Second Generation Mercedes CLS Takes A Bow
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: img Daimler AG ::: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
SEVEN years after forging a new niche – the four door coupé (with careful emphasis on the accent aigu over the “e” in coupe) – the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class embarks upon its second generation which bows in Paris. Only this time the CLS will face plenty of competition; from the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera to Audi A7 and BMW Gran Coupé. And despite the original CLS’ dowdy appearance that many misguided critics thought “sexy”, we should thank Mercedes for having the foresight to attempt to reintroduce sex into the sedan marketplace.
The first (C219) and likely the second generation CLS-Class coupés were/are based on the (W211 & W212) E-Class, only the new CLS is sculpted to appear even more provocative with “refined sportiness”, “athletic proportions”, and a “perceptible design idiom.” I’m not actually sure what that last bit meant but only know that Mercedes means business when they say it.
The original CLS-Class sold 170K units worldwide. With all-LED exterior lamps (71 bulbs in all) and more flame surfacing than a crême brulée shop (there’s that accent again!) we can expect similar enthusiasm particularly from the newly moneyed East.
As for skeptics, given that some of us thought the original CLS looked like it owed much to the late 90s Mercury Sable, the jury’s still out on the next generation.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Euri | Aug 23, 2010 | Reply
The 6-year-old w211 based cls was still selling nicely and was not at the end of its potentially long life cycle yet. However the new w212 based cls is still recognizable as a true cls. The design is a bit overwhelming (busy) and I think the front has indeed been improved with the new sls amg like grill. The rear lights are a bit too large and anonymous styled.
Why is that third brake light positioned so low?
Kowalski | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
I get the impression that Gunnar hates most, if not all today’s cars.
Gunnar | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
LOL I’m getting that impression, too
Jacj | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
I definitely think that Mercedes introduced “sex” back into the sedan. It is sleek and more appealing to the eye unlike the other “box-shaped” sedans out there today. I think MB made the right move.
Jim | Aug 25, 2010 | Reply
The other day an inadvertent contest of vehicular presence took place in a nearby parking lot as a shiny new W221 was parked next to a very clean W126. The 126 drew most of the attention.
To me it appears the CLS, its competitors and copiers, was jacked up at the B-pillar and the weight of the ends drooped into a frown.
Thierry | Aug 26, 2010 | Reply
The new one seems like a much nicer car when compared to the current CLS. I can’t stand the original/current design, especially the ridiculously narrow windows. It seems as though the “gangster theme” initially started by the 300C with it’s narrow windows is over, hopefully…