The local introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLS range is significant for many reasons - and the car's seductive styling is the least of them. Moreover, the CLS shows a different side to the Three-pointed Star and lights the way to a bold future for 'Benz.

The local introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLS range is significant for many reasons - and the car's seductive styling is the least of them. Moreover, the CLS shows a different side to the Three-Pointed Star and lights the way to a bold future for 'Benz.


When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision CLS concept at the 2003 Frankfurt Show, few expected that the E-Class based car would ever go into production, primarily because of its quirky "four-door coupé" styling and the fact that it was too closely related to its executive saloon sibling. However, the enthusiastic public response to the Vision CLS surprised even the management at Sindelfingen, and the car got the go-ahead.


Whenever CARtoday.com has published a story about the CLS in the past two years, some readers have responded to the car's styling with the vitriol normally reserved for some of BMW design chief Chris Bangle's creations. But following a drive in the CLS this week, it can be argued that the car is probably a yardstick for what the E-Class should have been. The CLS has svelte lines that rival the BMW 5-Series for sheer presence and the range has paved the way for more Mercedes models with outside-of-the-box styling. What's more - the CLS is a genuine driver's car, as we found out.

To view the gallery and read more about the Mercedes-Benz CLS range, click here.

Original article from Car