We’ve already shown you undisguised pictures of the next Mercedes CLS posing for a photoshoot, but now official pictures from the German sales brochure have been leaked on the internet, showing the new interior for the first time.
These shots have arrived well ahead of the car’s unveiling at the Paris Motor Show next month, and the cabin appears very similar to the Shooting Break concept shown in Beijing. There’s a step up in luxury from the outgoing model, with wood and leather both used in abundance.
Due to go on sale in January next year, the design keeps the familiar sleek shape of from before, but the wider arches and more sculpted body give is a lower, more aggressive stance.
The front end also draws its inspiration from Mercedes’ recent concepts – but the new grille design and LED running lights mirror the look of the current E-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz Passion blog, which posted the pictures online, also gave details of the engine line-up, which will include a 261bhp V6 diesel, the CLS350 CDI and two petrols: A 3.5-litre V6, and a 4.7-litre V8.
The hot AMG version will get the newly developed 5.5-litre twin turbo powerplant from the CL63 AMG, which will produce around 540bhp, with the possibility to be tuned to around 570bhp with an additional option pack, although no prices have yet been set for any of the range.
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Looks like an exercise in how to take a car that still looks pretty good and redesign it in to something that looks very fussy and, to me, seems to completely miss the point of the original. Hopefully it'll look much better in the metal than in photos, but I'm not going to hold my breath. Very disappointing.
Another motoring equivalent of the vuvuzela. It can join BMW and Audi's similar ridiculous offerings.
From great styling, to Butt Ugly. How could they do it? Has Chris Bangle gone to work for Mercedes? The front half doesn't look too bad, but the back is, hideous. If the top 'line' along its flanks remained straight, or at least followed the shape of the car, then maybe it would look better, but not by much.
Maybe the designers pen slipped? Nope. None of it is any good now, they've gone and spoiled it totally.