The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been spotted testing in Europe quite a few times and now, according to reports of a German website, the launch date of the facelift has been set for June 23. The report further predicts that the car will go on sale in the European market by mid-September.
The current CLS-Class, C218, was unveiled in the 2010 Paris Motor Show and is globally available in a host of variants, including a high-performance AMG-tuned variant and an estate. The new CLS is a mid-life facelift and gets mild cosmetic upgrades like a revised front grille and front and rear skirts. The headlamps have also been redesigned and incorporate the new Active Multibeam Intelligent Light System (ILS), which adapts the headlight beam according to road and traffic conditions, much like Audi’s Matrix Beam Technology.
The CLS facelift also gets an updated interior with an all-new steering wheel and a new free-standing screen in the centre console, like in the A-Class and B-Class. The car will also be equipped with the latest version of Mercedes’ COMAND Online system with NTG 5.0 version. Surprisingly, the previous spyshots of the interiors of the car didn’t show the touchpad found in the new C-Class, though we expect it to be offered as an optional extra.
The engine lineup is expected to be retained for the CLS facelift. The CLS is offered in India only in the 350 BlueEFFICIENCY guise, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 306bhp and 370Nm of torque. The international market will get a 9G TRONIC gearbox for this car but we think that India will have to make do with the seven-speed unit.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS goes up against other sedans like the Audi A7 and BMW 6 Series. Globally, the interest in this niche segment has been rising in the recent years due to the combination of luxury, performance and extremely good coupe-esque looks these cars offer. The CLS isn’t one of the German manufacturer’s best-sellers in the Indian market and as such, it is difficult to estimate if and when this car will end up in India.
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