Introduced in 2010, the current Mercedes-Benz CLS is getting a bit long in the tooth. Now that the German firm has already launched the new E-Class on redesigned underpinnings, it’s time for the CLS to get a makeover too. Spotted on public roads several times over the last few months, the third-generation CLS is still under camouflage, but on its way to an official unveiling by the end of year.
Not much is known about the upcoming four-door coupe, but the spy shots suggests that the new CLS will once again be based on the E-Class. The midsize sedan was redesigned last year and received new underpinnings, an S-Class inspired design, and the company’s latest technology. It’s safe to assume that the CLS will get similar features, while the styling appears to blend the appearance of the E-Class with minor touches from the AMG GT sports car.
The third-generation CLS is expected to retain the main features of its predecessors, which pair the strong, emotive stance of a coupe with the comfort and practicality of a four-door sedan. First launched in 2004, the CLS invented a new niche and enjoyed the glory on its own for around five years, until Audi, BMW, and Porsche developed their own offerings. Needless to say, Mercedes-Benz wants to stay on top with the new CLS and these new spy shots suggest that the upcoming coupe is up for the task.
Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Exterior
The test car may be covered in swirly, black-and-white camo front to rear, but the wrap is really thin and the car’s features are very visible. Up front, we can see the already familiar diamond grille with the big horizontal wings in the middle and the large roundel for the three-pointed star.
The new CLS seems heavily based on the E-Class, but also sports features seen on the AMG GT sports car
The shape of the bumper suggests that the lower grille, which is as wide as the main opening, is flanked by large outlets, likely aggressively shaped toward the headlamps. The latter are smaller than any other Mercedes 
-Benz in production right now. Granted, all CLS models had small headlamps compared to their relatives, but the Germans went with slender, aggressive units that remind of the AMG GT sports car. The hood seems to be almost flat with no bulges or other notable features, but this should work well with the clean, low-slung profile of the vehicle.
The D-pillar is as raked as it should be on a CLS, while the deck lid is short and the rear fascia has a notable angle
Speaking of which, the next-gen sedan continues to share the arched beltline and the low roof of its predecessors. The D-pillar is as raked as it should be on a CLS, while the deck lid is short and the rear fascia has a notable angle. So far, everything seems to be in order and its appears that Mercedes-Benz will keep the tradition alive with the third-generation model. I’m not particularly fond of the wheels and I think that the sedan needs larger rims, but this should be fixable by selecting optional rollers.
Around back, there’s a hint of E- and S-Class coupe, while slender, long taillights that stretch from the outer bumpers well into the trunk lid. Of course, the main difference here is that the fascia is heavily raked toward the cabin, giving the CLS its unique look in the lineup. The bumper seems to be similar to other large Mercedes cars. Things are plain and simple and the exhaust pipes are integrated just below, but the overall look is elegant and worthy of the badge.
There’s no doubt that we will see the small but important changes and defining features when the camo is removed, but until then, it looks like Mercedes-Benz did a nice job design-wise.
Interior
It’s not very often that our paparazzi manage to snap shots of the interior, but they made it this time. We got just one picture, but it’s enough to confirm what we already know: that the CLS cabin will be heavily based on current design language that we already saw in the E- and S-Class. The clock placed lower in center stack rather than between the A/C is a solid hint that the E-Class was used as inspiration here, but the overall layout is actually common to all current Mercedes-Benz sedans, including the compact C-Class.
The CLS cabin will be heavily based on current design language that we already saw in the E- and S-Class
There aren’t many features that set the CLS apart. The center console is pretty much identical to the E-Class, including the gear shifter an the A/C controls. The dashboard is very similar too, with the instrument cluster and infotainment displays placed next to each other. However, there are certain elements that make the CLS unique. For starters, the A/C vents have a propeller-like design Granted, it’s not as elegant as the horizontal-slat layout in the other sedans, but it has a nice, sporty vibe to it. The sedan is also fitted with green ambient lighting, which makes the center console, lower dashboard, and A/C vents look as if they have similar highlights. I’m a big fan of green and I kinda wish they would.
Everything else seems to be standard E-Class business, but more unique features should surface as the vehicle moves closer to production.
Drivetrain
Note: engine of the current CLS pictured here
Just like the outgoing model, the new CLS will ride on the same underpinnings as the E-Class
Just like the outgoing model, the new CLS will ride on the same underpinnings as the E-Class. The most recent version of the sedan uses a significantly lighter platform and a redesigned suspension system. The engine should also come from the new E-Class, but it’s safe to assume that the CLS won’t get the lower output drivetrains.
Chances are that Mercedes-Benz will skip the 181- and 208-horsepower versions of the 2.0-liter inline-four and pick the 242-horsepower and 270-pound-feet variant in the E300 as the base model. More oomph will come from the E400, which should get the 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 328 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of twist. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system will be available for both models.
A 350e hybrid model with 208 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of twist is a possibility
While an AMG CLS43 version with the V-6 rated at 396 horses and 384 pound-feet is a possibility, the new CLS will most definitely get the AMG 63 package with the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8. The regular model should have 563 horsepower and 550 pound-feet, while the S version will come with 604 horses and 630 pound-feet.
A 350e hybrid model with 208 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of twist is a possibility, but Mercedes-Benz could choose to keep electric motors out of the CLS for the time being.
Moving over to diesels, the Germans should offer the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but will probably skip the base 150-horsepower version and offer the 220d variant with 191 horses and 300 pound-feet. The second, more powerful variant will get the engine from the E350d, which is a 3.0-liter V-6 good for 254 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of twist.
Prices
Pricing for the new-generation model should increase slightly. The outgoing sedan is now priced from $66,900, but the final sticker of the upcoming model will depend on what version will be used as a base offering. A similarly-equipped four-door coupe should retail from around $68,000. As far as the AMG version goes, expect it to cost a bit more than $100,000.
Competition
Audi A7
Launched in 2010, the A7 was the first response to the CLS in the premium market. Slotted between the A6 and A8, the A7 has a similar configuration, being a four-door sedan with a sporty, sloping roofline. On top of the exclusive exterior features, the A7 gets the latest technology inside the cabin. As you’d expect from a large vehicle wearing the four rings, the interior is also wrapped in premium materials with all sorts of bespoke options available via the company’s customizing division. The engine lineup is somewhat similar to the CLS, with no drivetrain delivering less than 200 horsepower. The base model gets a 2.8-liter V-6 with 204 horses and 207 pound-feet, while the U.S.-spec version gets the 3.0-liter V-6 with 310 horses and 325 pound-feet. The performance range includes the S7 and RS7, both using the 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo. Output for these variants is rated at 420 and 560 horsepower, respectively. Moving over to the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, power ratings start at 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet and go all the way up to 313 horses and 479 pound-feet. Pricing for the A7 starts from $68,800, while the S7 retails from $79,900. Going with the RS7 will set you back $110,700 before options.
Find out more about the Audi A7 here.
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
Essentially a four-door version of the 6 Series coupe, the Gran Coupe arrived in 2012 with a design based on the CS Concept from 2007. Although often compared with the A7 and CLS, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is actually a bit larger and priced closer to the Porsche Panamera. Styling-wise, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is the least exciting of the bunch, mostly because it shares its front and rear fascias with the regular 6 Series. So outside the longer wheelbase, the additional rear door and the longer cabin, the Gran Coupe is pretty much a standard 6 Series and doesn’t have any exclusive features to brag about. Still, it’s an imposing car and it’s luxurious interior is on par with the competition. Drivetrain-wise, the Gran Coupe is restricted to only two engines in the U.S. There’s the 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 315 horsepower and the 4.4-liter V-8 that generates 445 horses. An M6 version with 552 horsepower is also available. The standard Gran Coupe retails from $81,400, while the M6 Gran Coupe costs $119,800 before options.
Learn more about the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe here.
Porsche Panamera
Unveiled for the 2010 model year, the Panamera is Porsche’s first ever sedan and fits the bill as a competitor for the CLS. Its 911-inspired exterior is sporty in just about any trim, while the interior is as premium as they get. Redesigned in 2016, the Panamera became significantly more aggressive and gained state-of-the-art tech that puts it at the top of its segment. Also the only car in this niche available with an extended wheelbase, the Panamera can be had with a selection of V6 and V-8 engines. The 2.9-liter V-6 in the 4S model cranks out 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet, while the 4.0-liter, biturbo V-8 in the Turbo model is good for 550 horses and 567 pound-feet of twist. Additionally, the 4 E-Hybrid model, which pairs the V-6 to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery delivers 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. More oomph is available with the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which is rated at a whopping 680 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque. Pricing starts from $85,000 for the V-6 version and from $150,000 for the Turbo. The E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid start from $99,600 and the $184,400, respectively.
Read more about the Porsche Panamera here.
Conclusion
Although not much of a mystery as far as design, technology, and drivetrains go, the third-generation CLS is still a long way from becoming a production model and it’s early to say how it will behave against the competition. However, if the new platform underpinning the E-Class is any indication, the CLS should be the lightest, sportiest four-door coupe in its class. The bad news is that Mercedes-Benz may have already decided to discontinue the shooting brake version.