Mercedes-Benz CLS review

Mercedes releases full pricing for the facelifted CLS in October, so we’ve still got some time to wait before we can tell you exactly how much buying or leasing one of these things is going to cost. But we can make an educated guess or two.

We do know that when it eventually goes on sale in the UK, the facelifted CLS will only be available in one trim level called “AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus”. There is no entry-level spec that does without the fancy stereo and makes do with 18- instead of 20-inch wheels – every new CLS that leaves the showroom will be loaded to the gunnels with kit. Standard spec will include dual 12.3-inch screens, trick LED headlights, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, tri-zone climate control, a Burmester stereo, 360-degree cameras, a sunroof and keyless go/entry. The CLS53 adds AMG-specific goodies like air suspension and a rorty exhaust.

A ‘Driving Assistance Package’ that buys you Merc’s latest active safety kit will be optional, though no doubt the CLS will be well specified in that area regardless.

As of December 2020, a CLS400 cost £68,495 in AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus spec. The CLS53, meanwhile, cost almost £80,000. Expect a similar situation this time around, with even the four-cylinder CLS costing over £60,000. Whichever way you look at it, the CLS is sure to represent a hefty premium over an equivalently-specified E-Class.

That said, if missing out on the (admittedly minor) updates doesn’t bother you, now could be a good time to track down a new/nearly new pre-facelift CLS at a hefty discount. Dealers will be wanting rid of their stock before the new cars arrive. A cursory search on Merc’s own website reveals loads for sale with discounts of up to £10k.