Mercedes-Benz CLS Is Official

In this age of digital media, by the time an official car introduction happens, the car has already been often revealed. There are exceptions to that, like Ford's recent Explorer launch, which was a brilliant marketing campaign.

However, leaks and Mercedes-Benz are pretty synonymous. The recent CL AMG line, as well as the CLS, were all leaked out well in advance of release. Now, Mercedes has made the CLS official, and here is the lowdown.

In its press release, Mercedes trumpets the fact that it was a "whole generation" ahead of the competition with the CLS. Since introduction, over 170,000 examples have been sold.

Competitors like Audi are just starting to field entrants into the segment, such as the A7 Sportback. As for BMW, there still isn't a competitor on the market - but one is coming in the form of the 6-Series Gran Coupe. This is all happening as the second-generation of the CLS is being introduced.

As far as exterior styling, it has been out there for a while. Mercedes understandably doesn't change up the formula too much, retaining the same iconic proportions, but with a new twist.

While the old car was slippery in shape, the 2012 model is defined and bold, with a bit of an AMG-like look. This is the future of Mercedes design no doubt, and it is a change we quite like.

The CLS has all-LED headlights, and they are a world-first to offer all forms of lighting as LED, including highbeams, low beams and turn signals. These headlights, combined with LED rear lighting, should make for a compelling light signature.

The interior is something we haven't seen before in its entirety. The design closely follows the mould of the E-Class sedan's interior. The E-Class' interior design is a bit stodgy for a vehicle with a performance character like the CLS.

We would've liked to have seen a more sporty, all-new look a la the Audi A7 Sportback. In addition, the CLS Shooting Break showed some nice added detailing that unfortunately didn't make it to production.

However, the performance quotient has been turned up significantly. There is a three-spoke sport steering wheel, and a new center console that ditches the gear selector in favor of one on the steering column.

History repeats itself, doesn't it? Interior surface materials look to be top notch, using a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on metal surfaces.

There is also a variety of trim options that include high-gloss brown burl walnut, as well as black piano lacquer and carbon fiber elements. We're looking forward to seeing the interior in two-tone color combinations.

All in all, the new CLS represents a significant update to the original. We certainly like the bolder direction Mercedes has taken, although we'll have to see it out on the road to know for sure. The new design is dramatic and should make a big splash.

As of yet, we don't have any information on powertrains or specifications - that information is forthcoming at the car's Paris introduction. For now though, the CLS is slated to arrive on United States shores in the middle of next year, as a 2012 model.