Mercedes has announced a series of updates for the 2021 CLS.
While it eschews a facelift, the CLS features a revised color palette that now includes Cirrus Silver and Mojave Silver.
Moving into the cabin, there are two 10.25- or 12.3-inch displays. The latter are standard in the United States but, globally, the CLS features a touchscreen infotainment system with the latest version of the MBUX operating system.
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Mercedes noted the system has artificial intelligence and this allows for predictive functions such as suggesting to call a certain people your regularly talk to on a specific day of the week. The system can also be equipped with high-tech options such as augmented reality navigation which shows a live video feed and then superimposes directional information on top of it.
Speaking of technology, the CLS has been outfitted with the latest driver assistance systems. Among the highlights are Active Brake Assist and an Active Speed Limit Assist system which slows down the vehicle as it approaches bends, roundabouts, toll stations and T-junctions. The model also has a smarter Active Distance Assist system and a Cross-Traffic system which now works when turning across an oncoming lane.
In the United States, the CLS with be offered with two carryover powertrains. The CLS 450 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six which produces 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The model also has an EQ Boost function which can deliver an additional 21 hp (16 kW / 21 PS).
In terms of performance, the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.1 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). With all-wheel drive, the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) drops to 4.8 seconds.
Customers looking for more power can upgrade to the AMG CLS 53. It has 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque, which drops the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to approximately 4.4 seconds. The model can also hit 155 mph (250 km/h), when equipped with optional summer tires.
In Europe, the lineup also includes two diesel engines. The CLS 220d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 hp (143 kW / 194 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It allows for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph (237 km/h).
Likewise, the CLS 400d 4MATIC has a 2.9-liter engine developing 325 hp (243 kW / 330 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. 62 mph (100 km/h) comes in five seconds flat, while the top speed is 155 mph (250 km/h).
The updated CLS is currently available to order in Germany where pricing starts at €59,386.95. A U.S. launch is scheduled for late this year, but pricing hasn’t been announced.
Note: 2020 Mercedes CLS pictured
