Mercedes-Benz Thailand is showcasing the facelifted CLS-Class at the 2015 Bangkok Auto Show. The luxury 4-door coupe launches in India on March 25 (tomorrow), featuring updates over the outgoing model, and even the variant brought to the show is the CLS250 CDI which is the one chosen for India.
The exterior is characterized by the new Multibeam LED headlamps, the diamond grille from the A-Class, and a more muscular looking bumper with huge air intakes, which give the CLS an updated look. Inside, the facelifted CLS gets a new steering wheel and an 8-inch COMAND infotainment screen. The overall dashboard layout remains largely unchanged.
The most notable changes are under the hood, where Mercedes has included a new 9-speed automatic transmission and bumped the power outputs of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, 3.0-liter V6 diesel, and the 3.5-liter V6 petrol. AMG is also offering the CLS 63 AMG powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo petrol engine. However the petrol and diesel variants for India would continue with the seven-speed transmission.
The CLS-Class will launch in India as a CBU model. It is quite unlikely that they'll switch to CKD assembly, given the low demand for large four door coupes.