Like a comfortable pair of shoes, sedans are a good fit

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS

When we drove the CLS two years ago, the most notable characteristic was its good looks. That hasn't changed; it's still a sleek car with what amounts to mostly cosmetic changes for 2009. In addition to a mild nose job, the grille has two bars instead of four and the upper and lower openings have gray mesh. In back, a new rear bumper is joined by new taillamps and exhaust tips. Beyond the cosmetic changes, there are few changes. The next generation of the E-Class is due next year, and with the CLS on the same platform, it seems likely that a thorough redesign of the CLS will follow in short order.

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