If restyled side mirrors excite you, then get ready for the newly refreshed Mercedes CLS, which goes on sale in Europe in March. The new mirrors -- 32 percent larger than before -- are perhaps the most eye-catching exterior change in an update that is fairly subtle. The enlarged mirrors incorporate the striking LED arrow design we first saw on the refreshed SLK and SLK 55AMG. CLS fans will also notice the grille now has just two horizontal strakes instead of the four on last year's model.
Not surprisingly, the refresh also involves restyled wheels as well as standard 19-inchers for the CLS63 AMG. In the rear, the new trapezoidal exhaust pipes fit better into the car's rear view much better than the ovals they replace. The new pipes are joined by LED taillamps and a rear bumper that stretches further downward than the previous model.
The previous four spoke steering wheel is replaced by a new three-spoke wheel, that, except for a touch of silver trim at its base, looks no more or less attractive than before. Along with a new instrument cluster, the CLS gets chestnut wood trim and the latest generation of its NTG telematics controls.
All CLS models get the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles that can shorten the 0-62 mph run by 0.2 seconds and, for the CLS63 AMG, blips the throttle during downshifts. We hope Mercedes considers sending us the CLS350 CGI, which is powered by a V-6 engine benefitting from piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion to produce a healthy 292 horsepower good for the equivalent of about 25 mpg on the European tests.
The CLS63 AMG's new wheels are shod with 255/35 R19 rubber in the front and 285/30 R 19 in back. Behind the new AMG steering wheel's contoured grip areas are two aluminum AMG shift paddles. For those CLS63 AMG drivers wishing to take their cars over the $100,000 mark, Mercedes would be happy to oblige with AMG body add-ons, a flat-bottom steering wheel and other fun extras from the AMG Performance Studio.
Consumers looking for a premium four door with an emphasis on sexiness over practicality will still be knocking on Mercedes' door, but by the time the refreshed CLS goes on sale here later this year, it may need to defend itself from the Jaguar XF, which is poised to hit U.S. shores in March. In addition, planned four-door coupe offerings from German rivals VW/Audi (Passat CC, A7) and BMW (vehicle based on the Concept CS), among others, will put additional pressure on Mercedes to keep the CLS fresh.