These new Mercedes CLS high res pics have been released before the four-door coupé has its official debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The 2012 Mercedes CLS is as smooth as ever and with BMW and Audi trailing ever since it first came on the market in 2004, the new CLS should provide some very stiff competition for the 2012 BMW Grand Coupé and the new Audi A7 Sportback to be launched in Europe in November.

The design follows the inspiration of what Mercedes calls a “feline predator” and is an example of just how good Mercedes is at uniting sportiness with elegance. In a more aggressive style, Mercedes has included flared wheel arches and muscular lines on its new CLS. The interior gets a few new design touches too, including a new sports steering wheel and column gear shift.

The CLS is as technological as we’d expect it to be with full LED technology across the board (Mercedes says it’s used 71 bulbs in the front headlight set-up and side lamps) and Night View function. While the new CLS is an example of Mercedes’ emerging design direction for the years to come, it is also clearly an evolution on the original 2004 model.

New Mercedes CLS

In terms of the engine range, nothing official has been announced but we’re expecting five units to be available from launch date. The petrol versions should comprise the CLS 350 as an entry level model with direct injection making for 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque, while the CLS 500 could be equipped with the new 4.7-litre V8 twin turbo with 435 hp and 700 Nm of torque.

Diesel models should include the CLS 250 CDI with its 2.1-litre twin turbo engine with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It should be followed by the CLS 300 CDI with 231 hp and 540 Nm, and the top-of-the-range model will be represented by the CLS 350 CDI equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 with 265 hp and 620 Nm of torque. Later in the piece we can only imagine a Mercedes CLS AMG will turn up, making this luxurious little number even more exclusive (and, of course, fast).

(no votes)

0 comments