Has it already been three years since Mercedes-Benz introduced its lovely CLS sedan–calling it a “coupe” because of its sexy roofline? It must be, because we checked our passport and it says Rome, Italy, for 2005 and we vividly remember emptying a minibar of its Chianti after being motored around the city’s Cinecitta film studio.
Now for the 2009 model year Mercedes is hoping to improve on the CLS’ dramatic looks with a new grille (it’s a dual-bar version, two fewer than before). There are new side mirrors, new LED taillamps and new 18-inch wheels.
As in years past you can order a V-8 powered CLS550, with 382 horsepower and a seven-speed automatic — or you can up the ante with the AMG version. That CLS63 trumpets out 507 horsepower through a seven-speed automatic with Speedshift controls. This CLS version is also offered in a Performance package that removes the top-speed limiter and allows the CLS to run to 186 miles per hour.
Inside the CLS gets a three-spoke steering wheel, new white and silver gauges, and a new display for the COMAND infotainment system, along with integral Bluetooth connectivity and voice activation. A harman/kardon Logic 7 audio system is standard.