2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS facelift revealed

Updated four-door coupe gets styling tweaks and new 2.0-litre diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid tech; AMG CLS 53 to come in limited-run special edition.

Published On Apr 07, 2021 03:00:00 PM

37,482 Views

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS facelift revealed

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has been given a mid-life facelift, gaining a raft of styling upgrades, a new mild-hybrid diesel powertrain and a limited-edition version of AMG’s range-topping 435hp CLS 53 4Matic+. The four-door coupé received a number of updates to its driver assistance and infotainment systems last year, so this facelift focuses on design changes, including a revised grille and bumpers.

CLS 300d gets new 251hp 2.0-litre diesel with 48V integrated starter generator
Cosmetic changes include revised bumpers, grille, new alloy wheels and new paint shade
Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ to be available in a 300 unit limited-run special edition

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS: design changes

Compared to the outgoing model, the updated CLS gets a revised bumpers along with tweaks to the grille, new design alloy wheels depending on the variant, and a new exterior paint shade.

The entry-level CLS Avantgarde gets a revised front bumper with a contrasting chrome-finished splitter, while the rear bumper now features a black diffuser insert. The more performance-inspired AMG Line car, meanwhile, gets bespoke air intakes, black trim details and a subtle lip spoiler.

A pair of new 19-inch wheel designs is available across the range, while the larger 20-inch wheels can be painted in new colours. Also new is the Spectral Blue Metallic paint shown here.

The hot CLS 53 has also been given a spruce-up, including a redesigned AMG grille and bumpers, along with two new Night Package options that swap the black windscreen surround for polished aluminium and bring darkened chrome for the front grille and rear badging.

The interior now features a number of new trim options, with additional use of leather and a new steering wheel design. The centre console can be had in a choice of wood finishes, and new colour choices have been introduced for the leather seats.

Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ Limited Edition

Aside from the cosmetic updates to the AMG CLS 53, Mercedes has also introduced a new limited-run variant of the four-door coupe. The new Limited Edition, of which just 300 examples will be made, adds racing stripes, high-gloss black exterior elements and the AMG Dynamic Plus package as standard. It is available exclusively in white or grey and comes with black five-spoke alloy wheels with a polished lip.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS: new CLS 300d mild-hybrid

Also new to the CLS line-up is the new CLS 300d mild-hybrid. The new powertrain features a 265hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine assisted by a 48V integrated starter-generator that offers an addition boost of 20hp and 200Nm. The 2.0-litre unit, designated the OM 654M, displaces 1,993cc as against the OM 654’s 1,950cc (CLS 220d) and features a longer stroke, increased injection pressure and two water-cooled variable geometry turbos. It sends the CLS 300d from 0 to 100kph in 6.4sec, and on to a top speed of 250kph.

Other diesel engine options available on the standard CLS include the 194hp, 2.0-litre diesel CLS 220d, the 330hp, 3.0-litre in-line six in the CLS 400d. Petrol engine options include the 299hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (CLS 350) and the more powerful 3.0-litre, in-line six mild-hybrid developing 367hp in the CLS 450 4Matic and 435hp in the AMG CLS 53.

Mercedes-Benz car launches for India

Coming to the Indian market, one can expect Mercedes to introduce the updated CLS in India sometime in the near future. The CLS is currently available in India in the 300d spec, powered by a 245hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Coming to the carmaker’s other models, Mercedes has lined up a number of launches for the Indian market, with the most recent being the all-new A-Class Limousine and the facelifted E-Class. The carmaker has also confirmed the launch of the second-gen GLA SUV, the new Mercedes S-Class and the AMG GT Black Series for this year.

Also see:

Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan video review

Mercedes-AMG reveals new 800hp+ plug-in hybrid powertrain

Mercedes-Benz EQS to be the world’s most aerodynamically efficient car