New Mercedes CLS spied ahead of 2018 launch

The next-gen Mercedes CLS, which is due for launch next year, is currently undergoing testing in various places around Europe. Spotted in the deep frozen northern part of Scandinavia a few days earlier, the CLS has now been seen in Stuttgart and Spain at around the same time.

Design-wise, the change from the current to the new generation is more evolution than revolution – even though the pronounced hip of the current generation will be eliminated for the new model and the new taillights will be horizontal rather than diagonal. 

Under the hood, Mercedes will replace the existing V6 engines with in-line sixes and the old 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo diesels will be replaced by more refined 2-litre units. Like in the new E-class, drivers of the CLS will be looking at two displays, the one in front of the wheels being a freely programmable one.

The new model will be available next year, about a year after the arrival of the two-door E-class coupe.