The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS 'four-door coupe' has come in for an update, as has the range-topping Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ version. A modest nose redesign complements more customisation options, a few interior enhancements and changes to the powertrains to include more mild-hybrid technology.
New grilles across the board
There's a new exterior paint colour to consider ('spectral blue metallic', as pictured) and two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs, as well, though the biggest change to the exterior of the 2021 Mercedes CLS is to its radiator grille. It gets dinky little star shapes as a pattern throughout and a more cleanly delineated central louvre and large Mercedes star badge. This complements a restyle of the bodywork underneath. The blue car pictured is, we believe, in AMG-Line specification, as denoted by its new spoiler lip on the boot lid, but even so you'll need to put it alongside the pre-facelift model to spot the changes.
New steering wheels, too
Inside the updated CLS, the big news surrounds the introduction of new steering wheels, as seen in the updated Mercedes E-Class. They're trimmed in Nappa leather in the CLS and feature the new touch-sensitive controls and, depending on options, capacitive sensors to ensure the driver is keeping hold of the wheel when using the Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist systems.
Other than that, there are two new trim finishes, including for the centre console, available in open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood. The range of leather seat upholstery has also been expanded to include Neva grey/magma grey and sienna brown/black.
Meanwhile, if you have deep pockets and are willing to spend more on personalisation, the two-tone 'designo' interior is available in five new combinations: red/black, saddle brown/black, tartufo brown/black, deep white/black and yacht blue/black.
CLS engine range
Although the Irish line-up of engines for the updated Mercedes CLS has yet to be confirmed, it's likely to include the CLS 220 d, featuring a four-cylinder turbodiesel making 194hp and 400Nm of torque, with CO2 as low as 143g/km.
The CLS 300 d, however, receives a new version of the four-cylinder diesel engine with significant changes to make it cleaner and higher performing. To that end, it gets an integrated second-generation starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system - i.e. mild-hybrid tech. Its vital stats include 265hp, 550Nm of torque, CO2 from 153g/km and 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds. It also appears to be paired with 4Matic four-wheel drive as standard, though we await more information on that.
Topping the diesel engined models is the CLS 400 d 4Matic, featuring a 3.0-litre straight-six engine. It puts out 330hp and 700Nm of torque and manages to reduce the 0-100km/h time to just 5.2 seconds.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the CLS 350 and the 3.0-litre straight-six powering the CLS 450 4Matic are unchanged, and all models get a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Range-topping AMG variant
As before, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ tops the line-up and though there are no mechanical changes that we can see, it comes with a few subtle exterior and interior enhancements, including its own new steering wheel. There's a limited edition high-spec variant of this going into production, too, with just 300 examples to be made, though given the rarity of the full-on AMG model, we doubt Irish buyers will be queuing up for that one.
See www.mercedes-benz.ie for the latest Mercedes pricing and range details.