Mercedes-Benz has revealed two new teaser shots of its third generation CLS four-door coupe. Like its predecessors, the CLS is heavily based on the similarly sized E-class, but features a lower, sleeker roofline and more assertive styling.
The first picture released by Mercedes is a frontal shot revealing the new car’s nose and daytime running lights. In a move away from the design language of Merc’s current saloons, the CLS is the first application of the new down-turned grille on a mainstream model. The feature has already been seen on multiple recent concept cars and used on the AMG GT sports car.
As seen in earlier spy shots, the new car looks to draw inspiration from the first generation CLS, eschewing the second-gen car’s muscular rear haunches for the smoother surfacing that is rapidly being spread across the Mercedes model range.
The new CLS is set to feature high-specification drivetrain options from the E-class and S-class saloons, engines will include a variety of four and new inline-six petrol and diesel units. Petrol 6-cylinder variants will also offer a new 48V mild-hybrid electrical system, utilising an integrated starter-alternator to deliver an extra boost of electric power.
V8s will likely only be available in AMG form, but the CLS is also expected to introduce a new hybridised AMG variant to sit below the full-fat CLS 63 model, utilising an inline-six petrol engine assisted by an electric motor.
The production car will be shown at the LA motor show, with cars reaching customers by the summer of 2018. Pitched against the all-new Audi A7, the CLS no longer has this part of the market to itself like the original did, so will have to offer more than just attractive sheet metal to appeal to well-heeled buyers.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
