The Mercedes-Benz CLS was one of those cars that when it hit dealer showrooms it was RED HOT. Stylish and well equipped, although based on the E-Class the CLS was a sexy alternative to the stoic sedan from MB, and buyers flocked to dealers to own this fashion statement. Mercedes-Benz was even so brazen as to market this car as a coupe even though the 4-doors really made it a sedan. The low slung roof line and seating for 4 however met the coupe requirements for MB hence the marketing as such. Like most fashion trends however, the style came and went and now the current CLS simply takes up space at dealers as sales have fallen off drastically.
In the meantime however, BMW, Audi and VW all want a piece of this new market segment created by Mercedes and have rushed their own interpretation of the 4-Door coupe to the auto show circuits, but so far only VW has official plans for production with the Passat CC.
Mercedes-Benz is not one to sit on their laurels however, and a redesigned CLS is coming for model year 2010. Wearing a front end very similar to the CL-Coupes, MB has done a good job updating the CLS coupe without straying to far from the formula set forth with the original. The pictures are grainy, but they are good enough to get a sense of what the new design looks like.
Be sure to check out the Mercedes Fashion Gallery with over 900 girls in bikinis