As you can see the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS will retain its trademark shape after a mild redesign. The minimal camouflage on this prototype does reveal an few interesting design details.
Up front, there's some extra padding on the hood to hide the true shape of the grille area, but it's not dramatically different from the current model. Most of the changes are to the headlights and front air dam. The wheel design is new too. Click through to see the new taillights.
Check out those taillights, interesting eh? Also note that from this angle the greenhouse of this CLS looks slightly taller than the current model. Maybe the original design was too sleek for its own good. Look for the production version of this CLS around this time next year.
stangmatt66 says:
12:46 PM, 02/19/10
This design looks soooo droopy! Like the CLS melted in the sun. The CC and Sonata pull the look off so much better.
mlh says:
12:52 PM, 02/19/10
I just don't get the CLS. To me, the styling is cheap and gaudy. I really wish MB would simply cut it from their lineup. If you want something similar, buy the *much* better looking CL. If you want a four-door, buy an S-class. This car is an embarrassment by comparison.
albook says:
01:55 PM, 02/19/10
"The CC and Sonata pull the look off so much better."
Okay... you can't even see the car, so we don't even really know what it looks like. Yes, the CC and Sonata look good (the Sonata might be the best looking midsize family car). But Mercedes makes the best looking German luxury cars on the market. So I doubt it'll be ugly....or anything else short of stunning.
rick8365 says:
01:59 PM, 02/19/10
This design looks soooo droopy! Like the CLS melted in the sun. +1, I had the same thought.
rick8365 says:
02:00 PM, 02/19/10
"This design looks soooo droopy! Like the CLS melted in the sun."
+1, I had the same thought.
hansverner says:
04:36 PM, 02/19/10
@ MLH
A CL you say? The price difference is only +30 thousand. I can see your reasoning.
mlh says:
05:11 PM, 02/19/10
@ hansverner
Point taken. An E-class, then -- coupe or sedan, take your pick.
Believe it or not, I'm actually a pretty big MB enthusiast. Still, I just cringe every time I see a CLS on the road and don't want to have to look at any more of them.
bimmerjay says:
11:21 PM, 02/21/10
You guys are looking at a pre-production partially-disguised mule, how can you pass final judgment yet?
Side note - if those are the production mirrors, they are gigantic (like all the new Euro mirrors).