2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed, in Australia before 2022

Mercedes-Benz has given its niche-busting four-door coupe a nip-and-tuck.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS has been revealed, with an Australia arrival set for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Changes to the CLS, which is a more style-focused take on the E-Class sedan with a lower roofline and frameless windows, are subtle for 2021.

Up front, the entry-level car has been given a redesigned apron and a more prominent splitter, while the rear has ben updated with a more aggressive diffuser insert.

AMG Line models are slightly more aggressive again, with a new radiator grille and new finishes for the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the steering wheel has been upgraded to match the new E-Class. That means it gets two rows of touch-based controls on each side, rather than the previous combination of buttons and swipe pads.

Five new leather colour combinations are being offered, including a range of brown and black options.

No changes to the engines offered in Australia have been detailed, meaning the current line-up is likely to carry over.

The third-generation CLS touched down in Australia late in 2018 and is available in both turbocharged four-cylinder CLS350 and turbocharged inline six-cylinder CLS450 and CLS53 AMG variants.

All feature Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid technology.

An update brought the latest MBUX infotainment system and a new range of options packages to Australia in March 2021, but without the styling tweaks pictured here.

Sitting atop the CLS range is the Mercedes-AM CLS53, which has been treated to a mild nip-and-tuck on the outside.

The grille is new for 2021, while the interior is now home to the same dual-tier steering wheel used in the E-Class.

Power still comes from a mild-hybrid-boosted inline-six with 320kW and 520Nm, augmented by up to 16kW and 250Nm from the 48V EQ Boost system.

A Limited Edition will be offered in Europe with a choice of white or grey ‘Magno’ paint, as well as stripes along the side skirts. Inside, there’s a unique two-tone finish for the cabin.