Mercedes-Benz’s refreshed CLS comes to Singapore

Right off the bat, this isn’t a new model. The third generation Mercedes-Benz CLS first graced the roads 5 years ago, so it’s about time Mercedes updated and facelifted their svelte sexy four-door coupe to keep up with the competition.

Thankfully, the sleek profile of the car hasn’t been tinkered with. The facelift sees the addition of a new front bumper with different mouldings and a slightly resigned grille, with the same three-dimensional three-pointed stars like you see in some newer Mercedes models like the C-Class.

Inside, the cabin layout is largely similar to the one in the outgoing car, albeit with a few minor differences. Gone is the old steering wheel with satin chrome multifunction buttons and instead, Mercedes has fitted a newer steering wheel design with sleeker spokes and haptic feedback touchpads for the multifunction controls. On the centre console, the older gloss black trackpad and scroll wheel have been ditched and replaced by the slimmer MBUX touchpad that we’ve seen on Mercedes’ newer models.

In the case of the AMG spec CLS 53 4MATIC+, the changes are even more pronounced. It gets a more aggressive front apron with reworked bumpers and AMG’s signature panamericana-style grille. Opt for the AMG Dynamic Plus package like the car you see pictured above, and you get red brake painted brake callipers with “AMG” lettering. Inside, the CLS 53 also gets an AMG Performance steering wheel with a drive mode selector dial and AMG specific function buttons.

Under the hood of the CLS 450 4MATIC lies a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 367hp/500Nm and allows the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The more powerful CLS 53 uses the same turbocharged straight-six engine but it’s been fettled by AMG to produce 435 horsepower and 520Nm.

The CLS 53 does 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, a shade quicker than the CLS 450. Both cars get 48V mild hybrid tech with an integrated starter generator (ISG) that can supply up to 22 horsepower and 250Nm of torque when called upon.

Keen-eyed folk may realise that we didn’t include the 2.0-litre CLS 350. Well, that’s because it’s no longer being produced. In Singapore, the only variants of the CLS are the CLS 450 4MATIC and CLS 53 4MATIC+. But you won't hear us complaining about that.

“Since its introduction, the CLS has been a luxurious trendsetter in the automotive world. The first of its kind to combine the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President & CEO of Daimler South East Asia/Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

"With this new CLS, we are proud to announce an array of technological advancements, including unique drivetrain innovations and an intuitive connectivity concept all while retaining the sporty luxurious appeal. We are pleased to announce the arrival of the new and beloved CLS to Singapore and continue to uphold the standard of this luxurious model”

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC starts from S$488,888 while the sportier, more powerful Mercedes-AMG CLS53 4MATIC+ has a starting price of S$541,888.

PHOTOS Mercedes-Benz