Claas has revamped its middleweight Arion tractors with a nose-job and a bunch of driver-friendly features.

Following hot on the heels of the company’s revised Axion 8 launch, this latest refresh signals a significant change of direction for the lower end of the Le Mans-built line-up.

Previously available with either a Hexashift powershift or Cmatic CVT gearbox, the outgoing 500-series is set to be replaced by three models equipped solely with Claas’ home-built stepless transmissions.

See also: On test: Four-cylinder Claas Arion 570 proves punchy and nimble

These new Arion 5 Cmatics will retain the same Deere engine as used before, with similar levels of power and torque: 145hp/619Nm for the 5.140, 165hp/697Nm for the 5.160 and 180hp/730Nm for the 5.180.

As with other recent model updates, the newcomers have been given the angry-eyes facelift treatment to bring them into line with the firm’s current styling. Under that distinctive exterior the changes have been more subtle.

Aside from slinging out the long-serving Agco joint-venture powershift boxes, it’s mainly software add-ons that bring extra functionality to the mid-rangers.

Automatic engine control

First up is a feature that has trickled down through the Claas line-up from the flagship 650hp Xerion 12.

Dubbed “auto load anticipation”, it effectively works to pre-empt load spikes when the tractor comes into work, upping engine revs and adjusting transmission ratios accordingly.

This is said to eliminate big drops in crankshaft speed as the powertrain comes under strain, avoiding a pregnant pause as the transmission/engine controller works out what to do.

It’s apparently a self-learning system, so when an implement is initially hooked up it will take a couple of runs to gather its thoughts and work out how to anticipate what’s coming as the link arms are dropped or the hydraulics do their thing.

We’re told the same system will also work to regulate engine speed and gearbox settings depending on load and forward speed, thus minimising fuel use while ensuring the power is delivered as required.

The key thing with all of this is that it’s done without the need for any manual input or action from the driver.

Braking

As before, these new Arions have a stretch brake feature that senses when the tractor is being pushed on by the following load and automatically starts to apply the trailer brakes to limit the chance of any over-run.

The cabin remains much the same, albeit gaining the additional options of a fancy semi-active seat with massage function and a high-end touchscreen multimedia system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a 20-lamp LED lighting package.

Arion 5 Cmatics come into the UK with a relatively high standard spec, including four spool valves, isobus-compatible Cebis colour monitor and a GPS-ready steering setup.