THE UK has played host to the unveiling of the superb, revamped and improved Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe in front of a select group of the world's motoring pundits.

It took place at the German car maker's Mercedes-Benz World centre at the historic Brooklands race circuit in Surrey.

The sleek, up-market coupe has had a makeover which makes it even more desirable to those who can afford its high price tag.

Front of the CL, from the screen forward, is all new with a sleek bonnet, new V-shape radiator grille and curving headlamps.

The front bumper has new design with three air intake openings and a chrome trim strip. An LED strip with chrome surround for the daytime running lights is integrated in the side openings for the brake cooling air.

Subtle changes have also been made to the interior of this already luxurious S-Class-sized coupe.

There is a choice of different colour leather and a new multifunction steering wheel has also been modified by the Mercedes-Benz designers. Now the rim and airbag module are lined with soft nappa leather as standard. The new, flatter airbag module also lends a sporty touch to the multifunction steering wheel.

The CL-Class also sets standards where onboard "infotainment" is concerned.

The Stuttgart car maker equips its flagship CL model with the new Splitviewtechnology housed in the centre console.

Similar to that used by Jaguar and Land Rover, the display allows the driver and front passenger to view different contents simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver uses the map-based navigation system, the front passenger can be watching a film on DVD.

But what the German's were most keen to emphasise was what is now under the bonnet of the CL.

It is an all-new twin-turbo V8 engine fitted to the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY model. It is 800cc smaller than its predecessor but gives 12 per cent more power at 435bhp.

Mercedes claims fuel consumption is improved by 23 per cent to 29.7mpg. CO2 emissions fall from 288g/km to 224g/km to keep the tree-huggers happy.

The improvements are the result of third-generation direct petrol injection and other engine improvements, as well as a stop/start system.

A new safety system - Active Blind Spot Assist - is a radar-based system that warns the driver before a lane-change if it detects another vehicle in the exterior mirror's blind spot. If the driver fails to react to the warning the system triggers the braking system in order to counteract the course which would lead to a collision with the vehicle at the side.

The list of standard equipment on the revised Merc is amazing. Suffice to say you get all the bells and whistles to keep even the most picky buyer more than happy.

The new CL-Class will be available in various models, the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY which comes in at £88,325. It is powered by a V8, 4,663 cc engine producing 485 bhp with a limited top speed of 155 mph and a 0-62 sprint time of just 4.9 seconds.

Also the special order V12 CL 600, with 5,515 cc, 517 bhp, a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds.

Two CL-Class AMG versions will be available.

The 63 AMG will set you back £108,185 and the stunning 65 AMG comes in at a staggering price tag of £154,930.

Mercedes in the UK say around 200 CL-Class modesl will be sold in a full year.

They are expensive, but you expect to pay for the top quality and this latest luxury motor from the Germans is up with the best in the world.