The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Review

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Review and Drive

STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz is providing a glimpse — but no tech details just yet — of its redesigned 2012 CLS-Class nearly six weeks ahead of the car’s early October debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. The 2012 CLS will arrive at U.S. dealerships in mid-2011, the company said.

The second-generation CLS represents the first significant overhaul since Mercedes unveiled its slick “four-door coupe” in 2003.

Although the sheet metal has been rebent, the curvy roof line, long hood and short deck have been carried over from the original design. In the front, Mercedes has borrowed some visual cues from the SLS AMG; the new CLS sports a more upright grille with a large central three-pointed star. The grille is flanked by full LED headlamps, which incorporate LED turn-signal indicators and side lights. In the rear, LED taillamps wrap around either corner.

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 h

igh-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.

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.