Mercedes CLS is getting a facelift, interior and exterior spied

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class basically invented the four-door coupe niche when the first generation was unveiled in 2004. While it had less practicality than a traditional sedan, it made up for it with tons of style. The second generation continued the lineage in 2010, albeit with a less bulbous shape than the original. The refresh for the second-gen CLS has been recently spied, with an emphasis on improving the interior and adding new lighting.

The spy photos show off a redesigned front end with a one-bar grille and Mercedes' new Active Multibeam LED headlights. The system monitors what is happening in front of the car 100 times a second and adjusts the light accordingly by manipulating the individual LEDs. There is also an altered rear bumper and modified taillights, if you can make them out through the caked snow.

Mercedes' larger COMAND infotainment screen debuts in the interior and makes the old system look tiny by comparison. COMAND's button layout has also been altered slightly for the new system and has more chrome trim for a bit of bling to go with the new tech. There is also a new multi-function steering wheel to help control it all.

A nine-speed automatic transmission has been rumored for the updated CLS, but Mercedes has not said when the refresh will debut.