It seems that Merc isn’t slowing down with the newly revised CLS making an appearance to our shores. The car itself is something to behold; graceful in its poise and stance, it knows how to make an entrance.

Selling well globally, in what many view as a niche market, the CLS has stated its dominance and the newly remodelled car promises to grow on its reputation.

→ Light it up

Known in the industry as a midlife facelift, the CLS might not have progressed leaps and bounds this time, but does receive more of a cosmetic update, which isn’t a bad thing. It certainly already had a futuristic appeal about it, thanks to the sloping roof elongated coupé-like profile, but the update gives the car a renewed look of vigour.

That said, probably the biggest talking point for the CLS is the new kit upfront in the lights department. Merc has extensively updated the lighting system along with a more incisive front section.

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The vehicle’s new headlights work through the implementation of precision LED modules, which adjust themselves individually to adapt to the change in road and light conditions. Working in conjunction with the camera-based Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus system, 24 high-performance LEDs in each LED model react quickly and can be dimmed in 255 stages if it detects various elements like oncoming traffic, or twists in the road.

→ Under the skin

Everyone enjoys a car that rumbles and connects man and machine and Merc has retained a few tried and trusted engines for the CLS line-up, and introduced a few new powertrains for more thrills.

Available in the line-up include the new-to-the- range CLS 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine generating 150kW with maximum torque of 500Nm. Surpassing these figures, the V6 diesel engine in the CLS 350 BlueTec delivers 190kW and 620Nm of torque.

In the petrol department, the CLS 400 with a 3.5-litre biturbo drive system is a responsive fire breather with 245kW and 480Nm, but for some serious shove the CLS 500 is the pick of the bunch with 300kW and 600Nm. It makes sure you get off the line rapidly.

For those looking for the AMG badge, a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine is hidden beneath the bonnet of the CLS 63 AMG ‘S’ with 430kW and 800Nm being transferred to the rear wheels, guarantees delight, while consuming a claimed 9.9 litres/100km/h.

→ Smooth shifting

Complementing the powertrains is Merc’s new nine-speed autobox, dubbed the 9G-Tronic, doing duty in the CLS 350 BlueTec and CLS 500.

→ Inside scoop

Rear room was also going to be a squeeze thanks to the CLS design and might not be the place you want to bide too much time. In fact, where you want to be is up front in the driver’s seat where lush and premium materials greet you. The driving position and cockpit is snug and gives you a feeling of a driver biased feel with all the important dials and buttons within easy reach. The quality fit and finish is, of course, a stand-out feature of Merc’s products. Unfortunately, the CLS is starting to show its age in the layout department as the car isn’t fitted with the new infotainment system found in the C-Class and the dials look slightly dated.

→ Verdict

Ray Donovan gave the CLS some serious street cred and it doesn’t disappoint. The new touches are most welcomed and the car is a serious thrill provider. While we know Estate cars aren’t overly popular in SA, we are sad to hear the CLS Estate won’t be making its way to our shores.

The CLS range, as with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars comes standard with the six years/100 000km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.

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