- Mercedes releases new photos of its 2012 CLS.
- No technical specifications have been released.
- The CLS will officially debut in late September at the Paris auto show.
STUTTGART, Germany — When Mercedes-Benz in late August released the first few details of the redesigned 2012 CLS, ahead of the car's official 2010 Paris Auto Show unveiling, it gave us only a few glimpses of the "quad coupe." With the show just two weeks away, the Swabians have gifted us with more images of the CLS — but, as yet, have released no tech specs.
While still retaining its coupelike greenhouse, the big four-door exhibits some arresting architectural details, particularly in the body sides, which look more "complex" or "busy," depending on your perspective and taste.
The new CLS boasts a sumptuous leather-swaddled cabin, trimmed in a choice of wood, metal or carbon fiber.
Inside Line says: Definitely over the top. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
hn4u says:
11:53 PM, 10/16/2010
dont know what to say, i am in between regarding the looks, i cant wait to see it in person.
sammysamurai says:
07:56 AM, 09/19/2010
I do like the understated yet elegant styling on the A7 & sure it will cost less than the CLS. Audi will likely launch it with a V6 engine (with about 100less hp than the CLS550) and then later launch the S model which they will compare to the base CLS & 6 series (not their AMG & M versions)
jim 1212 - ditch water is great for building your immune system but I dont recommend commuting in it :)
jm1212 says:
02:50 PM, 09/18/2010
audirs4- Benz and Chrysler split years ago. how would the 'Chrysler boys' offer any incentives then?
sammy- i wouldnt call ditch water boring...you'd be amazed what can live in it.
I find both of the A7 and CLS to be equally attractive. this CLS definitely reminds me of the CL in its profile, which is a car I love, but the A7 is still an awesome looking car in itself.
audirs4 says:
09:46 AM, 09/17/2010
This car is over priced as usual per MB. But you'll get big discounts as usual from the chrysler boys. A loaded up A7 will be about 65 grand.
I don't know how anybody can say that Mercedes styling is on the mark. That goofy rear swoop does not look good. I'm happy to give anybody credit for great styling. You just can't say it about MB.
The old cls was indeed a good looking car. This one is not. I saw an E class station wagon yesterday and had to laugh.
What happened to the classy MB's of old that use to command attention?
No longer. They got rid of chrysler - but kept the styling team.
willewers says:
06:51 AM, 09/17/2010
Its rare when a new model design comes out that I immediately find it more attractive than the predecesor (sp?). No change here, but I'll wait to see if it "grows on me". The newest E has not, so I went out and bought the last model. In fact, being that it is now the "old model", I was able to take advantage of its overall suppressed value in the market and bought the 2007 E63 with 10k miles for $51k. In other words, if this CLS design hasn't gained your affection by next summer, consider grabbing a more exclusive '08 or '09 CLS63 for half the cost. I'm very satisfied with my decision.
sammysamurai says:
05:27 AM, 09/17/2010
Very nice evolution of the current style. I own a current CLS & cant wait to get my hands on this one. The first CLS was revolutionary in launching a segment (4-door coupe, IMHO is BS) that said that mid size 4 door sedans don't have to be boring as ditch water. The surprize factor is gone now but this is still an attractive alternative to the very oddly styled E.
This car is a bit of a peacock with an interior that appeals to someone who cares about asthetics. If not for aesthetics, there is no reason to shell out the extra money for a CLS over an E.
As for the gear selector, it is logical for it to be on the column as the command controller can take up the gear stalk's spot. You use the command controller often like you would a gear if you were driving a manual. Therefore why should it not take up the most comfortable location. People who criticize the column shifter have never really used one in a BMW or a Merecedes. You don't have to muscle it into place like you would have on a oldsmobile!
ba27 says:
05:18 AM, 09/17/2010
Way too many swoops and curves. A step down from the original, IMO.
Audi's A7 has a much more cohesive design.
renorally says:
09:49 PM, 09/16/2010
Beautiful...top flight interior, crease lines on sides and wheel wells add character and robustness. I like the column shift now, free up the console for other uses. I'd like to see a car maker go to fly by wire/digital pushbuttons for gear selection. Steering wheel is sweet...thick with a flat bottom.
bearsdkillz says:
09:38 PM, 09/16/2010
This car destroys anything else that claims to be a 4 door couple. It sh*ts all over, the A7.
btrdayz says:
07:08 PM, 09/16/2010
The interior is handsome, but in no way is this update an improvement over the original CLS. In fact, I'd say old CLS cars just went up in value after looking at this. It looks like an Audi, BMW Z4 and MB S Class had a major collision at an intersection. Very busy side profile. The car has lost much of it's coupe-like appearance and becomes more sedan-like. And LED driving lights have become the auto fashion equivilent of Ugg Boots.