- Mercedes releases photos but no mechanical details on the 2012 CLS.
- CLS is scheduled to make its public debut this fall at the Paris auto show.
- 2012 CLS will arrive at U.S. dealerships in mid-2011.
STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz is providing a glimpse — but no tech details just yet — of its redesigned 2012 CLS-Class nearly six weeks ahead of the car's early October debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. The 2012 CLS will arrive at U.S. dealerships in mid-2011, the company said.
The second-generation CLS represents the first significant overhaul since Mercedes unveiled its slick "four-door coupe" in 2003.
Although the sheet metal has been rebent, the curvy roof line, long hood and short deck have been carried over from the original design. In the front, Mercedes has borrowed some visual cues from the SLS AMG; the new CLS sports a more upright grille with a large central three-pointed star. The grille is flanked by full LED headlamps, which incorporate LED turn-signal indicators and side lights. In the rear, LED taillamps wrap around either corner.
The 2012 CLS features a premium cockpit, with hand-stitched leather seats and wraparound dashboard, with metal surfaces finished in a mix of high gloss and satin. Wood trim choices include high-gloss brown burl walnut and high-gloss black ash, or customers can substitute carbon fiber or piano black lacquer.
Inside Line says: A total looker. Soon we'll find out in detail just what's under the hood. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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rayzor says:
11:57 PM, 02/25/2011
Don't like that big nose design...Everything else is very nicely done thought
jm1212 says:
10:09 PM, 09/30/2010
they probably think that they need to get the V6 up to at least 300 hp before they start selling it here. the hp race is still very much alive in the States, even if it is coupled with an efficiency race. automakers are trying to find more and more ways to boost hp and efficiency- just look at the Mustang V6 and MB's own turbo 4.6L V8.
cadetgray says:
02:03 PM, 09/29/2010
Now that is some tortured sheet metal. It looks like the 2007-10 Chrysler Sebring designers were transferred to Germany when DaimlerChrysler split.
bearsdkillz says:
03:37 PM, 09/23/2010
danwilson1
I agree that they should sell the V6 version here as well, but I highly doubt that they will. Doesn't matter to me though, they had me at first sight I'm getting this car.
danwilson1 says:
11:16 AM, 08/25/2010
If they sell the V6 in the US I am seriously tempted to place an order. I think this might be my favorite car right now in terms of design.
Once I see it in real life I'll know if I will order it or not (provided the V6 makes it across the pond).
angry_mushroom says:
11:39 AM, 08/23/2010
The carbon fiber is a bit much, but it's still a very nice looking car.
compressor says:
06:49 AM, 08/23/2010
angry_mushroom +1. It would look great, but sadly only 3 people would buy it.
Not sure about the carbon fiber option for the interior trim. Seems a little out of place in this car.
angry_mushroom says:
10:40 PM, 08/22/2010
Now all they have to do is release the station wagon...