Mercedes CLS-Class revealed in full

MERCEDES-BENZ has fully revealed the new-look CLS-Class range after teasing its facelifted front-end and high-tech headlights earlier this week.

The refreshed CLS 'four-door Coupe' (sedan) and Shooting Brake (wagon) range returns with new fuel-saving technology, added safety equipment and an updated interior capped-off with a new look nose and clever adaptive LED headlights.

Two new engines join the range with a four-cylinder 125kW/400Nm diesel powering the entry-level CLS220 BlueTec, while a 245kW/480Nm twin-turbo V6 replaces the normally aspirated engine of the previous CLS400.

The CLS250 BlueTec four-cylinder diesel, CLS350 BlueTec V6 diesel and road-rocket 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 C63 AMG engines are all unchanged form the previous outgoing range.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is now available on all but the flagship AMG variant, and Mercedes says the 9G-Tronic unit cuts fuel consumption, while increasing ride comfort and agility.

Up front, Mercedes' new CLS uses clever Multibeam adaptive LED headlights in conjunction with a forward looking camera and four control-units to aim or isolate light from the road ahead, allowing for the optimum illuminated area under changing conditions.

The system can readjust 100 times per second allowing the projected pool of light to be focused and peer around corners or to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers, for example.

Fibre-optic 'eyebrow' highlights change colour to either supplement the headlight, act as an indicator or glow a cool blue when serving as a welcome-light.

In addition to the new headlights, the nose now features larger brake-cooling vents and a redesigned grille, while at the other end the tail-lights have taken on a slightly darker hue.

Inside the new CLS range the mild reshape continues, with interiors receiving a new eight-inch free-standing dash-mounted screen, and functions are more easily accessed with four control buttons replacing two.

A new sportier three-spoke steering-wheel, five interior colour themes and six trim finishes complete the refreshed cabins.

Collision prevention technology now comes as standard in the updated CLS range, while S-Class pioneered Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, a blind spot warning, lane keeping device, traffic sign detection, parking assist and a 360-degree camera are all available as options.

New connectivity technology has also been squeezed in to the CLS range, allowing easier operation of auxiliary devices, and the use of NASA satellite images have enlivened the updated navigation system.

The new CLS will go on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2015, following its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month.

Mercedes-Benz is yet to confirm pricing, but it is unlikely that it will deviate much from the current line-up which starts at $114,900, plus on-roads for the 250 CDI Avantgarde 10 Edition and tops out with the CLS 63 AMG S Shooting Brake at $265,145.