CLS [Spy shots] 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (Spy shots & Info)
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The Mercedes-Benz CLS (initially called the CLS-Class) is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from December 2003 to August 2023. The original model was a four-door sedan based on the Mercedes E-Class platform, marketed as a four door coupé. An estate (shooting brake) model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS.
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Wolfgang
Kraftwagen König
A bit of CLS history, from the Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog: 
Not every series featured a coupé; but in most cases there was at least one variant aimed at a similar category of buyers. There was the Mercedes-Benz 290 (W 18 series), for example, built in the mid-1930s, which in the long-wheelbase version with streamlined body had the appearance of a coupé – except it had four doors providing access to the interior. Decades later the CLS (C 219 series, market launch 2004) was to revive a similar principle, creating an even more coupé-like impact with its low, stretched roofline.
shown at Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California
owner: Arturo Keller
Coupes by Mercedes-Benz – The 'Sindelfingen body' prevails | Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog
Not every series featured a coupé; but in most cases there was at least one variant aimed at a similar category of buyers. There was the Mercedes-Benz 290 (W 18 series), for example, built in the mid-1930s, which in the long-wheelbase version with streamlined body had the appearance of a coupé – except it had four doors providing access to the interior. Decades later the CLS (C 219 series, market launch 2004) was to revive a similar principle, creating an even more coupé-like impact with its low, stretched roofline.
shown at Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California
owner: Arturo Keller
Coupes by Mercedes-Benz – The 'Sindelfingen body' prevails | Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog
SKY
Kraftwagen König
I think it´s a matter of lack of ideas. If you think about it, broking the shoulder line is something that other car manufactures will be doing in the near future.
Think in BMW. Bangle BMWs had different shoulder lines on each model, one had it under the door handles (E65 7er), the 5er above the door handles, and the 3er had the door handles integrated in the shoulder line.
Now the post Bangle cars, starting with the current X5, returnoed to the classic shoulder line, with the door hlandles on it, being much more elegant. But, What can we expect after that? What will the new 7er look like form the side profile?.
Let´s hope the new S-Class, wich should have a more F800 like lines in the profile, ends up having something more integrated.
rollo
Premium
Interesting. As for me, someone who has never been a big fan of historic MB designs, I like the looks of their new cars.
This might evolve similarly to how Bangle designs were recieved by the BMW faithfull.........
GBOY
Meister Mechaniker
Interesting. As for me, someone who has never been a big fan of historic MB designs, I like the looks of their new cars.
This might evolve similarly to how Bangle designs were recieved by the BMW faithfull.........
I doubt it. Sometimes we create out own expectations and get disappointed when they are not met. A CLS is all about swooping lines, otherwise it's an E-Class or E-Coupe. The lines look great on the shooting brake and will look great on the CLS but if you hate it, you hate it. Eg. the third window on the E-coup and for me, I couldn't stand the column mounted shifter in the S-class but i've learned to live with it. Many didn't like the flares on the S-class but it's still the freshest and most desirable in the class.
It's tough being a true fan cos sometimes, you get disappointed.
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
Well it's important to understand that there are different types of Mercedes-Benz fans. Some like the classic designs and relate more with the history of Mercedes-Benz than have concern about Mercedes future designs. While other Mercedes-Benz fans appreciate the history of Mercedes-Benz, while having respect for the designs of older model.
Personally I favor new Mercedes models compared to classic ones. Any Mercedes models past the W126, I would never purchase unless it was a pure classic. There are a lot of folks here that adore the Gullwing, but I would take an SLS over it anyday. Mercedes-Benz current designs are actually very nice IMO. The lines actually give it a much more aggressive and sporty look. Where as something like the W116 design is rather boring to me. This new CLS is nothing short of perfection in my eyes.
Personally I favor new Mercedes models compared to classic ones. Any Mercedes models past the W126, I would never purchase unless it was a pure classic. There are a lot of folks here that adore the Gullwing, but I would take an SLS over it anyday. Mercedes-Benz current designs are actually very nice IMO. The lines actually give it a much more aggressive and sporty look. Where as something like the W116 design is rather boring to me. This new CLS is nothing short of perfection in my eyes.
rollo
Premium
HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
The new CLS might be perfect without that stupid top character line with throws everything a mess.
WHY!!
They're so close. Even the front with the bulgy EU regulation look seems fine in these newer pics, so maybe it won't be a problem like I thought initially.
I can understand a headlight, rear lights, grill and even overall profile, but a line on the side of a car is so irrelevant to me. Then again I guess folks have their reasons.
Yaz
Autotechnik Ace
If only they raised it a little bit and let it run through the door handles.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
I'm actually quite fond of the upper swage line. It gives it more muscularity and dynamism, exactly what you'd want in a CLS. Otherwise, as someone else here has noted, then it's an E coupe. I'm quite looking forward to this car.
I can understand a headlight, rear lights, grill and even overall profile, but a line on the side of a car is so irrelevant to me. Then again I guess folks have their reasons.
To each their own of course. For me, lines are just as important as any other aspect of the car, maybe the most important, along with the overall shape/profile. Definitely enough to be a deal breaker to me. I could probably "look the other way" on that aspect if this car looks as hot as it does in some of these pics, but an upward random line with no purpose just will always irk me.
True it will look too close to an E-Coupe if it had a downward line, but I think M-B's designers are getting too caught up in being "crazy" or "different" with detailing. Just make it look good. Downward lines are a proper character trait to say "dynamism" and "aggression", a full running line from back to front gives a car an elegant and cohesive tone. But an upward crease that makes no sense goes against the cars sporty shape IMO, and just looks very forced and off.
Where it looks just amateur to me is how it starts at some random point in the rear fender hump, doesn't seem to be any coherent rhyme or reason as to why it starts so low where it does, and I think the upward motion goes against what the cars character should be.
Anyway, seems like it'll be another love/hate thing for me. I have a feeling in the flesh the surface sculpting will be astounding and droolingly crisp, if the second-to-none sculpting on the W212's E's sheetmetal is anything to go by.
ree
Kraftwagen König
So, we have the first CLS photos without Camo and I created a new thread - so discussion over here now:
http://www.germancarforum.com/cls-class/33996-2011-mercedes-cls-first-photos-without-camo.html
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http://www.germancarforum.com/cls-class/33996-2011-mercedes-cls-first-photos-without-camo.html
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