Mercedes CLS; its first generation debuted in 2004, the second incarnation saw the light in 2011 while the following year here is the CLS in Shooting Brake version. The third generation presented itself to the public in 2018. Today, in 2021 is the time of restyling. On closer inspection, for the new CLS we can almost speak of a real facelift, given that the aesthetic changes are particularly concentrated in front, on the face. However, the changes at the tip of the fingers are not the only novelties that introduces the restyling of the Mercedes CLS. Also in the dowry are, for the first time, mild-hybrid powertrains and a brand new steering wheel.
MEASUREMENTS AND AESTHETIC CHANGES
Before talking about its aesthetics, let’s give some numbers: 500 cm in length, a height of 144 cm and the width that settles on 190 cm. As we have anticipated, the main changes are concentrated in the face brought as a dowry by the introduction, as standard, of the AMG Line package that gives the face a more sporty look. New is the cut of the LED front headlamps, now sharper, but above all the radiator grille with the grille with an almost three-dimensional design is unprecedented. But the part most modified by the designers is located just below, in the lower area, with a pronounced splitter and vertical strips that clean the flows and convey them to the outermost part, where the front slits of the face are housed. Small additions are also on the side that has more pronounced miniskirts and alloy wheels with a specific design and in the measure of 20″. The b-side proudly shows the rear spoiler and that it overhangs a hint of diffuser. It’s just a shame that the exhaust terminals are fake.
The exterior look has been embellished with a few skilful details that give a sportier look to the new 2021 Mercedes CLS sedan, while inside the cockpit it continues to preserve the classic Mercedes style. The substantial novelty is represented by the addition of the new steering wheel. This is the real command center of the car: new in design and with touch buttons on the two spokes divided by function zones; on the left to control the instrument cluster and ADAS, on the right to give commands to the infotainment and to manage calls and multimedia system. The steering wheel is then capacitive, this means that it is able to detect the presence of the driver’s hands on the crown, simply feeling the touch and without requiring the movement of the steering wheel to signal to the ADAS that you actually have control of the car.
PAMPERED BY MERCEDES
As always, technology makes the big voice inside the German cockpit. The fully digital and customizable instrument cluster in the menus responds, such as the latest generation MBUX infotainment system, set in 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch displays (optional). If we use the on-board navigator, the central screen will take advantage of augmented reality for navigation, just like the flagship S-Class. While, when we use the infotainment system we will be helped by the so-called “Gesture Control”, which allows you to activate some functions of the on-board system based on the gestures of our hands on the main screen or according to the driving situation, suggesting some specific activities or menus.
For example, if we have already done many kilometers, the on-board system with MBUX could recommend the use of the Energizing system, which uses the massage functions of the seats combined with the “chromotherapy” of the soft lights on board, the music and the breath produced by the air vents, combined with particular fragrances. If the exterior style has remained the same inside the passenger compartment, it should be noted that, with the restyling of the Mercedes CLS, there are new upholstery to choose from, for the seats and for the interior finishes as well as new decorative wooden inserts.
DIESEL AND PETROL HYBRID ENGINES
Putting aside the slight aesthetic changes, there is a great novelty to be found under the hood of the new Mercedes CLS, namely the introduction in the range, for the first time, of the Mild-Hybrid hybrid engines. The engines for the Italian market are the (CLS 300 d 4MATIC) 2.0, 4-cylinder diesel engine of 195 kW/265 hp with 550 Nm, with the ISG electric motor generator that gave life to the Mild-Hybrid propulsion and adds an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque.
