Online system gives you certain apps on the move, such as Google StreetView and Local Search, Panoramio and Weather.
S-CLASS GADGETS
If driver assistance gadgets are your thing, the new CLS offers many of the latest gizmos from the S-Class, including Distronic Plus with Steering Assits and Stop&Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Active Parking Assist with 360-degree camera and BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist.
PRICES
CLS 250 CDI - R760 000
CLS 350 BlueTec - R893 000
CLS 400 - R888 000
CLS 500 - R1 120 000
CLS 63 AMG S - R1 600 000
All of them come with a six-year/100 000km maintenance plan.