Mercedes-Benz has given its big CLS four-door coupe a bit of a mid-life facelift, but if you're looking for dramatic changes for the E-Class' sexier sister, maybe look elsewhere. We're talking about the most minor of minor changes, here.
Irish prices from €83,090
Irish prices for the most popular model - the CLS 220d AMG-Line (yes, people are still making and selling diesel cars...) - will start from €83,090. You'll also be able to choose from a more powerful CLS 350d model with 4MATIC four-wheel drive, and a 3.0-litre straight-six CLS 400d 4MATIC diesel.
Petrol models include the 3.0-litre six-cylinder CLS 450 4MATIC and the range-topping AMG CLS 4MATIC+ version. The 300d gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, as do the 450 petrol and AMG 53 versions. As well as saving fuel, the mild-hybrid can add up to 250Nm of extra torque for maximum acceleration.
On the outside, Mercedes says that the CLS' shape is "more elongated" with a more "aerodynamic appearance." There's a reprofiled grille, new air intakes, redesigned bumpers, new alloys, some changes to the exterior chrome trim, and a new paint option - 'Spectral Blue Metallic.'
New steering wheel
Inside, there's a new multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, two new walnut wood finishes (open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey), and new leather seat options (Neva grey/Magma grey and Sienna brown/Black). If you want to spend extra with Mercedes' bespoke 'Designo' options, then you can have more colours inside, including a two-tone Designo interior with exclusive Nappa leather, which is available in five new combinations: Classic Red/Black, Saddle Brown/Black, Tartufo Brown/Black, Deep White/Black and Yacht Blue/Black.
If it's an AMG 53 model you're looking at, you'll spot it thanks to the surrounds of the windscreen frames being made of polished aluminium or, in combination with the Night Package, in high-gloss black. The exterior mirrors are painted in the colour of the vehicle. Here, too, models with the AMG Night Package or AMG Exterior II Carbon Package get finishes in high-gloss black or carbon fibre.
That new steering wheel also includes some new safety tricks. According to Mercedes: "With the optional Driving Assistance Package, the driver is supported by Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist. Here, the steering wheel uses the capacitive principle to detect the driver's hands. There is a two-zone sensor pad in the steering wheel rim. The sensors on the front and reverse sides of the rim register whether the driver's hands are on the wheel. No steering movement is now required to inform the assistance systems that the driver is in control."
Four-million sales
The CLS has been a big seller for Mercedes - more than four million have been sold since the original model was introduced in 2004. Mercedes-Benz Ireland passenger sales manager Ciaran Allen describes the CLS as "the embodiment of elegance, luxury and comfort, all wrapped in a timeless, eye-catching design."