Following in the footsteps Auto Zeitung's article detailing the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, Car magazine today has gazed into their own crystal ball, looking past the E and moving on instead to the delectable CLS-Class.  Bear in mind that as of yet, no spy shots of the next CLS have even emerged, save for the test mule with slightly widened wheel arches pictured above, but don't think for a second that has deterred Car from describing both the next CLS's styling and the wealth of technological features it will be endowed with.

Take, for example, the next CLS's styling. According to Car, the "banana-inspired side view is now less radical, the odd L-shaped headlamps are gone, and the cluttered front end has given way to a much more elegant appearance."  Another notable change will apparently be "the more three-dimensional flanks," which will now feature "rear power bulges, prominent so-called character lines and boldly flared wheel arches." And in the front of the next CLS, a more upright grille, rectangular headlamps and a notably more solid-looking bumper will all be in place.

From a technological standpoint, Car goes on to list a number of driver assistance systems that will make their way onto the CLS, with highlights including "automatic lane guidance," "a 360-degree camera with in-dash monitor" and a new LCD panel in the main instrument that's "a mix of night vision II and heads-up display."

And finally, the last area of the next Mercedes CLS that Car addressed was its range of engines, with the magazine noting that four variants – the CLS 320CDI BlueTEC, the CLS 350, the CLS 550 and the CLS 55 AMG – will be available, as will a variant featuring mild hybrid technology.

Of course at this point, any speculation about the next CLS-Class is purely that:  speculation.  It's far too early to discuss the specifics of a model that's at best two years away... if not more... so take information regarding Mercedes' next four door coupe with a grain of salt.

We'll keep you posted if any new details of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (or 2012 CLS-Class) emerge; in the meantime, head over to Car to read the publication's prophecy in its entirety.

Enjoy.