The current generation Mercedes-Benz CLS - the third one - was announced in 2018, and it looks like a replacement for it is already under development. This really isn't such a big surprise to anyone since the sales for the current generation dropped significantly. In fact, in the States, Mercedes is only selling the base CLS, while the European market only gets the range-topping AMG CLS 53.

Our spy photographers got proof that Mercedes is ready to give the CLS one more chance as the first mule was caught out in the wild.

In fact, Mercedes' decision to start testing the next CLS shouldn't be such a surprise: the CLS and the E-Class will share the same platform, and with the next generation E-Class already under testing, it was just a matter of time for the CLS to begin testing too.

As you can see the mule wears no camouflage, but if you look very close you will notice it wears wider wheel arches and the car itself is slightly stretched when compared to the production version CLS. According to our spy photographers, you should expect to see the first full-body prototypes of the next CLS sometime in the summer.

Of course, you have to remember that there are also rumors suggesting that the next-generation CLS will actually be sold under the CLE name. If you remember, the CLE family will replace both the C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible models and it is very possible for the CLS to have the same faith.

Since the next CLS will be built on the same platform as the next E-Class, expect it to be offered with the same engine lineup as the next E-Class: a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines with hybridization.

However, we will find out more about it in the next few months.