Mercedes-Benz are working to replace the current generation CLS four-door coupe, but still not quite ready for the current makeover.
The three-pointed star has been tracked conducting the initial test of a new generation CLS in the snow, wearing the body of a current generation car for camouflage. The next-generation car could be renamed the CLE to match what we’ve come to expect from Mercedes’ convertible lineup.
Looking at the spy shots, the only things that suggest this car is a prototype are the flared wheel arches and black alloy wheels, common in many of the prototypes.
Other than those two, the spy prototype didn’t have any camouflage. However, we do not get a clear picture of the interior.
Our spy photographers expect to see full-body prototypes in the European summer (June to August) 2022.
It’s not clear at this stage but the next-generation CLS four-door coupe could be renamed the CLE. It will join the two-door coupe and convertible model in that particular line.
This naming convention would make a lot of sense because the CLS was never really an ‘S’ model, as it was once based on E-Class.
Expected to continue the tradition, this next-generation CLS could be based on the new E-Class, featuring recently been tracked.
It’s unclear if the next-gen CLS will follow the smaller version C-Class and is only available with the electrified four-cylinder turbo powertrain.
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is only available in the top-end AMG CLS 53 guise, powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system that produces 320kW of power and torque-free power. 520Nm torque.
This third generation CLS was introduced locally in June 2018 and it received an extremely minor upgrade in Q4 2021.
In 2021, Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 30 CLS models. It has been outsold by people like Audi A7 (100 sales), BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe (42 sales), and Porsche Panamera (48 sales).
Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on its electric vehicles recently with the launch of both EQE and AMG EQE sedans, as well as EQS and AMG EQS back lift. It’s also about to reveal EQS and EQE SUV.
The German automaker announced in July 2021 it will also fully electric by 2030 where market conditions permit. The automaker is spending €40 billion ($58.74 billion) on technology, platforms and electric vehicle (EV) development.
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