Latest CLS breaks the mould again
The new Mercedes CLS 350.
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Wednesday August 25 2010
A FEW years ago, the Mercedes CLS caused a sensation when it showed how a mid-size executive coupe could not only have four seats, but four doors.
It has become something of a classic of its time and now there's a new one on the way.
Like the original, this is long and low car with a short sloping boot and a long bonnet. However, there have been fairly dramatic changes, judging by the pictures. The crescent curve has been flattened a fair bit.
Now, the eye is drawn more to a pair of side panel creases that converge on a bulbous rear wheel-arch. It also gets a new front-end look, with a low, wide grille, that is well forward of the headlights.
It's pencilled in for a spring 2011 arrival. As you probably know, it uses the running gear of the E Class saloon as its base, although it sits lower and longer. And its wheelbase is longer than before, to improve rear legroom.
There's a new narrow-angle V6 with direct injection and stop-start technology, which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 24pc. A twin-turbo V8, downsized from 5.4-litres to 4.7-litres, also boasts more power and lower consumption.
Of course, diesels will be the big attraction and the latest 231bhp direct injection 3-litre V6 will be among them.
However, there will be massive interest in the new 2.1-litre turbo. All come with seven-speed automatic transmissions and stop-start systems are expected on most, if not all.
There is also talk that there will be an estate along within a year or so.
It is believed to be based on Shooting Brake concept, which was unveiled at the Beijing show in April.
Irish Independent
