Mercedes-Benz updates the CLS Class, debuts MULTIBEAM LED headlamps



Mercedes-Benz has given the CLS Class a mild refresh, mostly to the nose of the car. Both the CLS Coupe and the CLS Shooting Brake gets a new front bumper incorporating the flashy diamond grille and the all-new optional MULTIBEAM LED lights. Only a minor change at the back where the taillamps are now smoked.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (BR 218) 2014

The new optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps which makes it debut on the updated CLS, houses 24 high-performance LEDs on each side. Advantages of using LED technology apart from lasting up to five times longer than a xenon lamp, the light produced by LED is brighter and closer to daylight compared to xenon, and they are more energy efficient.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (C 218) 2014

With the improved Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, the best possible light pattern is adjusted automatically to ensure the road ahead is always brightly illuminated but without dazzling other road users. They achieved this by using a camera on the windscreen that reads the oncoming traffic, and mechanically masks them from the light path. Each LED is electronically controlled individually by four control units that calculate at 100 times per second, so the light pattern is dynamic to suit the road traveled.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (C 218) 2014

MULTIBEAM LED headlamps also include a low-beam headlamp module with four LEDs that are able swivel up to 12° to illuminate corners. Unlike the current cornering lights on most cars that turn the lamps according to the steering angle, MULTIBEAM LED will turn the lamp even before the steering wheel is turned, if the camera on the windscreen detects an approaching bend.

The navigation system also plays a role to the MULTIBEAM LED. If the car comes to a roundabout, the cornering light modules on both sides are activated to cover a wider light path that covers the side of the road. Additionally, the fibre-optic cable that serves as the daytime running lights and turn indicators will also light up in blue to greet the driver upon unlocking the car.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (C 218) 2014

Inside the cabin, changes are limited to a new steering wheel and the infotainment system with a floating 8-inch screen. The optional COMAND online infotainment systems allow internet surfing, and incorporates Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Google Search with StreetView and Panoramio.

A range of optional driving assistance systems can be fitted to the new CLS, including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC including lateral parking manoeuvres and a 360° camera.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (X 218) 2014

In total there are six engines available, a new four-cylinder turbodiesel in the CLS 220 BlueTEC with 170 hp and 400 Nm, while another four-cylinder diesel in the CLS 250 BlueTEC produces 204 hp and 500 Nm. The CLS 350 BlueTEC is powered by a V6 diesel that produces 258 hp and 620 Nm.

The new 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine in the CLS 400 generates 333 hp and 480 Nm, and under the bonnet of the CLS 500 is a 4.6 litre twin turbo V8 dishing out 408 hp and 600 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (C 218) 2014

The 5.5-litre V8 twin turbo powerplant in the CLS 63 AMG comes in two states of tune of either 557 hp and 720 Nm, or 585 hp and 800 Nm in the S-model.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse Facelift (C 218) 2014

The new CLS is equipped with the new nine speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, except the CLS 400 and the CLS 63 AMG which soldier on with the seven speed 7G-TRONIC transmission.

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