Mercedes CLS320 CDI facelift (2008) CAR review

It’s facelift time for Merc’s banana-shaped CLS, a coupe/saloon crossover based on the dull old E-class. It hasn’t been around for long so there are no big changes for this mid-life refresh, just minor cosmetic tweaks to keep it looking contemporary in a line-up of newer Benz products.

So guide me through the headline stuff for the Mercedes CLS320 CDI

Hold onto your hats because the grille now contains two horizontal bars instead of four, the new larger door mirrors contain arrow-shaped direction indicators and the previously oval tailpipes are now trapezoidal.  Both bumpers have also been smoothed off and 18-inch wheels are now standard. We’ve made light of the changes but they do improve an already striking looking car.

What about inside?

A revised instrument cluster features white dials on a strange background of horizontal lines but the most welcome change is the replacement of the old car’s big four-spoke wheel for a much sportier and more 'grabbable' three-spoker. Heated leather seats are now standard and the wood-covered wraparound dash ensures the CLS’s cabin remains one of the most interesting big four-doors in which to spend time.

It’s still not for those who care about practicality though. While the front of the Merc’s passenger compartment  has ample room for plus-sized adults, the sloping roofline that gives the car its coupeness robs headroom so that anyone over 6ft will feel the pinch. Wearing hats inside is strictly for midgets.

Click 'Next' to read the rest of Chris's first drive