The 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show is almost up on us with a heap of new production cars and concept vehicles. And as it usually happens, a few models are surfacing the Web earlier than planned via leaked photos. The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is one of them, with four early pictures showing the four-door coupe's design inside and out. Details as to what lurks under the hood or the technology we may find inside the cabin aren't yet available, but we can now take a good look at its styling. And needless to say, it's just as I expected it to be.

The new CLS is actually almost identical to our renderings, at least when it comes to the front fascia, anyway. Sure, the car in the photos doesn't feature the "Panamericana" grille that we used in our rendering (it should be offered as an option though), but the headlamps and the bumper are exactly as we envisioned them. The headlamps are more angular than the usual Mercedes unit and extend toward the front fender wheel arches. The grille is as large as the one seen on the AMG GT sports car, while the three-piece bumper vent has horizontal slats on the sides and a honeycomb grille in the middle.

The car's profile brings together cues from the previous CLS and the current S-Class. While the sexy, arched beltline of the old CLS is still there, it's not as pronounced on the new car. This gives the four-door a bit more elegance while keeping it sportier than the full-size sedan. The rear section is again similar to our rendering, but you need to keep in mind that our version is actually an AMG, so ignore the decklid spoiler and the more aggressive diffuser. We did mess up the taillights a bit, as the actual units aren't as angular toward the fenders, but the shape is there. And needless to say, the CLS sports unique taillights.

But what about the cabin?

Continue reading for the full story.

E-Class Interior with a Twist

There's only one photo of the interior, but it gives a good, clean look at the dashboard, door panels, and the center console - basically, everything we need. Not surprisingly, the CLS' cabin is very similar to other Mercedes cars, and especially the E-Class. The shape of the dash, the way the A/C vents are positioned, and the large instrument cluster and infotainment display all point out to the midsize sedan. The same goes for the center console, which features the same controls, the analog clock in the middle, the storage compartment, and gear selector. Even the door panels are identical.

The steering wheel is the only feature that sets the CLS apart. While also a three-spoke unit, it has different controls on the side spokes, while the lower spoke is narrower and has thicker bars. Overall, it looks a bit sportier. The trim is also different, bringing together light colored wood and bright blue accents. The same accents are visible on the A/C vents. This trim is likely from a special launch model, so it's safe to assume that the CLS will be offered with a more appropriate dark upholstery as well.

No word on drivetrains yet, but it's safe to assume that the four-door coupe will get a V-6 in the U.S. Europe could also get a four-cylinder, as well as a V-6 diesel. AMG versions with V-8 engines are likely to follow. The new CLS will break cover tomorrow, so make sure you stay tuned for more information and a full review.

References

Mercedes CLS

Read our full speculative review on the next 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Read more 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show news.