In Japan, where limited-edition special models seemingly outnumber the "regular" versions of the cars they're based on, Mercedes has just announced the availability of the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. No power upgrades here, this one's a pure appearance / trim package in the vein of the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER available here in the States.

Japanese buyers can scoop up the AMG-ified CLS in any color they desire as long as it's Obsidian Black. More leeway is offered inside, where beige or black nappa leather can be selected, each with a specific wood trim. Paddle shifters take up residence on the steering wheel, and the driver is surrounded by blue tinted glass. A power glass sunroof is also included.

On the outside, the car receives AMG's fascia, skirts, and a set of very attractive multispoke wheels like the ones seen on the SL 55 AMG from a few years ago.

The CLS 350 AMG Sports Edition is limited to 350 examples -- 100 of which will be in the desirable left-hand-drive configuration, which is seen as being more exclusive in Japan. Exclusivity is paramount, and in Japan it makes special models like this worth the extra price of admission. In this case, that amount is ￥9,400,000 ($80K+ USD).

(Additional photos after the jump)

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Looks like the Yakuza have a new ride...

I'd love to know why people would want cars that are LHD in Japan, when they drive on the left side of the road!

Seems very weird!

Even though it says it in the article...

Exclusivity. Plain and simple.

I guess if its not prohibited, than it is pretty cool to have it. Makes it more rare and even desirable to the few that actually can purchase this car. Obviously its all about the look.

I saw that, just can't imagine people in the UK wanting to get a LHD for that reason though!

It would be very annoying, especially when you wanted to overtake other cars!

To each their own I guess...because I live in the US but I'd love a RHD car.

Here, the only RHD cars are postal vehicles, some classic British cars and the (very few) Skylines and other Japanese high-performance imports.
I for one wouldn't want a RHD car because most main roads here only have one lane in each direction and usually there's a lot of slower traffic (mostly big trucks and RV's) to overtake. I suppose it would be less of an issue on roads that have several lanes in each direction.