Mercedes has freshened up the low-slung four-door CLS for 2008.

The entry-level facelifted CLS will come with a new engine – a 3-litre V6 petrol, badged C280, which produces 170bhp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds.

For the real petrolhead, the flagship CLS offers up stonking performance – the CLS 63 AMG houses a 6.3-litre V8 developing 514bhp and allows the mighty Merc to sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

All CLS models are equipped with Mercedes’ seven-speed paddle shift automatic gearbox.

And Mercedes is keen to build on the award-winning design of the mould-breaking CLS four-door coupe, and has revamped the front grille, mirrors, rear bumper and rear lights.

Newly-styled light alloy wheels are fitted as standard – the CLS 280, CLS 320 CDI and CLS 350 get 17-inch rims, while the CLS 500 comes with 18-inch wheels.
 
Inside, the driver is faced with a ‘new-look’ instrument cluster with white dials and a three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel.

The CLS also comes with a ‘NTG 2.5’ control centre, featuring speed sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, Bluetooth interface, and an MP3 compatible CD and DVD player.

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.