Midlife upgrade for MB-CLS
The Mercedes-Benz CLS has set a new standard for the four-door coupes when it was introduced in its first generation and with the vehicle being quite successful, the 3-pointed star could not say goodbye to it, so we can dare to say that there will be a third generation. This will be based on the new generation of the E-Class, but since this is still around the corner, chances are the new CLS will be shown in either 2016 or even 2017.
Feelers had it that the this time, the market does not know what to expect from the upcoming four-door coupe luxury cruiser except for that appealing sloping roofline, and for a front fascia similar to the one found on its smaller brother, the CLA, and a rear end which will most likely resemble the one of the S-Class Coupe.
Other than that, a lot of new technologies and safety features should be expected, along with better quality materials in the cabin. As far as the engine line-up goes, most of the units will be borrowed from the next E-Class generation.
Expect a range-topping CLS 63 AMG too, which will probably come with the new 4.0 liter V8 twin turbo engine, which is currently found on the AMG GT sports car and on the C63 AMG. More details on the next CLS are limited for the moment.
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, even as the 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.
Assistance systems and telematics 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 model will now get a nine-speed automatic transmission in place of the current seven-speed gearbox. There is also an all-wheel-drive CLS-550 4-Matic, which keeps the seven-speed transmission that is phased out in the rear-driver.
As before, there will be a 550-hp CLS63 AMG 4-Matic, and a 577-horse CLS63 S-model 4-Matic. What’s new is the entry-level engine: The most efficient ways to drive a CLS will now be the CLS 400 and the CLS 400 4-Matic, both fitted with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 328 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
MIKE OCHONMA