Once, combining power and elegance, dynamism and majesty in one image, Mercedes-Benz designers created something that later received the name CLS-class. Now this story has a continuation. The updated CLS 2008, although not radically, differs from the car that first appeared before the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004.

Restyling is different. Some try to stir up interest in the model this way, others — to show the capabilities of a small company in a favorable light, and others — simply to pay tribute to their customers. Since neither the first nor the second applies to Mercedes-Benz, it remains to assume that the bestseller was updated precisely out of respect for customers.

At first it seems that nothing has changed in the new CLS. The same smooth-muscular body lines, the same optics, everything is in its place. But upon closer inspection, differences are found. New details inscribed in old forms made the appearance of the four-door sports coupe more daring and less heavy. First of all, the new radiator grille catches the eye: it has lost two slats, and because of this, the front end has become more aggressive. Matching it is a diamond-shaped insert painted in satin gray.

The exterior mirrors now look different too. They have become larger in area, which added points to active safety, and received LED turn signal repeaters. There are also changes at the rear: the oval exhaust tips have been replaced by trapezoidal ones, which now peek out from under the bumper. The bumper itself has also changed — in the lower part it seems to be recessed inward. But the rear lights remain the same in shape, except that the brake lights and turn signals now work on durable LEDs.

Inside, there is also little new. The instrument cluster has been slightly updated, fresh trim options and a new three-spoke steering wheel with many functions have appeared. But the main interest is the Comand multimedia system with a color 6.5-inch screen. Navigation and all entertainment functions are tied to it. You can control all this both with buttons and voice commands.

Do not think that engineers from Stuttgart limited themselves to external changes only. In the base version of the CLS, there is now a new V-shaped "six" with a volume of 2996 cubic centimeters. Power — 231 horsepower, and peak 300 Nm of torque is available from 2500 rpm and holds up to 5000. With such an engine, the CLS 280 reaches a hundred in 7.7 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 245 km/h. But the most surprising thing is fuel consumption. With such displacement and power, the car is content with only 9.8 liters per hundred in the combined cycle. Our test confirmed this, though with a calm driving style.

G-TRONIC

Mercedes engineers have achieved noticeable progress in managing gear shifts. If you need to accelerate sharply and activate kick-down mode, the 7G-Tronic does not sequentially shift down one step at a time, but uses a combined transition technique. Depending on the situation, the gearbox can skip down four gears at once. This made it possible to significantly reduce shift time compared to the previous five-speed automatic. Thanks to this, in almost any situation the optimal gear ratio is selected.

Driving
The car is equally good in dynamic mode and in calm driving.

Interior
Saturated with pathos and luxury, although conservative notes are visible in places.

Comfort
Maximum level — for cars of this brand it goes without saying.

Safety
At the highest level. Including the Pre-Safe system, which recognizes danger and prepares protective measures for passengers in advance.

Price
Quite adequate.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • + High level of comfort, excellent dynamics, fine handling, low fuel consumption for a V6.
  • - No active screen in the Comand system.

Technical specifications

Make and model — Mercedes-Benz CLS 280
Dimensions — 4913x1873x1390 mm
Engine — petrol, 2996 cm3, 231 hp/6000 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 7-speed
Dynamics — max 245 km/h; 7.7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — BMW 6 Series

Our opinion

The updated Mercedes-Benz CLS has definitely become more attractive externally, but you should not count on completely new driving sensations. In essence, it remains what it was: luxurious, solid, and very expensive. However, the latter does not affect sales in any way.