2011 All-New Mercedes-Benz CLS Officially Revealed

The 2011 all-new, next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS has been officially unveiled by the German luxury automaker, after the recent brochure leak gave us a preview of what is in store. Scheduled for debut at the Paris Motor Show, the CLS, the car that pioneered the four-door coupe segment in 2004, will be up against competition such as the Volkswagen Passat CC and Audi A7 when it launches in European markets in the second quarter of 2011.

Designed under the leadership of Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener, and previewed by the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept, the CLS carries over an instantly-recognisable sleek, elegant profile from the original CLS, but with a new front end treatment, a more muscular rear end and a broader stance. The front gaping grille is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, accompanied by optional headlamps made up of 71 LED lights. The wider tracks contribute to a more aggressive stance, one aided by pronounced character lines and bulging rear wheel arches.

Built on a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' chassis, the new second-generation CLS has a longer wheelbase than before, which should improve rear legroom, even though the CLS remains a four-seater. The dash design is evolved from the E-Class', featuring a wraparound dashboard with matte galvanised air vents and an analogue clock situated right in the middle. The cabin also features plenty of chrome and metal finishes, high-gloss wood panels and quality leather throughout.

No official details on the engine lineup have been released, although from what is offered on other Mercedes-Benz models, one can expect to see 3.5-litre V6 and 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine units, 2.1-litre and 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel units, and a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 in the CLS AMG variant. The 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission is expected as standard for all engines.