Ahead of its official debut at Paris Motor Show, Mercedes decided to give us a preview of the new generation CLS-class. The car that for years has been the only four-door coupe in the market before everyone else starts copying its shape, now features a more pointy and muscular design. But it still maintains it party piece which is that killer side view. Most noticeable changes for most people are of course the new head and taillights.

They say the new CLS’ design is inspired by the Mercedes SLS, but we don’t see!

“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 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”

One of the new innovative features of the 2011 CLS is the full LED headlamps. These lamps which are the world”s first dynamic light functions using LED technology contains an LED indicator in the upper layer, 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.

Those weird looking rear lights are also full of LED lamps which again give the car a distinctive look either when they’re on or off.

We also like the flared wheelarches which are becoming a trend in Mercedes design and they use them in almost all models. The car’s most striking feature of design though is the “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. That gives it a unique character.

Those familiar with the previous CLS and its amazing cabin will be surprised when they see the interior of the new model. It now looks more the E-Class inside, but rest assured it has much better quality trims. The 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.

Some of the highlights of the interior are the matte galvanized air vents and a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock. And that premium leather package which you like a lot, four animals are killed for that! Think about that next time you get comfi on one of those luxury seats!

Mercedes has not released official details of the available powertrains for the CLS, but unofficial data suggest it should be as follows:

CLS 250 CDI (204 PS / 500 NM)
CLS 350 CDI (265 PS / 620 NM)
CLS 350 CDI 4matic (265 PS / 620 NM)
CLS 350 CGI (306 PS / 370 NM)
CLS 500 BE (435 PS / 700 NM)
CLS 500 BE 4matic (435 PS / 700 NM)
CLS 63 AMG (544 PS / 800 NM)

Check out more pictures of the car right here: