Spyshots: 2011 Mercedes CLS

After, back in April, we brought you some exciting CGIs of the Mercedes CLS and, more recently, spyshots of the AMG version of the CLS, it is time to take the first good look at the second generation of the four door coupe from Stuttgart.

Even with the disturbing camo on, the overall lines of the CLS can be clearly distinguished and, as we can all see, they stay true to the 2004-born CLS, the one which opened the doors for the 2+2 seater four door coupe.

From the visual standpoint, the differences between the two generations don't seem be all that extravagant. Needless to say, the class the CLS sits in leaves little room for design experiments, so besides the usual light clusters, bumpers, skirts or minor lines changes, don't expect much to be hidden under the black camo.

What will change, mainly through addition, are the engines. According to initial rumors, besides packing the regular petrol V6s and V8s, and a diesel engine, the next CLS will also pack the hybrid system used on the S400 BlueHybrid.

In the case of the S400, the hybrid powertrain uses a 3.5l 279 hp petrol engine, mated to an electric motor which develops 20 horsepower and a starting torque of 160 Nm.

The line will be topped by the CLS 63 AMG, a car packing the unit used on the 2010 E63 AMG (525 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque on the E63).

The future CLS is expected to go into sale in 2011, following the start of production in late 2010.