The Mercedes-Benz CLS gets a mid-life update

The Mercedes-Benz CLS now comes to the starting line with a sharpened design.

The entry-level model with the Avantgarde Exterior now features a new front apron and new air intakes, two louvres at the sides, and a new front splitter, now finished in silver chrome. The rear apron has a black diffuser-look and a silver-chrome trim strip.

Models equipped with the AMG Line Exterior meanwhile, will get an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, distinctive air intakes with vertical bars and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black.

Other features include an AMG sill trim on the side and an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid. In combination with AMG Line Exterior, two new colours can be selected for the 20-inch, high-gloss AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in bi-colour look: Tremolite grey or high-gloss black.

All refreshed Mercedes CLS models will also receive a new radiator grille. Special features of this grille are the Mercedes-Benz pattern (a three-dimensional star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces), and a louvre in high-gloss black with a chrome inlay and the integrated Mercedes star. A new paint colour for the CLS is also now offered: Spectral blue metallic.

In the cabin of the refreshed Mercedes-Benz CLS two new trim finishes are being offered for the centre console: Open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood. The range of leather seat upholstery has also been expanded, and can now be had in Neva grey/Magma grey and Sienna brown/black.

The CLS also receives Mercedes' new redesigned multifunction steering wheel, covered in nappa leather. The spokes are finished in high-gloss black with a silver chrome edging, while the paddle shifters are finished in silver chrome.

Capacitive sensors on the steering wheel that detect if the driver's hands are on the steering wheel mean that no steering movement is now required to inform assistance systems including the Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist that the driver is still in control of the vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 53 4MATIC+ has also received a redesigned front end with the sporty AMG bumper in A-wing form with black flics and visible air curtains, as well as the AMG signature grille with vertical bars.

The surrounds of the windscreen frames are made of polished aluminium or, in combination with the Night Package, in high-gloss black. The exterior mirrors are painted in the colour of the vehicle.

Models with the AMG Night Package or AMG Exterior II Carbon Package meanwhile will get their mirrors finished in high-gloss black or have a housing made of carbon fibre. Mercedes-AMG drivers will also steer the CLS with the latest-generation steering wheel, wrapped in nappa leather and with the familiar AMG steering wheel buttons on display.