The 2008 Mercedes CLS is now being offered with AMG light alloy wheels and a sports exhaust system.

The pioneering low-slung four-door Mercedes CLS has had a facelift for 2008, with a new radiator grille, LED side indicators and a new rear apron.

And now the German carmaker has added a sporty touch to the Mercedes CLS – 19-inch light-alloy AMG wheels and a rorty AMG sports exhaust.

Thanks to the restyled-exhaust system, the flagship Mercedes CLS 63 AMG is said to deliver “an even more captivating soundtrack.”

Power is supplied by a 6.3-litre V8 petrol engine – the same as the new Mercedes SL63 AMG – delivering 514bhp.

This means the award-winning Mercedes CLS can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Mercedes is offering upgrades from the AMG Performance Studio, including titanium-grey AMG alloy wheels and an AMG bodystyling package including larger air intakes at the front, side skirts and a restyled rear bumper.

The new Mercedes CLS gets freshened up on the inside too, with a restyled leather steering wheel, a new-look instruments and a multi-media system dubbed NTG 2.5.

The NTG 2.5 in the Mercedes CLS gets an MP3 compatible CD and DVD player, a Bluetooth interface and a unique voice-control system with a 7-inch colour display.

Prices for the new Mercedes CLS start at £41,500 for the entry-level CLS 280, rising to just under £80,000 for the range-topping CLS 63 AMG.