Taking us and pretty much everyone by surprise, Mercedes-Benz decided to release the first information about the mid-cycle refresh for the CLS lineup earlier today, despite the fact that the models were supposed to be unveiled at the end of this month.
We already gave you the first information about the main technological premiere on the model, with the innovative Multibeam LED headlights system finally entering production with the launch of the CLS (C218) and CLS Shooting Brake (X218) facelift.
Now it's time to check out the rest of the novelties on the model, so we should probably start with the most evident, and that is obviously the interior.
After getting criticized years on end for featuring one of the smallest infotainment screens in the premium segment, the Mercedes-Benz CLS finally gets an all-new display that follows the recently-introduced free-standing design.
On a personal note, we think it is the best integrated in the design of the dashboard so far, while its generous 20.3 cm (8 inch) diagonal should be more than enough for the driver to use it without taking his eyes too much from the road.
The exterior hasn't been reworked too much, as it was expected, with the only major differences residing on the front end. Since it was met with enthusiasm on the A-Class, CLA-Class and on the S-Class Coupe, the “star grille” has been transplanted on the CLS facelift as well, while the front bumpers have been restyled on both the standard models and on the AMG variants.
On the other hand, the side view is quasi-identical with the previous variant, while the rear gets mildly-restyled taillights. By far the biggest design difference comes from the optional Multibeam LED headlights though, especially at night.
Speaking of the Multibeam LED system, Mercedes-Benz had prepared it from the beginning of 2013, when they even released the first official photos with the CLS facelift headlights, but the rest of the car wasn't yet ready to be launched. - this is why Audi can be credited with being the first to introduce the matrix LED headlights as an option on the A8 facelift.
Each headlamp now features 36 LEDs, with 24 of them being individually-controlled. Each LED can be apparently dimmed in no less than 255 stages, providing the best possible illumination of the road in corners or roundabouts and without blinding other drivers.
As far as the engines go, the Mercedes-Benz CLS facelift gets two new engines, with the lowest-powered one now being represented by the CLS 220 BlueTec variant, which uses a tried and true 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel with 170 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb ft) of torque.
Another new engine comes in the form of the CLS 400, which replaces the CLS 350 variant, offering more power, better performance and a lower fuel consumption.
Powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and twin-turbocharging, the CLS 400 offers 333 hp and 480 Nm (354 lb ft) of torque, while also peculiarly being the only non-AMG model not to feature the all-new 9G-Tronic.
The world's first nine-speed automatic transmission with a hydrodynamic torque converter, the 9G-Tronic has now been rolled on the CLS 220 BlueTec, CLS 250 BlueTec, CLS 350 BlueTec and the CLS 500.
Along with the CLS 400, all the 4Matic all-wheel drive system model are still using the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission, as the hyper-efficient 9G-Tronic hasn't been yet modified for all-wheel drive, while the AMG models will continue using the seven-speed MCT gearbox. Pricing hasn't been revealed yet, but expect the facelifted CLS models to reach dealerships sometime this September.
Now it's time to check out the rest of the novelties on the model, so we should probably start with the most evident, and that is obviously the interior.
After getting criticized years on end for featuring one of the smallest infotainment screens in the premium segment, the Mercedes-Benz CLS finally gets an all-new display that follows the recently-introduced free-standing design.
On a personal note, we think it is the best integrated in the design of the dashboard so far, while its generous 20.3 cm (8 inch) diagonal should be more than enough for the driver to use it without taking his eyes too much from the road.
The exterior hasn't been reworked too much, as it was expected, with the only major differences residing on the front end. Since it was met with enthusiasm on the A-Class, CLA-Class and on the S-Class Coupe, the “star grille” has been transplanted on the CLS facelift as well, while the front bumpers have been restyled on both the standard models and on the AMG variants.
On the other hand, the side view is quasi-identical with the previous variant, while the rear gets mildly-restyled taillights. By far the biggest design difference comes from the optional Multibeam LED headlights though, especially at night.
Speaking of the Multibeam LED system, Mercedes-Benz had prepared it from the beginning of 2013, when they even released the first official photos with the CLS facelift headlights, but the rest of the car wasn't yet ready to be launched. - this is why Audi can be credited with being the first to introduce the matrix LED headlights as an option on the A8 facelift.
Each headlamp now features 36 LEDs, with 24 of them being individually-controlled. Each LED can be apparently dimmed in no less than 255 stages, providing the best possible illumination of the road in corners or roundabouts and without blinding other drivers.
As far as the engines go, the Mercedes-Benz CLS facelift gets two new engines, with the lowest-powered one now being represented by the CLS 220 BlueTec variant, which uses a tried and true 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel with 170 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb ft) of torque.
Another new engine comes in the form of the CLS 400, which replaces the CLS 350 variant, offering more power, better performance and a lower fuel consumption.
Powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and twin-turbocharging, the CLS 400 offers 333 hp and 480 Nm (354 lb ft) of torque, while also peculiarly being the only non-AMG model not to feature the all-new 9G-Tronic.
The world's first nine-speed automatic transmission with a hydrodynamic torque converter, the 9G-Tronic has now been rolled on the CLS 220 BlueTec, CLS 250 BlueTec, CLS 350 BlueTec and the CLS 500.
Along with the CLS 400, all the 4Matic all-wheel drive system model are still using the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission, as the hyper-efficient 9G-Tronic hasn't been yet modified for all-wheel drive, while the AMG models will continue using the seven-speed MCT gearbox. Pricing hasn't been revealed yet, but expect the facelifted CLS models to reach dealerships sometime this September.