Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz CL500 4MATIC: click to view in high resolution

While we have four big auto shows every year in the United States – Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York – the Europeans get only two major shows, one in Geneva and the other alternating annually between Frankfurt and Paris. No wonder, then, that the big European automakers are descending upon Switzerland in full force, and Mercedes is no exception, coming to Geneva's Palexpo with no less than five new models.

Most of the new model debuts we've already told you about. There's the newly updated SL-Class roadster, which Mercedes will be showing with engines ranging from six to twelve cylinders. Its kid brother, the SLK, which we already saw in Detroit, will also be there with its facelift on. The new entry-level CLC will also be on display for the first time since its debut at the Berlin fashion show, along with the updated CLS four-door coupe. What we haven't told you about yet is the fifth model to debut at Geneva under the three-pointed star: the CL500 4MATIC. In case we've lost you by now with the various models bearing the letters CL, the CLC is the compact C-Class hatchback, the CLK is the mid-range coupe, the CLS is the slinky four-door and the CL is the big mama two-door version of the S-Class sedan. 4MATIC, meanwhile, is Mercedes' term for all-wheel-drive, finding its way into the big GT for the first time. The latest version of the system adds only 70 kg (154 lbs.) to the vehicle's curb weight, which relative to its existing heft is like spitting in the ocean, and helps the big coupe accelerate smoothly to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds, while sacrificing no penalty in fuel consumption over the rear-drive model.

Check out the press release after the jump to read more about the Mercedes fleet pulling into Geneva next week, and the galleries below. including the new images of the CL500 4MATIC.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Though the SL range was updated less than a year ago with the addition of several new engines and some minor mods to the car's exterior, the stylish coupe will be coming in again for an upgrade that should carry it out until the all-new model arrives in 2012. A number of prototypes have been spotted testing both in the icy temps of Scandinavia and more recently at the world's highest paved road at Mt. Evens in Colorado.

Until now, heavy camouflage had hidden most of the changes that were planned for the facelifted model, but these latest images partially lift the veil of secrecy giving us the best look yet of the car's new face. Clearly seen are the car's CLS-style headlights and pronounced grille, which leads to a more chiseled front bumper. Other changes planned for the car include slightly revised taillights and rear bumper, while the AMG prepped version will likely pick up the hand-built 6.2L V8. You can check out spy shots of the SL facelift, as well as the C63 AMG Wagon, here.

[Source: World Car Fans]