2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS

• What’s New – A new look for Mercedes’ “four-door” coupe, first introduced in 2005. This is what’s called a mid-cycle refresh, so there aren’t any wholesale changes to the vehicle. Minor design changes along with a few updated features. In addition to a mild nose job, the grille has two bars instead of four and the upper and lower openings have gray mesh. In back, a new rear bumper is joined by new taillamps and exhaust tips.
• Why It Matters – Mercedes wants to continue to get your attention with the stylish coupe/sedan that it used to call the “Jag Killer.” The car continues on in the two models available since 2007: the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG. The 550 is powered by the 5.5 -liter, V-8 engine, while the AMG model runs with the 6.2-liter AMG V-8

When we drove the CLS two years ago, the most notable characteristic was its good looks. That hasn’t changed; it’s still a sleek car. It was also quiet and comfortable, although most of that comfort was up front. Back seats were nice, but head and leg room were a little sparse. After that, it was the high sticker price that caught our attention. We don’t want to sound like we’ve become blasé about the price of luxury cars, but given that the CLS slots just below the S-Class, the nearly $65,000 list price for the 2008 model doesn’t sound like it’s outside the norm these days. Pricing for the 2009 hasn’t been released, but probably will be a couple of weeks before the new version arrives at dealers in May.

Beyond the cosmetic changes, there are few additions to the CLS. The upcoming next-generation of the E-Class is due next year, and with the CLS riding on the same platform, it seems likely that a full redesign of the CLS would follow.

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The new features amount to a new display for the Command system, which now incorporates Bluetooth capability for hands-free cell phone use and voice control for audio and phone.

Carrying over from the 2008 model are a digital surround sound with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary input. Four-zone climate control, 10-way power adjustable front seats, electric tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a smart key are the convenience highlights on hand again. Seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, electronic stability and traction control and roll-over sensor are the major safety features.

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The CLS550 is powered by a 5.5-liter, V-8 that produces 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 6.2-liter, AMG V-8 powers the CLS63 with 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both models transfer power to the rear wheels using a seven-speed automatic transmission. For the CLS550, the transmission has M-B’s Touch Shift. AMG Speedshift enhances the AMG model’s gearbox by not making any automatic shifts when in manual mode. Shifts can made via either stick or paddle shifters.

The 550 has four-wheel independent, a four-link setup in front and a five-arm multilink in back. Large disc brakes and multi-piston calipers at all four corners handle stopping duties. The AMG has the same basic setup, but tuned for more aggressive driving. In keeping with that, brakes are bigger, while the stability control can apply the brakes to just one wheel, transferring to torque to the wheel with better traction. It’s not a limited-slip differential, but has a similar effect. The 2008 CLS550 is EPA-rated at 14 city and 21 mpg highway, while the CLS63 comes in at 12 in town and 18 on the open road.

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Outside, the nose of the car has a new fascia and grille. The previous four-bar grille gives way to a two-bar version. The upper and lower openings have mesh, painted gray.

The mirrors are larger, with arrow shaped turn signals built-in, the rear bumper is new and the tailpipes take on the trapezoid shape found on the new SL.

Inside, the steering wheel is now a three-spoke design and the three gauges are chronometer-type, white with silver backgrounds and chrome rings. They’re joined by a couple of LCD bar graphs.