2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Powertrains Revealed

Following the online unveiling late last month for its all-new second-generation 2012 CLS, Mercedes-Benz has this week revealed which powertrains the big four-door coupe will launch with at the Paris Auto Show later this month.

First cab off the rank for the new CLS will be the 150kW CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency, a 2.1 litre four-cylinder diesel engine paired with Mercedes' seven-speed G-Tronic transmission.

The first of the two six-cylinder engines will be the 3.0 litre CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency diesel, producing 195kW and matched to the same seven-speed G-Tronic auto.

A petrol six will figure in the line-up also, with the 3.5 litre CLS 350 BlueEfficiency developing 225kW.

In December, Mercedes will launch the CLS 500 BlueEfficiency, powered by a 305kW petrol V8.

It's unclear at this point which engines will be available in Australia, although details are likely to come in the new year.

The international launch of the CLS will follow July's retirement of the first-generation model, this new generation revealing a continuation of the styling language previewed in April's Shooting Break (sic) concept and the SLS AMG.

As with the new CL-Class, the new CLS features Mercedes' prominent new upright grille, flanked by the most overt rendition yet of its new flowing headlight design style.

Our own rendering, published early last month (see gallery below), offered what now clearly appears to have been an accurate look at the new CLS.

The headlights of the new CLS are made up entirely of LED lights, with a total of 71 'bulbs' featuring across both units.

In the cabin, the 2011 CLS retains the four-seat layout, its centre-console extending from the dash right through to the rear backrest.

A new three-spoke sports steering wheel is featured, moving away from the four-spoke tiller featured in most Mercedes models.

The 2012 CLS is expected to make its Australian debut in the first half of 2011.