2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Alabama

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Introduction

• What's New - A new look for Mercedes' "four-door" coupe, first introduced in 2005. This is what's called a mid-cycle refresh, so there aren't any wholesale changes to the vehicle. Minor design changes along with a few updated features. In addition to a mild nose job, the grille has two bars instead of four and the upper and lower openings have gray mesh. In back, a new rear bumper is joined by new taillamps and exhaust tips.
• Why It Matters - Mercedes wants to continue to get your attention with the stylish coupe/sedan that it used to call the "Jag Killer." The car continues on in the two models available since 2007: the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG. The 550 is powered by the 5.5 -liter, V-8 engine, while the AMG model runs with the 6.2-liter AMG V-8 

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview - 2008 New York Auto Show: When we drove the CLS two years ago, the most notable characteristic was its good looks. That hasn't changed; it's still a sleek car. It was also quiet and comfortable, although most of that comfort was up front. Back seats were nice, but head and leg room were a little sparse. After that, it was the high sticker price that caught our attention. We don't want to sound like we've become blasé about the price of luxury cars, but given that the CLS slots just below the S-Class, the nearly $65,000 list price for the 2008 model doesn't sound like it's outside the norm these days. Pricing for the 2009 hasn't been released, but probably will be a couple of weeks before the new version arrives at dealers in May.

Beyond the cosmetic changes, there are few additions to the CLS. The upcoming next-generation of the E-Class is due next year, and with the CLS riding on the same platform, it seems likely that a full redesign of the CLS would follow.