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.

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