2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-class: Still stylish and bold (photos)

The 2012 Mercedes CLS-class will be unveiled at the Paris motor show (October 2 to October 17, 2010). The four-door coupe features a long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows, and a muscular sports car-like shoulder line. The new design is inspired by the traditional CLS, but ushers in a new generation style.

The CLS-class created a new category in 2003 by combining the style of a coupe with the function of a sedan. The 2012 model keeps the same dimensions but adds a bolder, more sophisticated lines.

Since October 2004, Mercedes has sold 170,000 CLS-class cars worldwide. The 2012 CLS-class is the second generation of the trendsetting coupe with a bolder, sportier design. The radiator grille is not integrated into the hood, but is instead formed separately. The grille is dominated by the large central Mercedes-Benz star.

Wide wrap-around tail lights feature new LED technology, which is also used in the headlights. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear. The sleek look of the rear is topped off with a central star.

The leather on the dashboard of the CLS-class is is also heated to preshrink it, so it will retain its shape after exposure to direct sunlight. Then individual parts of the leather dashboard are hand-sewn in a process which takes several hours.

The instrument panels, center console, and door linings are handcrafted. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash trim elements.

The new design of the 2012 CLS-class continues in the interior with 1.6-millimeter thick semianiline premium leather seat covers and a handcrafted dashboard.

The cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard starting from the from the driver's door and sweeping over the instrument panel. In the center of the steering wheel rests the classic Mercedes-Benz star.

The CLS-class offers several creature comforts for driver and passenger. Individualized climate control can be accessed from the center panel.

Designers for the CLS-class look over their creation. A total of 71 LED's provide an unique appearance as well as a better view of the road compared with previous models.

From artist's renderings of the CLS-class, to the unveiling of the car at the Paris Motor Show, Mercedes customers have a lot to look forward to.