Next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS spied

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been spotted undergoing cold weather testing in the northern Scandinavia. The Mercedes-Benz’s take on the four-door coupe is entering into its third generation and will retain the CLS moniker, as opposed to the rumours of christening it ‘CLE’ owing to its E-Class roots.

The current generation was introduced in 2012 and received a minor update in 2015. The new generation CLS will be based on the same MRA platform as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, albeit with a longer wheelbase to make way for more cabin space. Under the camouflage, there are prominent changes in the headlight design, and the sleeker LED taillights get new horizontal lighting signature. The new-gen CLS will now resemble the new Mercedes-Benz family design. The interiors will be scrounged from the new E-Class range as well.

Under the hood, the new CLS will replace the V6 engines with a 3.0-litre in-line six units. A frugal 2.0-litre unit from the E-Class will also be available. Since it’s based on the E-Class, the plug-in hybrid powertrain will be also offered in the CLS for the first time. A screaming AMG variant shall follow later. 

It is uncertain whether Mercedes-Benz will introduce the CLS Shooting Brake variant, since the current CLS estate didn’t really set the sales on fire, despite its gorgeous looks. The new gen CLS is expected to be revealed later this year as a 2018 model year and will continue its fray with the updated Audi A7, new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the recently facelifted Porsche Panamera.