Right back to the first-generation model, the CLS continues to be – we’d argue — Mercedes ‘ prettiest vehicle. It’s a travesty that will there’s no full-fat AMG version of the current a single, with Merc electing rather to make the porky-looking AMG GT63 4 Door to fill up that void.

The CLS 53 , lovely car though it could be, just isn’t quite thrilling enough. But , it’s started get a little livelier post-facelift. Following in the footsteps of the refreshed E53 , it’s now available using the ‘AMG Dynamic Plus Package’, something which used to be reserved for that 45 and 63 versions.

This adds all kinds of sportified extras. Option this, and you get red-painted braking system calipers, an AMG Functionality steering wheel, and most importantly, the ‘Race’ driving mode. With this selected, it’s possible to choose Drift mode. Mercedes hasn’t detailed the system, but if it is anything like what the E63 S uses, it’ll say goodbye to power to the front wheels to help make the CLS much more willing to take part in sideways shenanigans.

To go using that clobber, there’s a few reasonably significant styling adjustments at the front. The bumper is usually new, featuring the top to bottom grille vanes once utilized only on top-of-the-line AMG models. The rear is, so far as we can see, unchanged.

three hundred of these are offered in New edition trim, with Cashmere White-colored or Selentine Grey color, racing stripes on the side sills and 20-inch alloys tires. All LE cars have the AMG Night Package plus AMG Night Package II fitted as standard.

Regarding what’s under the bonnet, that is all the same as before. There are a 3. 0-litre inline-six turbo engine developing 429bhp and 384lb ft torque capacity, supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system providing a short 21bhp and 184lb ft improve at full throttle. 0-62mph takes 4. 5 mere seconds, and the top speed is : of course – electronically restricted to 155mph.

Want one? The last CLS 53 was £76, six hundred, so it’s safe to anticipate a modest increase upon that figure. The renew CLS range as a whole ought at around the £60, 1000 mark.