2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Details

Instead of a gearshift, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will have a steering-column-mounted shifter wand like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, shown here.

From what we can tell, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will see fractional gains in length, width and wheelbase versus today's car--no surprise, seeing that the 2010 E-Class is little larger than the sedan it replaces. Overall height should come down a half-inch or so, while curb weight is likely to go up by at least 140 pounds.

Equally unsurprising, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will share many visual elements with the latest E-Class and S-Class. That means bulging wheelarches, "eyebrow" creases above the rear wheels, a rising bodyside character line, a slightly higher hood (to meet European pedestrian-safety rules), and a more-upright grille flanked by four squarish headlamps instead of twin "hockey-stick" clusters. The roofline remains a graceful arc, but a lower, more-horizontal beltline tones down the familiar "banana" profile while allowing taller side windows that should make for an airier cabin with better visibility. Speaking of the interior, the new CLS-Class reportedly mimics current models in having its own dashboard and door panels, plus mandatory four-passenger seating, higher-grade materials, and a unique palette of colors and finishes.

For North America, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reportedly reprises the current 5.5-liter and high-performance 6.2-liter AMG V8 engines. Given today's dire economy, however, we think Mercedes' 3.5-liter V6 will show up in a lower-priced CLS350 model that's been available in Europe but not here. A 7-speed automatic remains the only transmission, but its console-mount shift lever is replaced by a small steering-column wand, as on the S-Class and 2010 E-Class. Incidentally, Mercedes is rolling out a new family of 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 gasoline engines with efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection, but they are not coming here for the time being, reportedly because they're incompatible with higher-sulfur North American fuel. Maybe by 2013, though. What about a diesel? That's always a possibility for a new Mercedes, but we doubt the image-conscious CLS-Class will offer one in America, though you never can tell.

Like the newest E-Class, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will stay with three-link front and multilink rear suspensions, but the V6 version should sport adaptive shock absorbers that automatically adjust firmness to match road surface and driving style. V8 versions should retain a standard air suspension that functions in much the same way. All models get larger 4-wheel ABS disc brakes that again serve an included antiskid system with traction control. Mercedes' Distronic adaptive cruise control will return, perhaps newly standard, but with the addition of a "Brake Assist Plus" function that uses the system's radar sensors to detect an imminent frontal crash and optimize stopping power accordingly.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will naturally share most other new-E-class features, but some sedan options may be standard in line with higher "coupe" prices. Though the menus have yet to be decided, all models will certainly carry a full complement of airbags, including a newly added driver's knee cushion. Other encore standards include a navigation system, multiadjustable power front seats, 4-zone automatic climate control, and Mercedes' TeleAid assistance service. The max-muscle CLS63 should reprise a sport-tuned suspension, uprated brakes, 19-inch wheels instead of 18s or 17s, multicontour seats, and unique trim. As for all the new stuff, that's detailed under "Notable Feature" below.