Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show, the 2012 CLS-Class is an evolution of its predecessor with a fresh new interpretation. The package includes several changes in the design of the interior, exterior and technical setup of the four-door saloon car.
The new CLS will be offered with a variety of new powertrains including the freshly released 3.5 liter V6 producing 306hp and 4.7 liter bi-turbocharged V8 with 429hp. An AMG version powered by a new 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 will follow later.
The exterior has a new headlight design using a full-LED setup, with a total of 71 bulbs making up the main headlamps, running lamps, turn signals and side lamps.
On the inside, the Germans changed the new three-spoke sport steering wheel and have used the column-mounted gear selector similar to that in the higher-end CL and S-Class cars.
The new CLS will arrive in US dealerships in mid-2011. Europe will have the car in January. Main competitors are the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera and the production version of BMW’s Gran Coupe concept.
I have to see this one in real life before I can make a judgement, but these pics can’t convince me. To be honest, at first sight, the old CLS was more elegant en subtle.
I agree with 909
much agreed with 909
The old CLS was looking much more contemporary then this. Even in 20 or 30 years it will be an example of challenging design.
The new one is just exaggerated in my opinion. Both inside and particularly outside.
The interior with the silver air diffusers, the carbon fiber inlays and the steering wheel is looking improperly and doesn´t go well with a real Mercedes Benz I think.
Even though the leather seats and the instruments are looking great.
I guess BMW will make it better with the upcoming Gran Coupé.
gran coupe is just a rebadged 7 series. the old CLS is epic win in design.
new one. its not bad. its a mercedes, it cant be bad. but the backlights just dont do it for me. it looks like a hyindai i45
Backside looks like passat coupé. Was that an hommage ?
From the side the nose looks very SLS-like.