2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is revealed

The first photos of the “Shooting Break”-inspired 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS, set to debut at the Paris motor show this fall, have been released. The mold-breaking four-door features sharper styling and an impressive array of technology.

The next generation of the sedan will arrive in mid-2011 at U.S. dealerships, following on the heels of its upper-crust predecessor, which has sold about 170,000 copies around the world. The current CLS is considered a high-water mark of styling for Mercedes with its proportions and flowing lines. Dubbed a four-door coupe, the concept has spread to other luxury makers, with Audi, Jaguar and BMW rushing to keep up.

The new CLS is considerably more lined and creased, with contoured doors that echo the Shooting Brake concept revealed earlier this year at the China motor show. The fenders are also more rounded and flared, and it's fronted by a long hood and prominent grille with an SLS vibe.

Mercedes-Benz
The interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.

The most striking features are the headlights, which use 71 light-emitting diodes and employ the technology for all functions. In the back are wraparound taillights with LEDs, and the rear is set off by a broad shoulder line.

Inside is a wraparound cockpit with sweeping dashboard and an integrated central display. The top-shelf materials are highlighted by satin and high-gloss finishes and an analog clock. It's all complemented by wood and leather parts. Carbon-fiber and piano-black trim elements are also offered.

Powertrain specs were not announced, but a 3.5-liter V6 is likely, as well as a larger-displacement V8.

Come back to autoweek.com this week more details on the evolution of style for the new CLS.

By Greg Migliore