Mercedes reveals new CLS coupe – it's sharper than ever before

Mercedes has revealed the latest version of its CLS four-door coupe at the Los Angeles motor show in the US. 

It continues the swooping roofline and other features that were pioneered by the first two generations of the car, developing the themes for a third iteration that Mercedes hopes will capture the imagination in the same way that the first car did, spawning a host of copycat rivals.

The design of the new CLS is much sharper, carrying the latest Mercedes corporate face. The large, wide grille dominates proceedings and the rear end is reminiscent of the S-Class Coupe, but the CLS’s headlights are unlike anything else that the company currently builds. 

Stylish interior

The style of the interior is similar to the latest development of the company’s E-Class model, optionally featuring two 12.3-inch displays for the instrument panel and infotainment panel that sit under a single sheet of glass to give an ultra-widescreen effect. Information can be tailored individually by the driver. A fancy ambient lighting system offers 64 different colours to light up the inside of the car depending on your mood.

The third-generation CLS is a five-seater for the first time in the model’s history, and the rear bench will fold in a practical 40:20:40 formation. The boot offers 520 litres of space. 

New engines

The engine options for the CLS are all new – the German manufacturer is introducing a range of inline four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units that the company says will bring new levels of efficiency and refinement. The car will be available with three different motors from launch – a 3-litre diesel in two states of tune and a 3-litre petrol engine. Check out the numbers at the bottom of the page. All cars at launch will come with all-wheel drive as standard too. The CLS 450 with 3-litre petrol engine gets a 48V mild hybrid system as standard – the beefed-up electrics enable coasting, energy recuperation and even boost under acceleration to enhance efficiency and performance. 

Connected features

As standard, the CLS will come with LED headlights, 18‑inch light-alloy wheels, lane keeping assist, speed limit assist, a 12.3‑inch infotainment display, ambient lighting package, Mercedes' connected services and 3G internet.

There are a range of driver assistance packages available that have been inherited from the recently updated S-Class saloon, they can be fitted as part of the Driver Assistance Plus package.  A new ‘office in the car’ service that is being introduced with the CLS will also mean that drivers can automatically dial in to conference calls based on calendar entries on their phone, as well as navigating to meetings based on what’s in the diary too. 

The new CLS will be available from March 2018.