The Mercedes-Benz CLS hit the market back in 2004, and it brought something new to a luxury sedan segment. However, the German manufacturer named it a four-door coupe and BMW produced the 6-Series Gran Coupe to challenge the CLS. The second-generation CLS was developed six years ago, and although still a coupe, it got some of the muscle car design cues. The third generation is on the way and here is what we expect to see.
Exterior
The front end of the new CLS will be similar to the one of the AMG GT, and it will be more aggressive. The front grille is large, and the headlights are leaned forward, while the air intakes, which are located below, are massive and they look like they can inhale more than air devouring anything that comes into its path.
On the sides, there are straight and elegant lines whereas the rear end has been redesigned. Let me remind you that the rear end of the original CLS was often connected to the unlucky one of the Australian AU Ford Falcon but now, finally, these links disappeared. There are Audi-like horizontal taillights which flow into the trunk lid.
Engine
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is based on the MRA platform, the same architecture the ongoing E-Class sits on. The difference is that the platform used for the CLS seems wider and longer, which results in more space in the cabin. Furthermore, the new underpinnings allow both RWD or AWD configurations and plug-in hybrid is also an option.
Under the hood, the CLS will sport a 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 that will be connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AMG fans will also get a chance to see models such as CLS50 and CLS63. These two vehicles will feature a 4.0-liter V8 engine, which comes from the AMG E63 S and which delivers up to 603 horses.
What Else Is There?
According to some rumors, the Stuttgart-based company was supposed to give up on the CLS nomenclature for the CLE one. When you think about it, it makes sense because the CLS is basically an E-Class with a slightly different design, but there is too much history behind this model, so abandoning the CLS name is not as easy as it may seem.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Release Date
The 2019 Mercedes CLS will debut sometime in 2018, and it will immediately go against Audi A7 and RS7. The BMW will also join the fight with slightly different, but more practical 6-Series GT.
