Photo: SB-Medien
With the official launch date of the mid-cycle facelift for the CLS (C218) just around the corner, Mercedes-Benz hasn't yet stopped testing pre-production prototypes of the model.
The only major difference is the fact that prototypes have less and less camouflage on them just before the public unveil, and we first saw a similarly-dressed CLS facelift just a couple of weeks ago.
Now it is time for a black model, and the amount of camo on it is so low that pretty much every detail on the car is clearly distinguishable.
As it was expected and as you can see for yourself, the “star grille” from the A-Class, CLA and more recently the S-Class Coupe, is bound to make an appearance on the facelifted CLS as well, while this particular prototype is also sporting a redesigned AMG bodykit.
Even though the AMG bodykit, AMG wheels and the oversized brakes would indicate that the car is also sporting an engine that is hand built in Affalterbach, this CLS is most definitely a 500 (550 in the US) model.
We say this because both the AMG-characteristic quad tailpipes exhaust from the rear and the side strakes from the front wings are missing from the package.
Even though in the interior image it is covered by a piece of cloth, we already know that the center display will be much larger and follow the free-standing design principle that is soon taking over the entire Mercedes-Benz range, along with the new touchpad controller for the Comand infotainment system.
Also new is the three-spoked steering wheels that is borrowed from the S-Class Coupe, while certain reports have also mentioned the addition of an optional color head-up display system, even though it is not noticeable in the photo below.
Expect the CLS 400 model to replace the CLS 350 as the base gasoline engine, while its pairing with the 9G-Tronic will also make it the first Mercedes-Benz to bring the new hyper-efficient transmission in the US when it reaches showrooms this Fall.
Expect more details about the Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) facelift in the upcoming weeks, as its official unveil is set to take place around June 23rd.
Now it is time for a black model, and the amount of camo on it is so low that pretty much every detail on the car is clearly distinguishable.
As it was expected and as you can see for yourself, the “star grille” from the A-Class, CLA and more recently the S-Class Coupe, is bound to make an appearance on the facelifted CLS as well, while this particular prototype is also sporting a redesigned AMG bodykit.
Even though the AMG bodykit, AMG wheels and the oversized brakes would indicate that the car is also sporting an engine that is hand built in Affalterbach, this CLS is most definitely a 500 (550 in the US) model.
We say this because both the AMG-characteristic quad tailpipes exhaust from the rear and the side strakes from the front wings are missing from the package.
Even though in the interior image it is covered by a piece of cloth, we already know that the center display will be much larger and follow the free-standing design principle that is soon taking over the entire Mercedes-Benz range, along with the new touchpad controller for the Comand infotainment system.
Also new is the three-spoked steering wheels that is borrowed from the S-Class Coupe, while certain reports have also mentioned the addition of an optional color head-up display system, even though it is not noticeable in the photo below.
Expect the CLS 400 model to replace the CLS 350 as the base gasoline engine, while its pairing with the 9G-Tronic will also make it the first Mercedes-Benz to bring the new hyper-efficient transmission in the US when it reaches showrooms this Fall.
Expect more details about the Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) facelift in the upcoming weeks, as its official unveil is set to take place around June 23rd.
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