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2011 Mercedes CLS spied again  Its only been a week since we’ve seen a spy shot of the next Mercedes CLS, but its back again. This time the body cladding is doing a good job to hide the sedan/coupe because this one almost looks like a Toyota Camry. This example was caught performing cold weather testing in Sweden. The 2011 CLS should be positioned between the E and S-Class in the Mercedes lineup. Because the current CLS is based on the E-Class, it’s likely that the next generation will be using a stretched form of the E-Class chassis. Engines choices could range internationally from a turbo four-cylinder and top out with a V8 in the AMG model. Mercedes may also offer the engine from the S400 BlueHybrid in the CLS.
New Mercedes CLS spied When Mercedes unveiled the sedan/coupe CLS back in 2004 it had no competitor. We can’t say the same today: Audi just showed a preview of the new A7, Jaguar’s XJ replacement is still on schedule, and no one knows the state of BWM’s on again/off again CS concept. So Mercedes knows it needs to stay fresh to stay competitive, and a new CLS will be launched by the end of 2009. For better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, all the engines we see will be attached to turbochargers. Mercedes may even drop a turbo four-cylinder in the options list, but that has not been confirmed for the U.S. market. The 2010 CLS is rumored to be longer and wider that the current car to create a roomier interior. Mercedes need to be careful with this redesign. Customers buy the CLS more on style than on substance. If customers want all the qualities of a sedan, they can just buy an E-Class.
2009 Mercedes CLS Grand Edition
Mercedes revealed today the CLS Grand Edition. The car was promoted by Julia Stegner. Sales will begin in March 2009. The unique, four-door coupe features an unusual design that combines the sporty elegance of a coupe with the flair of a luxury sedan. Sales of this special model are scheduled to start in January, 2009.  “The idea was to pick up the red carpet situation at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks and thus create a strong connection between fashion and the vehicle’s elegance,” explains Michelangelo di Battista. The design of the key visual is based on the link between Mercedes-Benz Design and fashion: style, elegance and luxury. “Mercedes-Benz and fashion – they really fit together well. I think Mercedes-Benz cars are chic – just like fashion. So I’m delighted to be the international fashion brand-ambassador for Mercedes-Benz,” says Julia Stegner. Press release after the jump. Full story
2011 Mercedes CLS
When Mercedes revealed the CLS-Class back in 2004 they defined the four-door coupe notion. But thinks changed since then. Audi has the A7, Porsche will soon reveal the Panamera, and down market we have the Passat CC and we’ll also soon have the Sportback version of the Audi A5. So, Mercedes need to stay on top if it wants to survive the market. This mean, new, improved design and better technology for its car. The next CLS will be revealed in 2011 and might be based on the S-Class platform (and not E like the current model - spy shots revealed an increased wheelbase). Like the future E-Class Coupe, the next CLS will be inspired by the concept Fascination revealed at the Paris Auto Show. The side will have a more defined arch, the L-shaped headlamps are gone, and the front end will be given the family update to be more in line with the latest SL. The flanks are more three-dimensional, with rear power bulges, prominent character lines, and flared wheel arches. The A- and C-pillars are better integrated into the arc-shaped roofline. Regarding the line-up, customers will have to choose from: a CLS350, powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 that delivers 292 hp; power output increases to 306 hp in 2012; a CLS550 powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 with 388 hp; superseded by 435-hp direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 in 2012; a CLS55 AMG powered by the 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V-8 with 570 hp; available from mid-2011 onward and a diesel version, the CLS320 CDI, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, 224 hp; replaced in 2011 by 313-hp CLS350 CDI.
2011 Mercedes CLS rendering
Now that the CLS is not the only four-door coupe on the market, Mercedes has to come with new design and better performance to keep up with the times. It’s strongest competitors are the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera. The next CLS will be revealed in 2011 and might be based on the S-Class platform (and not E like the current model). After the first spy shots revealed back in September, here is a new rendering of the car.
Mercedes CLS by Job Design
The latest kit for the Mercedes CLS comes from Job Design and although most of you didn’t hear about it, these guys created a really stylish body kit inspired by the Lexus IS-F.  The tuner added a completely new front bumper, new stylish side sills, a re-designed rear bumper featuring a new exhaust system inspiread, as we said by the Lexus IS-F. Also a new set of 20 inch wheels were added as well as a new air ride suspension kit. No words about the price yet, but we got more images after the jump!
New generation CLS coming in 2010
When Mercedes unveiled the CLS back in 2004 it defined the phrase "four-door coupe". It was an original car that had the market all to itself, but now the Volkswagen Passat CC as well as the upcoming BMW 8-Series and Audi A7 have all caught the trend. So, to keep with times, Mercedes will need to come with a new design, more power and better technology for its CLS. This should come together in next generation CLS expected in 2010.  The next CLS will likely be a simpler design. The side will have a more defined arch, the L-shaped headlamps are gone, and the front end will be given the family update to be more in line with the latest SL. The flanks are more three-dimensional, with rear power bulges, prominent character lines, and flared wheel arches. The A- and C-pillars are better integrated into the arc-shaped roofline. Regarding the line-up, customers will have to choose from: a CLS350, powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 that delivers 292 hp; power output increases to 306 hp in 2012; a CLS550 powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 with 388 hp; superseded by 435-hp direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 in 2012; a CLS55 AMG powered by the 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V-8 with 570 hp; available from mid-2011 onward and a diesel version, the CLS320 CDI, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, 224 hp; replaced in 2011 by 313-hp CLS350 CDI.
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will also be hybrid
Mercedes is already working at the second generation CLS that will make its world debut during a major car show in late 2010 with sales following in early 2011. Big news is, that next to the standard engine, the future CLS will also be offered as a hybrid. It will get the same powertrain as the forthcoming S400 Hybrid that will be launched at the end of 2009, which means that the CLS Hybrid will make use of lithium-ion batteries that not only weigh less but also offer more power than the nickel hydride units used in today’s hybrids. Design will follow the basic shape of the current generation model adorned with styling elements from the German automaker’s newest cars.
Lorinser CLS L 55 RS based on the Mercedes CLS
2009 Mercedes CLS-Class
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