The German tuners from Lorinser released the first images of their 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS upgrade program which we saw as a sketch nearly a year ago. The only addition we see from the sketches to the finished product is the bonnet, which didn’t receive the vents seen in the drawings.

Lorinser’s body kit for the 2011 Mercedes CLS C218 includes a new aerodynamic kit with bumper extensions, new side air vents, side skirts, and rear boot lid and roof spoilers, all providing the car with an AMG-like styling. Lorinser also gave the Mercedes CLS new front fenders with vents for cooling the brakes and a new exhaust system with four squared tail pipes.

Lorinser’s program for the 2011 Mercedes C218 CLS also include two new sets of rims, available in a silver a matte black finish. The four door coupe received a matte gray paint job and the car looks to have received a suspension lowering too.

We’ll bring you more details on the Lorinser 2011 Mercedes CLS C218 as soon as they become available.

Last week, German tuner Kicherer gave us a look at ther CLS Edtion Black based on the new generation CLS. Prior to Kicherer, both Brabus and Carlsson debuted their versions of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. So why is it that MEC Design decided to modify the ‘old’ CLS. The answer is simple:  it’s still a gorgeous car. The previous generation had a dramatic, somewhat more aggressive character than that of the 2012 CLS.  Don’t get me wrong, Mercedes’ new CLS looks great, but I have to say I’m still in mourning over the passing of the prior generation.

As for the tuning package from MEC Design, it sets its aim on the visual appearance of the CLS, while offering minor technical modifications, with no boost in the power output.

For starters, the Mercedes CLS 500 received a new body kit, giving the already dramatic stock CLS a meaner face.  Exterior enhancements start with a set of modified bumpers, which include LED fog lights and day lights at the front along with an “Extreme” diffuser at the back.  Also present are new side skirts with LED lights, a three piece trunklid spoiler and a rear window spoiler.  Lastly, the MEC Design package also includes a 2010 style grille and LED mirror covers, plus a full matte black foil wrap for the CLS’s body.

Complimenting the body kit, MEC outfitted the CLS with 20-inch mecxtreme III in Full Matt Black finish. Helping lower center of gravity, a new electronic lowering system module has been incorporated.  And last but not least, a stainless steel rear muffler adds a more aggressive note tot he exhaust, perfectly complimenting the rest of the MEC Design CLS.

Though MEC Design failed to release any interior pictures, we have word the CLS is outfitted carbon/leather steering wheel and new floor mats.

You can check out photos of the MEC Design Mercedes CLS500 in the photo gallery below.

The new Mercedes CLS is already a thing of beauty, but that hasn’t stopped Kicherer from attempting to improve on its gloriousness. The tuning firm just unveiled what they’re calling the Kicherer CLS Edition Black, a model boasting a number of exterior, interior and performance enhancements.

Under the hood is where the fun begins, as Kicherer has bumped power by around 62 PS and 90 Nm of torque. They’ve also added a Kicherer PowerConverter and a new sport exhaust, increasing not only the responsiveness of the CLS, but also the sound.

Exterior wise, Kicherer has added their RS-1 20 inch forged wheels, along with the ever trendy matte black paint scheme. Even the chassis has been reworked in matte black and carbon, to match the paint. Behind the scenes, a new six and four piston Kicherer high perfromance braking system utilizing compound discs and flexible stainless steel hoses helps slow the CLS, while piano lacquer accents throughout the CLS Black’s interior complete the Kicherer package.

You can see the Kicherer CLS Edition Black in all its matte glory in the photo gallery below.

More than a quarter of a million readers and a top-class jury comprising 40 automotive experts and prominent figures have voted the new Mercedes-Benz CLS the best new product in the executive and luxury class segment. As a result, “Bild am Sonntag”, “Auto Bild” and 26 associated European publications have awarded the new four-door coupé model the “Golden Steering Wheel” – one of the most important automotive awards in Europe. This coveted award was officially presented to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars, in Berlin yesterday evening.

Ten new products in the executive and luxury class were put to the extensive reader vote for the “Golden Steering Wheel”, which was announced across the whole of Europe. The jury for the “Golden Steering Wheel” is the largest and most international in the world. In the first round, readers of “Auto Bild”, “Bild am Sonntag” and 26 European “Auto Bild” sister publications cast votes for their favourites. From Finland to Spain, and from England to Estonia, some 40 million readers decided which cars were worthy of winning the golden trophies. In the executive and luxury class, the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Suzuki Kizashi and Volvo S 60 made it into the final. At the beginning of October, no less than 40 testers then put the vehicles through their paces on a test track in Balocco (Italy) over a period of three days. This is where the new Mercedes-Benz CLS emerged victorious to bring the “Golden Steering Wheel” back to Stuttgart for the 19th time.

With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle category in 2003 which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The customers were delighted, the competition taken aback: for many years the CLS remained the only four-door coupé in its class.

The new CLS builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor yet at the same time is an entirely new edition. What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In addition, the CLS is the first passenger car in the world to offer LED High Performance headlamps as an option, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology – similar to those of daylight – with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon generation. For the first time ever, this new light system provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology.

Viewed from the side, the typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating feature. The front edge of the structure above the wings slopes off towards the rear. This design feature, called the dropping line by designers, represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars. A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS.

Performance: efficiency at the highest level

Efficiency at the highest level: this is the common characteristic shared by all four engines used in the new CLS. All of the engines feature increased performance and torque compared with previous models, while at the same time boasting a level of fuel consumption which has been significantly reduced by up to 25 percent. At the time of the European market launch in January 2011, two six-cylinder models will initially be available: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp), and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp) and also featuring an ECO start/stop function.

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency

Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict of objectives between low weight and high strength in the new CLS. The CLS is thus the first vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to have frameless, all-aluminium doors. In addition, the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various support sections as well as major parts of the chassis and engine are all made from aluminium too.

Aerodynamics also make an important contribution to the outstanding efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It has been possible to reduce wind resistance by up to ten percent. This is thanks to the Cd value of 0.26, which has been improved by 13 percent.

Supreme driving dynamics coupled with superlative ride comfort on long journeys

Making its world premiere in the new CLS is the vehicle’s electromechanical Direct-Steer system. This pioneering innovation is a radical step forward in the relationship between driver, car and road. This is because for the first time engineers have the freedom to freely choose and program a wide variety of parameters which can influence steering perception. More than a dozen driving assistance systems on the new CLS help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. The Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist are new.

The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The CLS delighted the public, astounded the competition and created a new style icon: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers worldwide. “Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (October 2 – 17, 2010), the 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new interpretation. “The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés.”

Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.

Design brings high-tech features to life

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique “dropping line”, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology — a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

Around four animal skins are processed for each CLS. The particularly exclusive 1.6-millimetre thick semi-aniline premium leather meets the highest standards of both look and feel. The natural pore structure remains intact thanks to a light pigmentation, and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Premium leather requires a very precise manual selection process and therefore a high amount of raw leather.

The refined interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements, located on the instrument panels, center console and door linings. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain as part of an sophisticated selection process to create a consistent overall impression.

For an even more progressive look, black piano lacquer or carbon fiber trim elements are also available. Handcrafted as well, up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim until the high-gloss finish is achieved.

Hot on the heels of the brochure leaks revealing the next-generation 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS, a new series of official press photos have today surfaced, again highlighting the model in all its restyled glory.  The new Mercedes CLS is showcased from a variety of angles, and both the exterior and interior are revealed for a second time, all in crystal clear clarity.  I know you’re probably getting tired of hearing engine configurations, but here’s yet another recap of what to expect.  There are currently two CLS petrol options being reported:  the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well.  As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS).  And lastly, when the 2011 CLS63 AMG makes it debut, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque, with an optional Performance Pack boosting power to roughly 570 bhp and the 663 lb ft torque mark.

Official details of the 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class should be coming on Monday, but we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything else before then.  In the meantime, check out the 2011 CLS photos in the gallery below, then head over to Autofans.be for the full article.  Thanks to Pieter for the tip.

We’ve known it was coming for some time now, and photos showing it nearly undisguised have already surfaced.  But today, the first press shots of the next-generation 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class have been leaked, showing the newest iteration of the four door coupe in all its unabashed glory.

As you’ll see (and as previously reported), numerous styling traits from the Concept Shooting Brake are present, including a prominent grille, aggressively styled front bumper, daytime LED running lights and a long bonnet.  Under the hood, look for two petrol options:  the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well.  As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS).  And lastly, when the 2011 CLS63 AMG makes it debut, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque to make its way into the consummate model, with an optional Performance Pack boosting power to roughly 570 bhp and the 663 lb ft torque mark.

We’ll keep you posted as the model makes its official debut, which will likely be any day now.  But until then, check out the first 2011 Mercedes CLS photos in the gallery below.  And a special thanks to Markus Jordan for uncovering the photos.

For over a year, we have been bringing you spy photos of the highly anticipated 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.  Today we have yet another round of CLS spy photos to bring you, again showing the four door coupe equipped with the always beautiful AMG styling.  Though lacking the performance brake kit and larger sportier wheels, meaning this isn’t the 2011 CLS 63 AMG, the spy photos still gives us a clear insight as to what the new generation CLS AMG will look like when it debuts at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Borrowing numerous styling traits from the Concept Shooting Brake, a prominent grille, aggressively styled front bumper, daytime LED running lights and a long bonnet are just some of the similarities between the two.  Under the hood, look for two petrol options:  the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well.  As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS).  And lastly, when the 2011 CLS63 AMG makes it debut, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque to make its way into the consummate model, with an optional Performance Pack boosting power to roughly 570 bhp and the 663 lb ft torque mark.

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2011 CLS are revealed.  To see more of the 2011 Mercedes CLS with AMG styling, you can check out more photos in the gallery below, then head over to Car Advice for the full article.

In 2004, the world was first introduced to the Mercedes-Benz CLS – a model that managed to blend stylish coupe lines with a functional four door design. Since its inception, many automobile manufacturers have have adopted the coupe / sedan mix, but the Mercedes CLS was the first to offer mixed body styling.

Now entering its second generation, new spy photos have emerged from AutoWeek that show the future Mercedes-Benz CLS with nearly no camouflage.  In viewing the spy photos, it’s clear that the new Mercedes CLS is taking numerous styling traits from the Concept Shooting Brake, with a prominent grille, aggressively styled front bumper, daytime LED running lights and a long bonnet some of the similarities. The body itself has a coupe styled roofline with exaggerated wheel arches, while the rear of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS benefits from a new taillight design and chrome tipped exhaust.

As we previously posted, the two models said to be coming in the CLS petrol range are the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well. As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS).

To see more of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, you can view the new spy photos in the gallery below, and when you’re finished, head over to AutoWeek for the full 2011 CLS article.

If you didn’t get enough spy photos of the 2011 Mercedes CLS63 AMG in our last article, here’s a second batch giving you yet another look at the model – this time, with its rear prominently on display.  As you’ll see, the tail light shape is clearly visible, as are the rear spoiler and quad exhaust.  Also notable is the contour of the rear wheel arch – reminiscent of the current E-Class in that it carries through to the design of the tail light (albeit it in far sportier form).  Like the next-generation ML63 AMG, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque to make its way into the 2011 CLS63 AMG; an optional Performance Pack moves it to roughly 570 bhp and 663 lb ft torque mark.

Look for the 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class to make its debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show along with a (rumored) CLS wagon concept at next week’s Beijing Motor Show; in the meantime, check out the gallery below for the latest 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG spy photos.  Thanks to Car Magazine and autoevolution for the pictures.

We’re getting closer to the refresh of the already beautiful Mercedes CLS-Class, and while we wait, we’ve got some new spy photos giving us hints as to what we can expect from the 2011 version of the four door coupe.  These pics may be among the best I’ve seen, as you can see clearly the CLS’s single-louvre grille, front headlamp shape, a large portion of the rear tail light shape, and the model’s overall profile.  Also, it looks as though the wheelbase has been lengthened slightly, but it’s difficult to say for certain without actually measuring it.  As for the inside, there’s not a whole lot to guess, as photos broke back in December revealing a completely undisguised interior.  If you missed them, I included them here as well, saving you from having to search them out on Google for yourself  (note:  the interior shots are from the non-AMG variant of the CLS, not the CLS63 AMG).

Look for the 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class to hit dealerships early next year.  To see more of the new model, check out the gallery below for the spy shots and interior photos.  Thanks to CarAdvice for the spy shots and CarScoop and WorldCarFans for the looks at the interior.

Up until now, the  only spy photos of the forthcoming 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class have been of the non-AMG variant – that is, until today.  That’s because the gentlemen over at SpeedLux.com have managed to capture the next-generation CLS63 AMG in action, providing those of you eager for the next high horsepowered four door coupe the first glimpses of what to expect from the model.

Unfortunately, heavy body paneling still adorns the model, making it difficult to discern the various design lines of the CLS.  What we can expect, however, is power similar to that of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, meaning an AMG-built 386 kW/525 hp V8 with 630 Nm torque.

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG are released; in the meantime, keep scrolling for a few of the spy photos highlighting the model, then head over to SpeedLux.com for the full action-packed gallery.

New spy photos have emerged showcasing the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class undergoing a bit of fair weather testing.  Unfortunately, the four door coupe is heavily masked with plenty of false panelling, so distinguishing its various design elements is still an impossible task.  Parts of the front grille, headlights and tail lights, are however, a little more clear than they’ve been in the past, revealing a few subtle hints about what lies in store for the model.

Yet another round of spy photos have emerged today showcasing the likely-to-arrive-in-2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. As has been the case with all prior 2011 CLS spy shots, the model is still heavily disguised, with little design traits revealed about the next four door coupe. However, a few key areas to take note of include the somewhat visible front grille, similar to the one found on the current CLS, as well as the rear exhaust which features a rectangular design similar to that of the new E-Class.

We will of course keep you posted as new details of the 2011 CLS are revealed; in the meantime, keep scrolling to see a few additional shots of the next CLS-Class, or head over to Autoblog.nl for the full, action-packed gallery.

Kicking things off this chilly Monday morning comes the latest look at the next Mercedes CLS – one that shows the model undergoing a bit of cold weather testing on the frigid terrain of Sweden. As you’ll see, the model is heavily disguised, meaning there’s not much you’ll see in terms of design; however, there is a shot of the model being followed by the current C-Class, giving us at least some indication of the model’s proportions.

Aside from that, it will likely still be a little while before any substantial design elements of the next CLS are revealed. Engines will almost certainly be the ones found on the new E-Class, and pricing should come in a little more than the E-Class (as is the case with the current model).

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the next Mercedes-Benz CLS are uncovered; in the meantime, keep scrolling for a few more spy photos of the model (click any pic to enlarge), then head over to GlobalMotors.net for the full Mercedes CLS gallery.