Mercedes-Benz is saving its redesigned CLS for a future auto show, but that didn’t stop the German automaker from unveiling a CLS-esque sculpture at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. The SLS-inspired CLS sculpture also previews a new design language for Mercedes.
The next-generation CLS has headed back out for testing and we have very revealing photos fresh from Europe. The next version of the four-door coupe that started it all is expected to hit the market sometime during the second half of 2011.
The CLS was the pioneer of the 2+2-seater four-door coupé when it launched in 2004. More and more motor manufacturers are either presenting or working to finalize their own interpretations of this sporting sedan layout. Included are Aston Martin with the Rapide, Porsche’s new Panamera and Audi’s upcoming A7 which was previewed in Detroit as the Audi Sportback Concept. Even Volkswagen has released its own Passat CC, although it falls lower in the luxury ladder than these other names.
Thrust is expected to come from a wide range of gas and diesel motors, as well as a BlueHybrid model that will use the same engine system as the S400 BlueHybrid. An AMG model should top the range and produce a revised target of about 517 hp. Mercedes’ 7-speed gearbox will be offered with these powerplants.
11/18, 1:03 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I hate the side profile of the front on this…actually, I hate the front side of most mercedes vehicles! They look to boxy up front, don’t they?
11/18, 1:30 PM
posted by:
jzcarguy
it looks absolutely gigantic!
11/18, 1:50 PM
posted by:
andy
holy hell, it looks 40 feet long, and i dont like how the head lights are tucked back but the grille sticks out ahead and it so squared off, still better looking than the Panamera
11/18, 2:30 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
They completely ruined it.
11/18, 4:06 PM
posted by:
NMOFGMs Daddy
Just wait till the CLS wagon comes out, Now THATS gonna be hot!!!!!!
11/18, 4:32 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
I agree that the side profile is ruined.. the current one has the front wheel pushed far forward, with the side beltline originating from the top of the front wheel and sweeping elegantly backward.. this one has much more front overhang and the beltline droops much further downward in the rear, looking much less sporty and much more feminine than the current model, which looks pretty badass in some colors. And that E-class “pontoon” rear fender has no place here!
11/18, 5:53 PM
posted by:
j-dubb
wow..this car looks Great MB!! this looks way better than the previous gen, it looks as If the styling, with the side and enlarged side windows sold me, to you previous bloggers above you should have saved all your hate for the current E550 , now thats a total mess with the squared off design and you cant tell the C-class from the E-class until u get extra close up. Now i know what my next car will be
11/18, 6:17 PM
posted by:
nickkop
still looks more like a CC than a CLS to me… why would they not make an effort for people not to to perceive that they are imitating their own imitator ???
11/18, 10:27 PM
posted by:
psiclone
Visually, the car is too long not doing the original justice. And I think that side mirror should be fixed to the front base of the side window. It looks cheap jutting from a clean door panel like that. I’m sure it will be a great car overall but I think MB is losing their (perceived?) edge.
By the way, if GM had a vehicle in testing that looked that close to production yet was going to take another year and a half to launch, well, most of you know the drill by now.
11/18, 11:06 PM
posted by:
j-dubb
This car looks amazing!! long rear and all..
11/19, 9:24 AM
posted by:
pavlindrom
Off topic: the BMW blueperformance is the same as Mercedes’ bluetec? or did they just take the idea and developed their own? Somehow I got the idea that VW uses Mercedes’ technology, but BMW was too good so they wanted to do it all by themselves. Right? Thanks.
01/11, 3:11 PM
posted by:
e46Ne90
Why is Merc showing BMW GINA concept?
01/11, 6:20 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
I love seeing all the gestural lines. Looks like they dumped a layer of Dinoc on it and let it set! great way to tease an idea!
01/11, 7:50 PM
posted by:
TOZO
I can’t tell what I’m looking at!
01/11, 11:36 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
I see a 4-door SLS under there.
01/12, 12:29 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I can’t help but think that MB is getting pressured by VW’s CC!!
01/13, 5:35 PM
posted by:
A4
Is the next CLS going to be made out of ice cream?
01/13, 9:43 PM
posted by:
BenzMan83
i am so looking forward to seeing this car!