Mercedes CL

Auto Express can exclusively reveal Mercedes' all-new CL, set to claim the title of the world's most luxurious coupé

Will this car be the brightest-shining of all the three-pointed stars? Auto Express can exclusively reveal Mercedes' all-new CL, set to claim the title of the world's most luxurious coupé.

Based on the same platform as the firm's latest S-Class, the next-generation Mercedes CL two-door will be more than five metres long. And as you can see from our pictures, the styling has a controversial edge to it, especially at the back.

Inside, there will be seating for four, but it's up front that occupants will be most comfortable. The dashboard will resemble the cockpit of the S-Class and feature similar technology, including a mouse-like device for controlling everything from the radio to the massaging seats. In addition, buyers will be able to specify night vision technology, which can project an image on a screen in the dashboard to give the driver a better view of the road ahead. Also available will be the latest radar cruise control, designed to automatically regulate the CL's speed - right down to a standstill in stop-start traffic.

Powerplants will be shared with the S-Class, and an oil-burning CL is expected to be offered for the first time. Performance fans will have the choice of V8 and V12 petrol engines from launch, while AMG-tuned variants are set to join the line-up later on. All models are equipped as standard with adaptive air-suspension to provide the ultimate ride and handling.

The new super-coupé will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, before going on sale in the UK next year. But start saving now, as the range is likely to start at around £75,000, with flagship AMG versions priced in excess of £150,000.