As Mercedes continues development of the next-gen CLS, the executive four-door coupe has been scooped in motion for the second time.
The CLS prototype still maintains its vinyl stickers and some of the plastic body cladding, but its sloping roofline, front end and generous size are clear giveaways to its true identity.
While we might have an idea on how the actual car will look like, considering that it will be based on the same platform as the latest generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class and probably use a similar design, it remains unclear whether it will keep the CLS moniker, or follow the brand’s renaming scheme, in which case it could be renamed the CLE.
Adopting the architecture of the new E-Class means that the four-door model will also adopt some of its powertrains, most likely including an electrified variant. There’s no word yet on an AMG version, but when it does arrive it will be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with as much as 612 PS (604 HP), as in the E 63 S.