Last week leaked shots of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS appeared online. It was our first look at the new four-door coupe. Mercedes-Benz has now officially unveiled the 2011 CLS Class. The CLS was the first official four-door coupe that lead to other automakers jumping into the segment (VW CC, Audi A7, BMW Gran Coupe, etc).
The new Mercedes CLS is showcased from a variety of angles, and both the exterior and interior are revealed for a second time, all in crystal clear clarity. Set to be unveiled to the public later this year at the Paris Motor Show, the 2011 CLS-Class is a significant update of the automaker’s original four-door coupe. More aggressive both front and rear, the CLS is considerably more styled than its rather understated predecessor as Mercedes-Benz continues to hone the modern four-door coupe segment it essentially invented.
Like most other recent premium cars, the CLS has strings of LEDs for running lamps and turn signals. However, even the headlamps are now comprised of the low-power, long-life lighting. The flanks of the CLS now have a much more sculpted and muscular look than before with arched rear fenders that are similar to the new E-Class. Inside, the CLS features a further evolution of other recent Mercedes designs and like the E-Class features an LCD display in the center of the speedometer to provide a variety of information to the driver.
There are currently two CLS petrol options being reported: the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS is going to be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in early October with sales starting in mid-2011.