Once Mercedes-Benz decided to reinvent itself as a more youthful and design-oriented brand, the first CLS-class came across as a stroke of genius. Essentially a rebodied E-class, the 2005 CLS surprised the industry with its flowing, sensual lines. The car was a clear break with the Bruno Saccoschool of functional design that preceded it, but quite fitting for a brand that has produced cars such as the pre-war 540K or the Heckflosse S-class of the 1960s. The second-gen CLS successfully picked up the torch, the car which chief designer Gorden Wagener allegedly once said would make observers "kneel" still looks fresh after three years on the road.
For the 2015 model year, the handsome sedan that introduced the nonsensical “four-door” coupe terminology gets a mid-term facelift with subtle changes. Mercedes-Benz has added the "diamond grille" of A-class,S-class coupe, and CLA-class fame. The new car’s front bumpers have been restyled, and the rear looks more aggressive than previous iterations.
The overall shape of the 2015 model’s headlamps remains unchanged, but there are now standard LEDs instead of bi-xenons. For some markets, Mercedes will offer ultra-advanced matrix LED headlights with 24 LEDs in each unit. They are controlled individually and can be dimmed in a full 255 stages. Given the issues Audi is facing bringing this same technology stateside, don’t count on this feature coming here soon.
The telematics and assistance systems have been further upgraded for 2015, in accordance with the recently updated E-class. Depending on the selected package, the CLS now offers full internet access, high-definition voice capabilities, and a navigation system with real-time traffic data. In Europe, it now comes with a service package called "Mercedes connect me," which includes roadside assistance, maintenance, and accident assistance, and allows drivers to check vehicle data like the fuel-tank level remotely through the web. We expect similar services eventually to be offered in the U.S. To make these functions more easily accessible, the dashboard now carries a massive eight-inch screen like the one seen in virtually every recent Mercedes.
The engine and powertrain portfolio will be expanded and upgraded significantly. The CLS550 will continue to be offered with a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V-8, and output will stand pat for 2015 at 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. But this model will now get a nine-speed automatic transmission in place of the current seven-speed gearbox. There is also an all-wheel-drive CLS550 4MATIC, which keeps the seven-speed transmission that is phased out in the rear-driver.
As before, there will be a 550-hp CLS63 AMG 4MATIC, and a 577-horse CLS63 S-model 4MATIC. What's new is the entry-level engine: The most efficient ways to drive a CLS will now be the CLS400 and the CLS400 4MATIC, both fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 328 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Seven speeds here, as well. From our experience in other Benzes, we can attest to the capabilities of the twin-turbo V-6, but it lacks the sheer power and emotional appeal of the V-8.
Prices are expected to remain close to those of the 2014 model; the CLS400 will, of course, come in significantly below the CLS550, which now starts at $72,100.
If this was a European publication, we could go on to rave about an updated portfolio of ultra-efficient diesel engines and the beautiful five-door station wagon that Mercedes insists on calling a "Shooting Brake." In the U.S., the only choice will be the gasoline-powered four-door sedan. But that's not a bad thing, especially with the technical updates for the next model year. The CLS remains one of the most beautiful and capable cars on the road.
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