Spy Shots: 2011 CLS
by Jonathon Ramsey on Sep 29th 2008 at 8:58AM 
The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes' current design language, not much is expected to change. That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals -- from Aston Martin to VW -- will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.
[Source: Global Motors]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sam Russell 9:24AM (9/29/2008)
I've gotta say, the CLS is still one of the best looking big cars out there today (IMHO). Hopefully the changes are tasteful, and don't ruin an already sexy looking car.
http://www.samalamadingdong.com
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Brandon 10:11AM (9/29/2008)
I completely agree, and it looks better than the S-Class by far.
Nik 11:20AM (9/29/2008)
I agree, they could leave it the way it is now for years to come. I thought the same about the SL, sadly that did not stop them from a redesign.
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Red 9:58AM (9/29/2008)
Mercedes didn't HARDLY "invent" the four-door sedan with a coupe-like silouette. The Rover P5 way back in 1962 had a low-roof model that lasted until 1979. All Mercedes did was revive it and (as typical of automakers) attempt to lay claim to it as a "new" idea.
Please check facts before making such claims.
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AngeloD 9:56AM (9/29/2008)
Nice effort by DB overall. However, the back looks a little too much like a Carolla.
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Red 9:59AM (9/29/2008)
Mercedes didn't HARDLY "invent" the four-door sedan with a coupe-like silouette. The Rover P5 way back in 1962 had a low-roof model that lasted until 1979. All Mercedes did was revive it and (as typical of automakers) attempt to lay claim to it as a "new" idea.
P.S. I hate the comment system.
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BoxerFanatic 10:38AM (9/29/2008)
I can't say I share the positive views of the CLS. It may be a fine car...
But the convex belt line makes the car look bloated, and squinting above the belt line.
The weak rear end is kinda ugly, and oddly finished with the rearward slope of the trunk, AND the rearward slope of the actual tail panel and lights.
And the fact that Mercedes markets it as a coupe like the SL, is an abomination of the definition of the word coupe. A coupe has two doors and a hard roof. this car has 4 doors.
Call it something new, that is fine, but don't destroy the definitions of words for marketing purposes.
I like the idea of a sleek sedan. I don't like the CLS's execution, or the abomination of the word 'coupe' just to sell it.
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vkchu 11:56AM (9/29/2008)
ditto. im kinda feeling that the cls' 15 mins of fame are up...
CH 10:40AM (9/29/2008)
I would add to the list of four door coupe-like cars the Citroen DS. Built from 1955-1976.
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kvadim 12:03PM (9/29/2008)
Why does it have different rims? The front ones look so much better.
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jeff 1:22PM (9/29/2008)
I have a CLS550 and having had it for almost 2 years I still enjoy this car. Regarding the aesthetics, the CLS is much improved with a little lowering, 1-1.5" and if you use the renntech or kleeman chip the airmatic suspension is still fully functional. I agree with the comments about the trunk line, it's the aspect of the car design that could be improved. Performance wise, this is a fun car to drive but it's a GT car rather than a track car. Still, lot's of power, an awesome 7 speed transmission, and a well tuned suspension, all of which make the 07 model stand head-and-shoulders above the 04-06 models. What I also like is that Mercedes doesn't pump these cars out by the bushel so you can drive around and not see one on every corner, it's nice to be different.
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The Pepto Pimp 3:39PM (9/29/2008)
Drrooooooool.....
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tanooki2003 1:31PM (9/30/2008)
The rear end from a side view looks almost like a late 70's to early 80's Camaro/Firebird without the typical spoiler
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MONTE 1:32PM (9/30/2008)
Love the CLS style but since we're talking about cars we can't afford anyway, I would prefer the S65 over the CLS63.
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