Critical Knowledge:- All-new redesign for 2010
- Luxurious 4-door "coupe"
- Available 360-degree-camera system
- Updated head-up display
- Optional all-wheel drive
- Possible offering of mild-hybrid technology
- Future diesel powerplant
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz coined the term "four-door coupe" when it introduced the production version of the all-new 2006 CLS-Class at the New York Auto Show in 2004. The 4-passenger luxury car was based on the same platform as the E-Class, but it was stretched 6 inches and featured radically sleek styling. Luxuriously appointed, and loaded with the latest technology, the CLS was designed to go head-to-head against the BMW 6 Series. Its styling has proven popular with consumers, and other automakers are following with their own renditions of the "four-door coupe" (e.g., Volkswagen Passat CC and Jaguar XF). The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class continues the trend-setting styling theme, but adds modern refinements to keep the look fresh. The newest Mercedes-Benz model is expected to arrive in showrooms late next year.
Design
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class retains the styling character of its predecessor"it remains a sleek 4-door with stylish lines that flow seamlessly from the hood, over the greenhouse, and down the trunk. Compared to the outgoing model, the front of the new CLS appears more muscular with strong fender flares and angles in contrast to the rather simple smooth bumper of the previous generation. The large 3-pointed Mercedes emblem set in the center of the grille is offset by new headlamps with light-emitting-diode (LED) driving light accents. In the rear, the trunk and taillights have lost their abrupt edges. Instead, they have been replaced with cleanly-integrated"and slightly larger"taillamps with LED bulbs. The dual exhaust outlets remain, but the exhaust tips are no longer oval. ...
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