SPIED: Mercedes-Benz CLS caught nearly undisguised

SPIED: Mercedes-Benz CLS caught nearly undisguised

We’ve been seeing spyshots of the next Mercedes-Benz CLS for about a year now, but the upcoming four-door coupé is clearly just about ready for its unveiling. Our spy photographers have sent us images of the third-generation model with just a sliver of disguise front and rear, giving us a better look at the new car.

The white AMG E 43 sedan parked next to the mule bears some of the differences. The roofline is lower and sleeker of course, but the CLS also loses the E-Class’ arching character line, so the bodyside surfacing is cleaner and smoother. It’s the same effect employed by the E-Class Coupé.

At the rear, we can see that the number plate recess has been moved from the bootlid to the bumper, bringing the CLS in line with other recent Mercedes coupés. Although the tail lights can’t be seen here, the new car’s slimline items have been seen on earlier prototypes, as have the slit-like headlights flanking a trapezoidal front grille.

Although we only get a glimpse of the interior here, past spyshots have shown the full cabin, which is pretty much identical to the E-Class. The only differences are the turbine-style air vents from the E-Class Coupé, as well as a new steering wheel first seen on the facelifted S-Class.

Under the bonnet, the new CLS will likely feature a new 3.0 litre straight-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The mill will reportedly be offered as an M256 petrol in standard 362 hp/500 Nm form and in an upgraded 429 hp tune on the AMG CLS 53 (the ’53’ suffix replaces the ’43’ currently used on mid-range AMG Performance models), while the OM566 diesel is expected to be available with either 286 hp/600 Nm or 340 hp/700 Nm.

Those looking for a full-fat AMG model will be disappointed to learn that there won’t be a V8-powered CLS 63 model this time around – that mantle will be taken by the AMG GT sedan.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 
 

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