<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Mercedes-Benz basically created a whole new car segment when it came out with the CLS in 2003\u2014that of the &amp;quot;4-door coupe.&amp;quot; So the question is: How does Mercedes go about redesigning a car that has been so widely copied by other automakers in recent years? Apparently by completely changing it, as we found out at the Paris Auto Show.   Sure, the dramatically sloping roofline is still there on the 2012 CLS, but most everything else is markedly altered, with several design cues mimicking those found on the new E-Class sedan. For instance, the hood and grille are significantly more upright, while the redesigned headlamps, each which include a total of 71 LEDs, are ultra-stylish and said to give a &amp;quot;significantly enhanced view of the road.&amp;quot;   The arching side line\u2014a distinguishing feature on the current car\u2014has been ditched, in its place what Mercedes is calling &amp;quot;a new interplay of lines and surfaces,&amp;quot; including a &amp;quot;dropping line&amp;quot; that extends from the front to the rear fenders. Also new to the CLS is the bulging shoulder line above the rear fender, much like the one found on the new E-Class.   The completely reworked interior contains a mix of satin and high-gloss finishes, including matte-galvanized air vents. Customers will be able to choose among high-gloss brown burl walnut, high-gloss black ash, black piano lacquer and carbon-fiber trim elements. Craftsmanship abounds, including a hand-stitched dashboard and seat covers.   Drivetrain-wise, the 2012 CLS will offer a choice of two new twin-turbo V-8s for the States. The CLS550 will utilize the same 4.6-liter direct-injected engine found in the 2011 CL550 4Matic Coupe. Based on the outgoing normally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8, the new twin-turbo engine produces 429 bhp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque in the CL550, and we expect similar numbers for the CLS. For the record, that&amp;#039;s a 32-percent increase in power over the outgoing V-8, yet Mercedes claims the new engine achieves 20-percent better fuel economy.   The CLS63 AMG will adopt the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 found in the new S63 AMG, although we&amp;#039;re told the CLS version will most likely be tuned to a figure slightly less than the 536 bhp of big S-Class sedan. The CLS63 AMG will use M-B&amp;#039;s 7-speed MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) transmission.   The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will go on sale in the U.S. in July 2011. Sometime later in the year a 4Matic all-wheel-drive model will be offered. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/paris-auto-show/news/a16371/2012-mercedes-benz-cls/>