DRIVEN: Will The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Live Up To The Original?

From the angle in that photo, I don't like the prominent rear wheel arches; I'd rather have less dramatic creases and smoother lines connecting the fender panels in my sedans. Still a winner, but could be better. Maybe they'll clean it up during the mid-model upkeep in 4 years.

I kinda agree with you I think the 1st gen looks better had more of a different feel/look than any other benz on the road and now this CLS is starting to look like the rest of the Benz lineup I hope they are not taking the Audi route......this model I kinda love it and hate it as to the 1st gen it was pure love....i guess this may grow on me one day im not feeling it 100% at this point

As a car enthusiast, I have learn to appreciate the "artist perspective." This mean I will wait solemnly wait until I see the actual car in person before giving it my full judgement, but placing that aside I would tell anyone that so far from every angle I love this design and wouldn't change anything on it! So, the answer to that question is yes! It captures the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz's marque very well. It has this very antiquated modern design theme to it. And thats why I think it is a step up on a level than the previous gen.

As a Lexus fan, I didn't really like the original CLS, but I love this new one. Well... maybe it's just me.

I was totally against how the E-Class was looking in spy photos and when I saw it in person I thought it was executed superbly. Although I believe the now "old" e-class is going to go down as one of the best looking car in its class as it screamed "classy". The CLS is supposed to be more of a sporty offering so with the edginess in it's design it's expected.

It's kind of like the first generation was a beginner in weightlifting and now it's an expert, all chizzled and ripped. I can't wait for the AMG package and the AMG models as it will complete the whole sporty 4-door 'coupe' look. I like the interior more than the outgoing. The rear still has to work hard to impress me.

I liked how when this car first came to market, it looked like nothing else in MB's line. Now it still has its overall basic shape but it shares design cues with other MB's. Not a bad thing, it just lost some of what made the original car. I still love this though and I would buy one if I had the $$$...

"This second-generation CLS might be a disappointment to some because its styling does not appear to be as breathtaking nor trendsetting as the original"

Agree. I don't like the front end. It looks too busy especially headlights details and grille section. Rest of the design is okay but i like the design of 1st generation CLS way more. That looks sleek, slim and low with clean front and rear end styling and sharply cut doors. You can say it looks like a coupe with 2 added doors but the New CLS is pure sedan which is trying too hard to look like a coupe and hiding it's fats. From some angles it looks as huge as S class. And the dropping rear end is giving it very unsporty and lazy look. The Droppy rear end reminds me of cars like Crown Victoria and old Caprice which is just wrong on sporty cars.

Still have to see it in person but so far i am disappointed.

JUGNU

This car is truly a step up from the 1st generation. there is sophistication and cutting edge coordination of the side lines from the front to the rear end of this vehicle, something most car designers put on concept cars. on this car this has been adopted and properly put to a car we car drive on the road. i have noticed merc has embarked on combining the executive luxury feel and the sporty feel on their new designs which began on the current E-Class generation, and i see they have successfully found the balance on this front with the e-class and now this CLS.
thumbs up to merc for this one