The newest CLS continues the styling trend it started years ago.
Since its debut the Mercedes-Benz CLS has created an entirely new segment in the automotive industry that has since been copied by Audi, Acura, BMW, Volkswagen, and a host of other companies. The design set itself apart from the competition with its sleek and swooping lines and a coupe-like profile that was filled with emotion, and spawned the “four-door coupe” design. After selling 170,000 units worldwide, Mercedes-Benz is looking to continue the model’s success with a new generation that blends a dynamic design with athletic proportions and elegant interior.
The newest generation of CLS features classic Mercedes-Benz lines found in historic models, while capturing the same emotion and dynamicism that made the first generation so successful. The new design benefits from similar proportions found on the first generation, with the long hood, sweeping coupe-like profile with frameless windows, and lines that merge into an angled rear. The classic lines of past Mercedes-Benz models can be found at the rear axle, where two character lines from the front fender meet a muscular dropping line which flows into the rear taillights. The athletic character is further emphasized with the flared wheel arches and broad shoulder line (expect them to look to be even more prominent in the yet-to-be-released AMG model).
For 2012, the CLS receives a front-end design inspired by the SLS AMG with a large radiator grille boasting a prominent three-pointed star with a shape that is mirrored by a sharp lower grille. The headlight design still mimics that of the previous generation, with a shape that stretches back into the CLS’s contours. The headlights also use new LED technology and are the world’s first to use LEDs for the regular dynamic lighting functions. Inside, the headlights the LEDs are packing into three different arrow-shaped layers. Each headlight function uses a different layer resulting in a unique display of lighting. In total, the CLS uses 71 different LEDs to create an unmistakable road presence.
Inside the CLS there is more of what customers have come to expect from Mercedes-Benz with quality, craftsmanship, and individualization, but it comes with a more dynamic design and shape. A high line wraps the driver and front passenger into a cockpit, and runs from both doors and across the dashboard. Both doors feature swooping lines that add to the CLS’s dynamicism. Matte air vents and a high-gloss analog clock accentuate the three different high-gloss and satin-finished woods, piano lacquer, and carbon fiber trims that are available. Giving the supple leather seats their warm and soft feel is special semi-aniline Passion leather that is only 1.6-mm thick. The hand-stitched leather is heated and pre-shrinked to ensure the seats maintain their shape in high temperatures. Customers will have a choice of five interior colors, five trim designs, and three types of leather to create a custom-tailored interior environment.
The newest generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show, running from October 2nd – 17th. Set to be released as a 2012 model, the CLS will usher in a new era of four door coupe design that builds upon its previous success. No pricing or specifications have been released, but expect a wide range of diesel, gasoline, and hybrid V-6, and V-8 powertrains with the AMG model debuting with the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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