Mercedes CLS car review

Now the German manufacturer has given the Mercedes CLS a facelift as part of an update of its model range.

We drove the Mercedes CLS at its UK launch in Northamptonshire – read on for our full review.

View more pictures of the new Mercedes CLS

Mercedes launched the revamped Mercedes CLS luxury coupe alongside the Mercedes SLK and Mercedes SL.

And while it is the other models which have enjoyed the more substantial revisions the Mercedes CLS has still received a significant update to bring it into line with the Mercedes CL and Mercedes CLC.

First and foremost it has undergone some changes to fit in with Mercedes’ sportier direction.

These include a simplified grille with less horizontal struts, or louvres, behind the distinctive Mercedes star and bigger mirrors with arrow-shaped LED indicators, while the car’s rear has seen the addition of new tail lights and more angular rear lights.

The three-spoke steering wheel which has been introduced to the Mercedes SLK and Mercedes SL also makes an appearance here and as with the other models a simpler, classier new-look instrument cluster (in this case a white-dialled) one is also added.

The Mercedes CLS offers more practicality that the Mercedes SLK and Mercedes SL in the shape of rear seats and a 495-litre boot.

But as its looks suggest it can still offer the sporty side of Mercedes too.

Most buyers are expected to go for diesel model the 224bhp Mercedes CLS 320 CDI which offers a 7 seconds 0-62mph time and top speed of 153mph.

Good fuel return

Perhaps its most impressive statistic however is its ability to return an average 37.2mpg.

The other models in the range are the 292bhp CLS 350 CGI, 388bhp CLS 500 and 630bhp CLS 63 AMG model.

It is the latter which takes centre stage as regards performance with a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. It shares an electronically limited top speed of 155mph with the CLS 350 CGI and CLS 350. In terms of fuel consumption it returns 19.5mpg.

All models use a seven speed automatic gearbox with the AMG model using the AMG speed shift ‘box.

AMG gearbox

Also available on the Mercedes SL, it produces accelerated gear changes and enables “kick-downs” from seventh to fourth gear and from fifth to second gear.

The models also feature new “infotainment” systems with an upgraded 5-inch colour scheme and speed-sensitive volume introduced. Buyers can upgrade to the Command package for £1,995 which includes voice recognition, and four gigabytes of memory storage.

We drove both the £75,050 CLS 63 AMG and the diesel-powered £46,250 CLS 320 CDI and while they offer quite a range in performance both cars combined a high level of competence with good looks, and – unlike the SLK and the SL – practicality.

The chassis remains firm through corners with steering which is precise and adjusted to the speed the driver is challenging.

However, the main changes here have been in terms of looks, and evolutionary changes have kept the CLS’s good looks intact while bringing it into line with the Mercedes design shift.

View more pictures of the new Mercedes CLS