2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

NEW FOR 2009:

- Exterior and interior styling facelift

- New-generation audio and communications, including standard Bluetooth, MP3, TeleAid, COMAND APS with hard-disc-drive navigation system and media interface

- New wheel designs

- New AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission with throttle-blip function

- Exterior colour: Rutil Brown Metallic added

- Interior trim: Black Bird's Eye Maple added

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class undergoes some styling changes, including a new grille with grey air intakes, lower-slung rear bumper, trapezoidal exhaust pipes, LED taillights, larger mirrors with arrow-shaped LED turn signals, a three-spoke steering wheel, new instrument cluster, and on the CLS550, white-coloured dials and gauges.

The CLS is available in two models: the CLS550, with 5.5-litre V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission, and the CLS63 AMG, with 6.2-litre V8 and seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission.

Features on the CLS550 include 18-inch alloy wheels, four-zone automatic climate control, air suspension with adaptive damping system, COMAND APS with hard-drive navigation system, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, SIRIUS satellite radio, media interface, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, active bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, heated washers, two-stage rain-sensing wipers, ten-way power heated front seats with three-position memory, leather upholstery, black bird's-eye maple trim, heated leather-wrapped multifunction wheel with power tilt and telescopic column, power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, trunk pass-through with ski sack, Parktronic parking sensors, garage door opener, cruise control, first-aid kit, and tire pressure loss warning system.

The CLS63 AMG adds 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG styling package, multi-contour front seats, AMG Nappa leather upholstery, and wheel-mounted shifter paddles.

Mercedes-Benz calls the CLS a "four-door coupe"; it's up to the owner to decide if such a thing exists, but there's no question that this is one of the loveliest-styled cars on the road. The interior includes a full-length back-to-front centre console that turns it into a four-seater. Its low-swept roofline reduces headroom for rear-seat passengers, but it's a small price to pay for a car that looks this good.