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Next-gen CLS coupe: 9-speed auto in SA

CAPE TOWN, Western Cape - Mercedes-Benz has revised its CLS Coupe with new design tweaks, upgraded technology and the inclusion of a nine-speed transmission.

Its iconic design has received improvements to the front and rear as well as new head and tail lights featuring the automaker's latest Multibeam LEDs. The interior has been enhanced with several style and trim updates.

Mechanically, it has new engines and gains a nine-sped auto gearbox.

LATEST IN LIGHTING TECH

The CLS is already equipped with LED high-performance headlights as standard. Alternatively, three models are optionally available with new Multibeam LEDs.

According to the automaker: “New Multibeam LED headlights provide exceptionally fast and precise, anti-dazzle continuous main beam and light up the road surface and its edges, much more brightly in many situations.”

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe

If the camera-based adaptive high beam assist plus system detects oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead with their lights o, each of the 24 individual high-performance LED's is controlled electronically so that various areas of the road surface can be masked out, depending on the situation.

Its anti-dazzle, main-beam headlights can be permanently switched on.

In addition to the camera on the windscreen, this new lighting system uses four control units to calculate the ideal light pattern 100 times per second and control each of the 24 high-performance LED's in each module.

As well as the high-performance precision LED module, each headlight contains a module for the low-beam headlight, which can be swiveled for an active light function. The active light function starts to swivel before the driver has even turned in a corner and will swivel back to a straight-on position before the corner ends.

SPORTY ENGINES, 9-SPEED AUTO

The new CLS 250 CDI is powered by a four-cylinder diesel capable of 150kW/500Nm. A new V6 petrol unit is a available in the CLS 400. Its turbocharged 3.5-litre unit is capable of 245kW/480Nm.

The CLS 350 BlueTEC and CLS 500 benefit from a nine-speed auto – the 9G-Tronic.

INSIDE

The cabin gains a new free-standing colour display with a 20.3cm screen, redesigned three-spoked sports steering-wheel and many refined details which contribute to the interior's high-quality look and feel. The central control panel in the centre console now has four buttons instead of two.

Owners can choose from five interior colours, six types of trim and various qualities of leather.

The new AMG Line Plus bolsters the existing Exterior Sports package and AMG Line and by the end of 2014 the CLS coupe will be available with a special ‘Night package’ and “design” interior packages.

NEXT-GEN INFOTAINMENT

A choice of infotainment system (Audio 20 CD – CLS 250 CDI only) or Comand Online – (CLS 250 CDI optional) and standard on CLS 350 BlueTEC, CLS 400, CLS 500 and CLS 63 AMG) is available in conjunction with the new free-standing display. Each enables access to the internet (via a Bluetooth-capable mobile phone with a data option) without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary.

Standard is the media interface for connecting an iPod or iPhone allowing drivers to access Mercedes-Benz apps such as weather, Google with StreetView and Panoramio, destination/route download and Facebook.
Comand Online additionally comes with Linguatronic voice-operated control.

Both the basic Audio 20 CD system and command online comes as standard with basic telephony, which connects the mobile phone with the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth interface, featuring HD Voice (significantly improves voice quality).

All CLS units are sold with Mercedes-Benz six-years or 100 000km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.

PRICES
CLS 250 CDI  – R760 000 
CLS 350 BlueTec – R893 000
CLS 400 - R888 000
CLS 500 - R 1 120 000
CLS 63 AMG S - R1600 000

Adding optional extras can easily add more than R200 000 to those prices, depending on model.

Click here for full specifications
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