golfster

With MB's design language shaping the fronts of the recently restyled E sedans, coupes, cabs and wagons, as well as the newly introduced CLA and S, how soon will the refresh with the larger, rounder under bumper intakes arrive on the CLS? I understand the taillights would keep their shape but migrate to a lens more like the E and S as well (solid red versus clear/red). The dealer says it is likely next on the schedule, but not sure of when.

Of note, in my area, there is quite an ample supply of new 2014 CLS's in inventory, so the deals are pretty attractive. Although it took awhile for the CLS to grow on me, it is on the short list of cars I'm considering for my next purchase.

Thanks in advance.

petee1997

Usually the refresh is in the fourth year of a model. The current CLS was introduced in NA as a 2012. Expect the refresh on the 2016 model in the fall of 2015.

golfster

Thanks, Petee.

427

I found this 'spy' info online... not sure how accurate it might be:

threeMBs

Usually that's the case. However, I do not think that the original C219 CLS was refreshed. It just had a six (instead of the usual seven) years run then was completely changed. Its a low volume model and just like its predecessor, I do not expect any significant updates until its replaced in three more years as a 2017 MY.

petee1997

You are right. I don't remember a refresh on the 219. We certainly won't see a big refresh like the 14 E class. I would expect updated options and software and minor upgrades like all LED lighting in the interior. They certainly won't change any sheet metal. That's big bucks and too few cars to spread the cost.

The nice thing about the CLS is that it's the design leader for all the upcoming new models. This will keep the CLS looking current throughout it's current cycle.

golfster

Hopefully the 218 will follow the 219 in that regard. From Edmund's, just one engine change in '07 and a "light" refresh in '09. From the spy shots that 427 posted, it appears changes to the 219, if any, are contained to the under-bumper treatment and not as extensive as the 212 refresh. Either way, not enough to delete the car from my consideration.

Thanks for the responses.

"For 2006 only, the CLS-Class was available in CLS500 and CLS55 AMG guises. The former came with a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 306 hp, while the CLS55 AMG had a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8. From '07 until the end of this generation's run in 2011, the CLS550 featured a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 that produced 382 hp.

Besides the '07 engine swap, changes were light during this generation. For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class received a mild exterior styling refresh, including an updated twin-bar grille, restyled wheels, trapezoidal exhaust tips and reshaped LED taillights. The COMAND interface was also revised, but it was always plagued by usability issues. Instead of the touchscreen interfaces of some competitors or the screen-and-knob system that replaced it, this generation of COMAND featured an LCD screen and multidirectional buttons akin to a video game controller.
"

34.50

There was a mid model facelift on the 219 - it came in 2009. It included a new COMAND (with SD card), new steering wheel (3 spoke), exhaust note changes (as well as slightly different exhaust pipes), LED tail light changes, different side mirrors (arrow style), slightly redesigned rear bumper.

Not significant changes, but I think there will be a mid model facelift on the 218. Every manufacturer tends to do some changes without making a brand new generation of that car.

threeMBs

A. Well to me "restyle" means mid model changes as were seen for example for W211 E-class and R230 SL-class (both in 2007) - completely different front and rear bumpers in addition to some IMO minor interior changes.

B. Of course then they further "restyled" R230 SL-class in 2009 drastically, same as they did with the current W212 E for 2014, basically creating completely different cars IMHO.

So for C218 not only I do not expect any drastic changes as in B. above, I do not expect much (if any) exterior changes as in A. above as well.

What I do expect for C218 are the same kind of "changes" (or improvements) they've done for C219.

golfster

Thanks, ThreeMB's. I would much prefer the same pattern as was the case on the 219 as opposed to the much more drastic refresh we just experienced with the 212. I don't object to the need for improvements over time, but I prefer when my car looks current for a bit longer.

Tjdehya

From what I have read the slight facelift will arrive for 2015. A new front (matching the new design language) and a slightly updated interior. From the spy pic it looks like it will be getting a new steering wheel along with that ugly floating nav from the CLA and next gen C-class.