Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz hasn't exactly been secretive about its desire to offer a five-door hatchback version of its ultra-stylish CLS sedan. After all, the first concept for the latest CLS, which was introduced as a 2012 model, introduced us to the CLS Shooting Break Concept at the Beijing Motor Show in 2010. And yes, MB itself called the car a Shooting Break, not Brake.

Based on that concept, we have a pretty solid idea of how the CLS Shooting Brake will look. Judging by these spy shots that were snapped in Northern Sweden, there won't really be any surprises. And that's totally fine by us.

We'd expect Mercedes-Benz to deliver its super hatch in both CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) flavors, which means the biggest question left to answer will be whether the company decides to call it the Shooting Brake or the Shooting Break. We, like pretty much everyone else in the world, vote for Brake.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man power-washes his new Mercedes-Benz CLS - inside

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Europe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

We aren't entirely sure what's happening here. It seems a Macedonian man took his brand-new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI to the car wash and decided the interior could use some freshening up, too.

Instead of doing what every other Mercedes owner would do and busting out the Armor All, this guy asked the detailers to take the power washer to the interior of his brand-new Mercedes-Benz. Mystified and horrified, the wash attendants refused. That's when the owner took things into his own hands and, well, the results are in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Man power-washes his new Mercedes-Benz CLS - inside

Man power-washes his new Mercedes-Benz CLS - inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 [w/video]

John Neff — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Are You Team First-Gen Or Team Second-Gen?

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of setting trends, which includes being the first company to develop technologies we take for granted today, like traction control systems, airbags and anti-lock brakes. It also kicked off the trend of propelling vehicles with motors, having built and sold the first automobile back in 1885. But it's not usually known for setting styling trends, which is exactly what the company did when it launched the CLS-Class back in 2004.

Despite four doors staring you right in the face, the CLS was officially dubbed a coupe by Mercedes because of the car's sleek coupe-like roofline. Semantics aside, it kicked off an entirely new segment of four-door coupes with its new, artful approach to transporting four people. Just like a fledgling industry followed the Benz Patent-Motorwagen's arrival in 1885, the arrival of the CLS created an entirely new class of vehicle.

Having started the trend, Mercedes gets to show us how it will evolve, and the 2012 CLS550 does just that. It's job isn't just to steer this trend away from becoming a fad, but also fend off a growing number of automakers who wish they had thought of it first.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

Modern Art Meets Twin Turbochargers

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any time a journalist starts waxing poetic about automotive styling, you can practically hear designers' eyes spinning in their sockets. I've met plenty of automotive scribes with a master's degree in mechanical engineering, but I've yet to shake hands with one packing a design sheepskin. Granted, the average car buyer is better served by someone with an intimate knowledge of liquid thermodynamics and the finer points of suspension geometry. But then along comes something like the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 and we simply don't have the vocabulary.

Stepping out for a smoke with the lead automotive artist from Mercedes' Advanced Design Studio, it's hard not to look at the second-generation CLS and start playing styling critic. The play between light and shadow; the sculpted rear haunches; the character line that rises then plummets from the headlamps, across the fenders and terminates in the rear doors. Who am I kidding? I'm of no station to make you endure endless, uneducated platitudes cribbed from the car-as-art schtick. I just know the new CLS looks damned good from any angle, particularly the the waning sunlight of California's Napa Valley.

But here's the kicker: The design is nearly seven years old.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz working on Bentley Continental rival?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Xenatec Maybach Cruiserio - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week we brought you reports of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class expanding into numerous body-styles, but the coupe, convertible and pair of sedans in two different wheelbase lengths may not be the extent of it. Reports indicate that Daimler is considering a new four-door coupe to slot in above the CLS.

The model would target the Bentley Continental in a high-end model with even more dramatic styling (for those who feel the second-generation CLS is too conservative) and a range of AMG engines to help justify the engrossed pricetag.

While the new model is being touted as a Mercedes, a potential Maybach version could also be in the cards, like the Xenatec Cruiserio coupe pictured above.

Mercedes-Benz working on Bentley Continental rival? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000*

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

With such a broad (and ever-expanding) range of products, Mercedes-Benz is always bound to be introducing something new at any given moment. And in this case, the German automaker has officially confirmed pricing for its new CLS.

Joining the Three-Pointed Star is the swoopy new 2012 CLS. Mercedes will offer the second-generation four-door coupe as both the CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) guise at $71,300 and $94,900, respectively (*plus $875 in destination charges). Follow the jump for the official announcement that also details how much cash you'll need to secure your own 2012 SLK roadster, whose pricing we revealed last week at the New York Auto Show.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000*

Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati's Nicky Hayden stops by AMG headquarters for a new CLS

Noah Joseph — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Luxury

Nicky Hayden takes delivery of his new Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Membership, they say, has its privileges. Just ask Fernando Alonso, who's landed himself a free Ferrari 458 Italia, Maserati GranCabrio and Abarth 695 since moving to Maranello. That's a heck of a garage, but it's fairly standard for F1 drivers to get comp'd on free cars from the automakers that support them. But while MotoGP riders can probably get their hands on any bike their hearts desire, when it comes to a new car, the nature of their profession leaves them in the same position (albeit likely a better paid one) as the rest of us.

That's where AMG's partnership with Ducati comes in. (Well, that and a special edition Cigarette speedboat.) Since the Mercedes-Benz performance division sponsors the Italian bike racing team, they invited star rider Nicky Hayden down to the headquarters for a quick visit. And while he was there, the 2006 world champion picked out for himself a set of (four) new wheels. In Hayden's case, he took home a new CLS63 AMG, complete with the AMG Performance Package and the Edition One trim with matte grey paintjob.

Nice work if you can get it, and we bet his teammate Valentino Rossi will be stopping by for his own new ride in due course. He may have to pass Hayden in the standings to get there, though.

Gallery: Nicky Hayden at Mercedes AMG headquarters

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Ducati's Nicky Hayden stops by AMG headquarters for a new CLS

Ducati's Nicky Hayden stops by AMG headquarters for a new CLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Brabus CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Brabus has released its tuning package for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS range ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. As with all things Brabus, the package for the CLS leaves no stone unturned, from an aero and appearance package to the suspension and, finally, the engine.

Outside, the car gets a revised front bumper with bigger air intakes, new LED daytime running lights and a front splitter. There's also a set of gilled fenders sporting the Brabus logo and side skirts that give the car the appearance of an even lower stance and helpful entry lights so you don't bash a shin at night.

Keeping things stuck to the ground is a Bilstein suspension supporting your choice of six styles of Brabus rollers, ranging from 8.5x17s to monster 10.5x20-inch trash-can lids. In a bid for the eco vote, Brabus has focused its tuning efforts on the Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency diesel engines. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency gets a 31-horsepower bump and an astonishing 413 pound feet of torque.

On the higher-spec CLS 350 CDI, the engine mods are dual-mode. In eco mode, the car gets pushed to 509 lb-ft from 457, while horsepower stays the same. Hit the sport mode button, and you're looking at climbing to 309 hp from 261. That translates into a 5.9-second 0-60 sprint and the inevitable 155 mile per hour top speed. Want more? See the complete press release after the break and be sure to peruse our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Brabus CLS

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy

Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG called into duty for New York Fashion Week

Noah Joseph — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force CLS 63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen all manner of vehicles being equipped and commissioned for police duty around the world. But this is no ordinary police car. This 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is the ride of choice for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force.

The fashion enforcers are out in full force this week in New York as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Fortunately for "the rest of us" Benz's fashion cops aren't looking for people wearing outfits that clash; instead, they're identifying trendsetters on the street and offering them free rides to their next destinations in this specially-prepared CLS 63 AMG, which may well be the best car for the job. See for yourselves in the high-resolution image gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes Benz CLS 63 AMG Fashion Force

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG called into duty for New York Fashion Week

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG called into duty for New York Fashion Week originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlsson strikes first with custom 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350

Noah Joseph — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 by Carlsson - Click above for high-res image gallery

The svelte Mercedes-Benz CLS has long been a favorite of tuners, and with the new model on the way, you can expect a veritable onslaught to ensue. The first bit of blood has been drawn by Carlsson, which has just unveiled its tuning program for the CLS350 before it even reaches showrooms.

Engine modifications are available for both the CLS350 gasoline and diesel V6 mills. With the petrol engine, power is increased to 333 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque (gains of 27 and 29, respectively), and the oil-burning powerplant now cranks out 320 hp and 575 lb-ft (increases of 55 hp and 96 lb-ft). Both the gasoline and diesel CLS350s will sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the stock petrol car and 0.3 seconds faster than the standard diesel model.

Carlsson's C-Tronic adjustable suspension (mounted to a choice of wheel options) is also on offer, as is a full body kit - complete with a new front bumper, grille, power-dome hood, LED fog lamps, side skirts, side vents and rear apron with diffuser - and an Alcantara and brushed aluminum-trimmed interior. Have a closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 by Carlsson

[Source: CarScoop]

Carlsson strikes first with custom 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long after Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off of the shapely new CLS-Class at this year's Paris Motor Show, sources within the automaker have told Autoblog that the AMG-fettled CLS will bow at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show.

Much like the revised S63 and CL63, expect the 2012 CLS63 AMG to use the automaker's new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, churning out 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That power will be managed via Merc's latest seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission sending power solely to the rear wheels. An AMG Performance Package will be on hand, as well, boosting output numbers up to 571 hp and 664 lb-ft. We can't wait to experience this beast firsthand.

Naturally, expect a bulgier, more aggressive exterior appearance complete with large AMG wheels and a host of LED lamps up front. Interior refinement will likely feature sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters and, of course, carbon fiber trim.

Stay tuned for official images and details closer to the car's official debut in Los Angeles.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz will do the 'unthinkable' to go green

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Mercedes press conference during last week's Paris Auto Show, the company rolled out its CLS - the car everyone was really there to see - for dessert. We couldn't have our pudding without eating our meat, though, so there were five courses served before it: the Smart Ad Lib, Smart scooter, Smart bicycle, Mercedes A-Class E-Cell, and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel S-Class, throughout which time Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche and Smart head Annette Winkler took a good thirty minutes to stress the consumer and environmental friendliness of the brand's offerings.

This will not be an isolated incident, either. Zetsche said "We want to be efficiency world champions ... and we will be," and to do so will require initiatives that were "previously unthinkable," such as the hybrid S-Class and the coming four-cylinder. While there's no timeline placed on his pronouncement, it is clear that if M-B is going to stay with BMW and Audi in the emissions and efficiency stakes it will need to take a sledgehammer to conventional ideas of the brand.

Audi has laid out its electronic initiatives and BMW has its Efficient Dynamics, but so far Mercedes has only laid out a range of different projects under no particular umbrella, such as an all-hybrid S-Class line, more efficient ICE engines, and a new range of small cars for America. We wait to see if there is one particular way M-B will ultimately go to fulfill its aim... and if that way will include euthanizing Maybach...

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz will do the 'unthinkable' to go green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Mercedes CLS is the second act of the car that invented both the market segment and the grammatical quandary known as the "four-door coupe." Made dramatically more bold for this go-round, it features an upright grille that flows back into a rump that disappears in photos but holds its own in person. The new sedan is also lighter, with aluminum doors that are 52 pounds less heavy and an aluminum hood, front fenders, trunk lid and parcel shelf.

Along with the design, the engines are the story. There will be four available, starting with two 3.5-liter V6 engines in Europe. One is a 265-horsepower diesel engine and the other a 306-hp gas V6 with standard stop/start. Next comes the 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel with 204 hp, and last to arrive is the V8 CLS 550 putting out 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

LED High Performance Active Headlights, Direct-Steer electromechanical steering, a tweaked suspension lifted from the E-Class, and a host of interior trim options that range from carbon fiber to high gloss brown burl walnut are among the many changes on the car. There are more details in the press release after the jump, and a gallery of live high-res photos below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong

Paris 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes on strong originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS - This one's for the kids?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mercedes-Benz has just released a new ad for its new 2012 CLS. The big German luxury yacht is one of the more stylish sedans in its segment thanks to its fresh redesign, and apparently, rascally young whippersnappers will do just about anything to bring the car to a stop so they can get a better look. Or something.

Though the overall "coupe-like" shape of the CLS remains for next year, Mercedes-Benz has infused the vehicle with a number of design elements aimed at giving the four-door a little bit more soul. Along with the corporate upright grille and dizzying headlight array up front, the sides of the vehicle now feature some seriously flared fenders and an elegant crease just below the shoulder line.

We dig. Mercedes-Benz plans to show off the 2012 CLS in the flesh at this year's Paris Motor Show starting next month. Hit the jump to take a look at the new commercial.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS - This one's for the kids?

Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS - This one's for the kids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Steven J. Ewing — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like every automaker wants to have a "four-door coupe" in its lineup these days. Hyundai has its rakish new Sonata, Volkswagen has the stylish CC and BMW has reportedly given its Gran Coupe concept the go-ahead for production. This is certainly one of the hottest automotive design trends of recent memory, but we must remember that it all started with the Mercedes-Benz CLS back in 2004. The folks from Stuttgart told us that coupes can have more than two doors (though we're still not 100 percent behind that idea), and the CLS quickly became one of the most stylish four-door vehicles on the market. Even today, the original CLS bodystyle still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Recently, we came across some leaked shots of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS, showing the stylish new design that will be unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show. Now we have the official images direct from the manufacturer, and this car is even more beautiful in full high-res glory. The new headlight design is quite striking, and the CLS uses a full-LED setup, with a total of 71 bulbs making up the main headlamps, running lamps, turn signals and side lamps. We're really anxious to see what this looks like in person with the sun below the horizon.

Even today, the original CLS still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Inside, a new three-spoke sport steering wheel is on hand, and the CLS now uses a column-mounted gear selector similar to that in the higher-end CL and S-Class cars. The rest of the interior mixes luxurious appointments with modern style, and the end result is something that not only looks sporty and elegant, but immensely comfortable and cozy.

We don't have official word about powertrains, but expect the CLS to be offered with two different gas engines when it goes on sale in North America in mid-2011. An all-new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 is anticipated to be the base engine in the CLS350, while CLS550 models will reportedly receive a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, a CLS AMG will come shortly thereafter, packing lordly amounts of power.

We'll have the official specs closer to the car's scheduled unveiling in Paris, but for now, you can read what Mercedes-Benz has to say about the CLS in the press release after the jump and scroll through the gallery below for a few high-res shots of the svelte new Benz.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS getting the inevitable AMG treatment

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprise, surprise - Mercedes-Benz is working on an AMG version of its next-generation CLS-Class ~~coupe~~ sedan. Our spies recently caught this prototype out and about, and underneath all of that cladding is what we imagine to be an immensely attractive, steroid-enhanced version of the new CLS body. We'll take one in black, please.

Shapely lines aside, the most important part of any AMG car is what's under the hood, and the CLS AMG will doubtlessly pack wallop. Expect Benz's new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 to be under the bonnet, as this will rapidly become standard spec for Benz's V8-powered AMG cars. We've already read about this mill in the new S63 and CL63, so expect the CLS to bring around 540 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque to the table, though we assume that an upgraded performance package will be available, increasing these output numbers.

We're on the edge of our Recaros for this one, folks. But until the final tweaks have been made, we'll have to settle for these spy shots. See for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS getting the inevitable AMG treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS leaked shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whoops! The men and women in Stuttgart weren't planning to unveil the new Mercedes-Benz CLS just yet, but the crew from eMercedesBenz snagged these leaked images showing the new four-door coupe in all its production-ready glory.

As expected, the new CLS takes a lot of its styling cues from Benz's Shooting Break concept (they're name, not ours) notably the upright grille and more aggressive front fascia. The sectioned-off headlamp design has also remained intact, and from these photo-realistic renderings, it looks like someone shot the CLS in the eyes with lemon juice. Still, we're eager to see how this mix of LEDs looks out on the road at dusk. The CLS also uses the more shapely rear hips of the Shooting Break concept, rounding out the revised rear end. It's certainly more stylish than the outgoing CLS, which says a lot.

Inside, the CLS continues to use its four-seat arrangement with a center console that extends the full length of the cabin, and we fully expect the overall refinement to fall somewhere between the E-Class and S-Class sedans. Plush stuff, we're sure.

When the CLS launches, eMercedesBenz reports that a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 will be offered, as well as a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, an AMG version won't be far behind with the all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 underhood.

Now that these leaked shots have hit the web, don't be surprised if the official images and details are published in the very near future. Stay tuned for the full smattering, and in the meantime, scroll through the attached gallery to see the high-res leaked images.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Leaked Shots

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz produces its last CLS

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Back in 2004, there was no Porsche Panamera, no Aston Martin Rapide, no Volkswagen Passat CC or Audi A7 Sportback. Just the Mercedes-Benz CLS: the four-door coupe that started it all. But after six years of production, the first-gen CLS has ended its production run after more than 170,000 units made and sold.

In its place, Mercedes is expected to introduce the second-gen CLS at the upcoming Paris Motor Show next month. And it'll be a tough act to follow, borrowing cues from the F800 Style and CLS Shooting Break concepts.

The final unit of the current model, a CLS 550 with the AMG styling package, is being delivered to an American customer who will undoubtedly enjoy the pioneering svelte lines of his new four-door coupe as it races its way into the history books.

[Source: egmCarTech]

Mercedes-Benz produces its last CLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spotted completely nude

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

One would think that if Mercedes-Benz was really invested in keeping the upcoming 2011 CLS under wraps, it wouldn't be conducting an official photo shoot right outside of the company's museum in Stuttgart. Evidently, though, that's not the case. One keen-eyed visitor to the halls of Silver Arrow lore happened to spot a camera crew snapping photos of what looks to be an undisguised CLS, and was kind enough to share the find with Notícias Automotivas. It's the clearest look anyone has gotten of the reworked four-door yet.

As expected, the CLS now wears a more upright grille and plenty of familiar nose lines. That means more pronounced front fender flares and a smartly drawn hood are all part of the package now. The look is taken page for page from the same treatment the company spread onto its 2011 R-Class recently. Toward the rear of the car, buyers will notice more stylized quarter panels as part of an overall departure from the bubble look of this year's car - if anything, the new CLS doesn't look quite as swoopy, a bit less 'four-door coupe' than its trend-setting antecedent. While the outgoing CLS is plenty attractive as it is, we're still looking forward to seeing the new model in the flesh - even if it does look a bit more traditional. Head over to Notícias Automotivas for a closer look at the car. Thanks for the tip, Eber and Polandi!

[Source: Notícias Automotivas]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS spotted completely nude originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS shows off even more skin

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Up until last week, Mercedes-Benz had been doing a rather admirable job keeping the 2011 CLS under wraps. But as we saw last Friday, that got blown out of the water as the forthcoming four-door was caught posing for the camera as part of what appeared to be a photo shoot. All that was missing was a nice clean shot from the front.

Problem solved. This morning, a lone image has appeared that shows off the shapely new 2011 CLS' SLS-inspired fascia with LED lighting, dramatically sloping roofline and its newly contoured bodysides. As we saw last week, a bit of comparison work proves that the production car will share the vast majority of its sheetmetal with the CLS Shooting Break (yes, we know... it should be Brake, but we didn't name it) concept that M-B introduced just a few months back.

In fact, the car in the spy shot looks so much like the conceptual CLS hatch that we had to open the two in their own windows the double check what we were looking at. See for yourself. In any case, we're mostly digging this new fastback sedan shape and relishing the idea of a 5.5-liter turbocharged and direct injected AMG-fettled V8 engine underhood.

[Source: SecretNewCars.com]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS shows off even more skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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