Classic luxury, German mechanics – there’s no doubting the quality and expertise associated with Mercedes-Benz. Not much can be improved on, which is probably why the 2015 CLS 500 has only undergone some minor enhancements. A minuscule nip and tuck. A just-been-on-holiday refreshment, if you will. Because let’s be honest. With those curves, it was already a supermodel to start with.
There aren’t many cars that so openly give off an air of refined luxury than this European four-door coupe. On the road, it commands respect, with its sophisticated curved roof and low bonnet. Aesthetically, the exterior tweaks are minor; there are larger air intakes and a new diamond grille, with multibeam LED headlamps to flash, if you don’t feel that respect is given quickly enough.
Possibly the most bling feature on the Benz, these lights are controlled individually by the car’s computer, pivoting predictively and automatically adjusting the lighting levels 100 times per second as the windshield camera detects another vehicle, or upcoming bends or roundabouts. When you unlock the car, they even emit a friendly blue light as a welcome.
In signature Mercedes fashion, the interiors are all class. Cushioned, comfortable and exuding sporty luxury, it feels like slipping into a First Class cabin, with sumptuous beige espresso-hued leather (flawlessly stitched) glossy wood trim and plenty of leg room. Of course, there’s always the option to personalise with six types of trim and different qualities of leather to choose from.
The Mercedes Benz CLS 500 in the wild
In another Mercedes signature, the car is replete with safety features and intelligence. The automatically adjusting seat belt is only a taster of how the Benz picks up the slack. With active lane keeping, you barely need to make a cursory blind spot check, and with automatically adjusted steering and a redesigned three-spoke sports steering wheel, parking is a breeze, which is impressive for such a large car (just shy of five metres).
Hitting a power peak at 300 kW (408 hp) and up to 600 Nm of torque, the refined V8 engine emits a pleasing rumble to let you know what the car is capable of, but it’s very easy to control and the ride is pleasingly smooth for both driver and passengers, while adaptive suspension allows you to switch between Comfort and Sport.
Among the many tech niceties like heated and ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera system, the car is fitted with an impressive Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system and a new Comand Online infotainment system on a 20.3 cm diagonal (8”) tablet screen, which does lead to a few confusing moments stabbing with your finger before you realise it’s not actually a touch screen.
Then there’s the dynamic bolstering system, which for Mercedes newcomers, can be unnerving at first. What is dynamic bolstering? Think of it like a little Benz guardian angel dwelling in your seat, cushioning your shoulders to prevent you from sliding when you go around a bend.
Elegance, refined performance and enough technological wizardry to make you feel loved, if you’re in the market for a newer, refreshed model (not too young, not too blonde), then this is your car.
A Mercedes Benz CLS 500 is best cruised on the countryside