Mercedes next CLS will be the firm’s first model to get a new range of turbocharged, direct injection petrol engines and all of the range’s engines will be turbocharged when the car goes on sale in 2010.
To be launched at next year’s Paris motor show, the new CLS continues the same theme as the current car – a big four-door with coupé styling that sits above the E-class in the model range.
See the latest hi-res Mercedes CLS spy pics
The new engine line up starts with a 3.0-litre V6 with 252 and 306bhp. Two big petrol twin-turbo V8s will be available, a 4.6 with 435bhp and a 5.5 with 544bhp.
The diesels include the new 2.1-litre four-cylinder with 204bhp and an upgraded 3.0-litre V6 with 231bhp.
Underneath the CLS is based on the new E-class, but doesn’t get an extended wheelbase; at 2874mm it’s the same as the new E-class and the current CLS. The car will be 4925mm long.
Although the car will be recognisably a CLS, the styling is all new, with a significantly different rear end with new rear lights and a very different boot lid. The rear arches will mimic the distinctive shape of the E-class coupe, and the frameless doors remain.
Inside the car will retain its unique dashboard and a four-seat layout, using switchgear and elements from the new E-class.
Pics: Carparazzi
Dan Stevens
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Re: New Mercedes CLS spy pics
Front looks good; now whether that's because of the disguise or it actually is better, that is something only time will tell. Despite not being a fan of Mercs, what I actually used to like on them were their tails and the tail lights, something which they have somehow lost out on in the last half a decade or so. That wayward experimentation with the tail-lights seems to have continued on this particular model as well, but of course will only become fully known once it has been officially released.
Re: New Mercedes CLS spy pics
Certainly looks less "sat upon" than the existing one.
Does the 5.5 turbo replace the 6.3 AMG, or will there be something even more powerful to come?
Re: New Mercedes CLS spy pics
The lights on the current one look awful. I think the new one is an improvement... more squarish.