Will Mercedes-Benz's CLA Rid Benz Of The One Thing That Seems To Plague ALL Of Its Offerings?

This year Mercedes-Benz decided to sort of surprise at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. That's because it debuted the CSC Coupe Concept.

Now the reason it's a surprise is because it was almost unnecessary.

Given that we've been following the CLA's spy shots very closely, we weren't shocked to see a CLS lookalike that's essentially been scaled down for mass consumption.

We WERE shocked to see a couple of the elements that Mercedes-Benz brought forward with this particular concept though. Take, for example, the A-Class-inspired grille, which we love. How about those really cool looking wheels? For some reason they remind me of the SLR and SL's wheels from several years ago. I guess it's that whole twisting thing.

The final area where Mercedes caught us off guard was in the vehicle's cockpit. From what I can remember, I have never seen a Benz concept look even remotely like this. Sure you can see that the A-Class-inspired dash is there, but I am referencing the types of materials used and the bold colors.

It reminds me of a pair of Nike running shoes.

This could be showcasing one very intriguing differentiation of the CLA from the rest of the MB lineup -- it will NOT be staid and old-school.

That said, we've been able to cobble up some videos of the CSC Concept that Mercedes recently released.










Mercedes-Benz CSC Concept

Steve - 5/2/2012 9:08:10 AM

+1 Boost

Looks like it was designed by Hyundai. Overly stylized lights. Heavily creased body panels. Fluid forms. Definitely not my cup of tea.

dumpsty - 5/2/2012 10:29:51 AM

0 Boost

The CSC concept overall is slick inside & out.

The front seats & instrument panel reminds me of a pair of Nike Airmax95 (neon green/grey). The exterior is both athletic and fluid. The interior is athletic & sporty...very expressive. The concept definitely takes the "old stiff guy" factor out of the typical Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Yonder7 - 5/2/2012 3:27:33 PM

+1 Boost

So nice....that as soon as they put it in production , All others will follow in the same way as they did with the CLS.

docsout1 - 5/2/2012 5:56:11 PM

+1 Boost

I'm 68y/o male. Currently in market for a new SL. But, with grandchildren, I would choose this over the SL. And, this over the CLS because it's got more verve. Very studly.

Agent00R - 5/3/2012 7:46:43 AM

+1 Boost

Wow! That's a very interesting finding right there. 001 has had a new hypothesis on the market as of late and this just cements it!

docsout1 - 5/3/2012 3:26:30 PM

+1 Boost

Agent 00R, my interest is piqued. What is this new thought on the market, as of late? Curious. Thanks.

docsout1 - 5/3/2012 3:29:40 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry, 00R, reread the above article and found my answer in the second to last sentence. Mea culpa.