TEASED! FIRST Glimpse At The All-new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class — A Return To The GREAT, Original Car?

When the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class made its debut, it was a game changing, luxury product. Essentially, it was the first four-door coupe that dialed up the sexy in automakers four-door offerings.

It was a watershed moment for the industry.

There's just one little problem. When you do something SO right with the first shot, it's immeasurably difficult to follow up with success equally as good or better. This is why it's no surprise that the second-gen CLS fell a little flat. Also note there's more competition than ever in its newly developed class. 

From the latest spy shots though, it seems clear to us that the three-pointed star is going to take a more aggressive stance with its next-gen design language. Using the tag line "The original perfected," Mercedes isn't beating around the bush.

Given the timing of this image's release, we think it's safe to say that the third-gen CLS will appear at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) for its global debut.

mre30 - 11/19/2017 2:02:14 PM

0 Boost

I, for one, are looking forward to a break from Mercedes "melted soap bar" styling. Many of the current cars just end up looking like droopy-butt's

jeffgall - 11/19/2017 2:10:59 PM

+1 Boost

Following Merc’s naming convention, shouldn’t this be the CLE?

MDarringer - 11/19/2017 4:31:46 PM

+1 Boost

One would think.

Agent00R - 11/19/2017 4:44:24 PM

+2 Boost

Apparently the CLS has always been an S-Class-level product.

I am with you though. Should be CLE.

dumpsty - 11/21/2017 9:32:37 AM

+1 Boost

Wasn't the original CLS based off the E-class?

Will this be a detuned, toned-down version of the AMG GT concept?

jeffgall - 11/19/2017 6:07:19 PM

+1 Boost

The “S” is a marketing play. To your point, it drives the perception of a higher tier. I am sure Merc made the decision to go against the naming convention to maintain this perception in the market.

Cleankutazn - 11/19/2017 7:01:28 PM

0 Boost

Those lights look just like the nissan maxima.

MDarringer - 11/19/2017 7:33:58 PM

0 Boost

The LED lines etc. in headlights is so played out.