OK, now it is confirmed. The new CLS is looking like the new E Class, which is not a good thing.

What happened to the distinction of the E and CLS?
Those rear lights? WTH?
The headlights? The grille?
The LED's at the bottom are pretty cool, I suspected MB was going to do this on all the cars now.

I get the feeling the new CLS is looking more like the new E and the Hyundai Genesis coupe. Looks like when I re-up I will be getting an 09 used. When you have a winning design and following, why mess it up? Damn.

I don't even know what to say... I think they hve ruined it. Sure, I'll reserve my judgement until I see it on the road with the AMG package, or better yet, and AMG itself (hopefully CLS46 TT) But as of now...

I thought that the CLS is like an Aston Martin. You know how they always keep the exterior the same, maybe add a few minor details over the years (06 Vantage and 2010 Vantage look exactly the same besides the rims) anyway I think they do it for a reason, that being they ARE AFRAID OF RUINING THE CAR. Mercedes obviously doesn't care. First the new E-Class and now this!? I saw an new 2010 E63 in white with pano roof the other day and I quickly remembered the white 08 E63 I was looking at before I purchased the CLS, it honostly almost brought a tear to my eye. I'm sorry, but I just don't undestand whats going on... I know we will eventually grow to accept it like we did with the E65 7 - Series when it first came out, hell some will probably absolutely love it from the get go, but I am just speechless at this point. When I first got my 08 I felt this moment of happiness and then sadness because I was wondering to myself, knowing Mercedes and how quickly they update their lineups of cars, are they going to ruin this masterpeice? And then we get this....

I have to make a poster of my car and put it on the wall when my lease expires... Time to look at Astons I guess....

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! not the back end of the new e-class...i hate that..hope this is a artist rendition not the real thing

The line over the rear turns this into a sedan not a coupe!!! Boooo

it might not look all that great in that pic, but like almost every new model, it will grow and make the old model look outdated.

I think the move away from the long single arcing side line in our cars represents a loss of one critical design element that accentuated the length. The new design has 3 lines on the side and they each contribute to shortening the vehicle visually, thus making it look like a sedan. If they wanted to make the car look like a sleek 4 door coupe then doing this, was a design mistake for sure.

100%

I thought that about the new CL & SL and to this day I can't stand to look at either one when I'm at the dealer

Keep your E55s, 2007 E63s, CLS55s and CLS63s, what are they doing...

Only new benz I like is the girlish E coupe, sucks. Im sticking with the 07

You know, some are saying that this design "will grow on us" and we we will "come to like it", and "embracing change". I am a IT guy, so change is what I deal with everyday and embrace it, but I am sorry. I don't like this design.

It's just like the BMW 7 series, I never have liked the new body style when it came out, and I still don't like it now.

+++++++1. You either like it at first or you don't. By growing on you...seem like you are forcing yourself to like it. Just like it advertising, it either work or it doesn't.

+2

You can learn to like alot of things , maybe if it is a gift.

Saw those pics months ago. I think they are pretty old.

Here are some spyshots of it!

The normal version with not so much camo, and the last 2 are pics of the new AMG (which has a little more camo).

yuk! they screwed it up

And what is up with the spelling of Mercedes on the Article ??

Viewed from the side, the hood/grille transition and rear wheel flares remind me of the Charger (this isn't intended as a compliment). The LED's on the front look too much like they're trying to copy Audi. It's like Mercedes is screaming "me too, me too!"

I love the first gen CLS. It's the perfect blend of class, smooth sexy curves, and just enough aggression. I'll reserve final judgment until I see it in person, but the new one just looks confused and overstyled.

Once the new turbo charged engine is out I'm ordering! I like the look since it seems to get rid of the banana shape.

So this car is def slated for a 2011 arrival?

not so sure about first impressions etc. Usually what looks good in the photo looks good for real. I remember when I first saw a picture of the current CLS i was just blown away. It looked great in the photo and amazing in the metal.
I don't mind the rear of the new e coupe and the cls is bigger so it may look good??.
Why do they want to stuff around with such a beautiful design. Sure freshen it up and take to the next level but not completely change it (except for the roof line)??

The new "E" is not an attractive car...I agree with u...the big problem is the Hyundai looking back end...brutal

I like it, it will look bad *** with some monster 305+ tires under the rear fenders.

I have been following the development of the twin turb V8 from AMG for years and years.....looks like it's really starting to solidify that CLS guys will be getting it first.

Lucky b**tards!!

Should be just blazing once we crack that code and start crankin up the turbs.

Looks.....meh, could be worse.

I personally can't find any way to equate the word "beautiful" with the design of the new E-Class. Even if I did appreciate what the designers are attempting to go for with the design, it sure isn't "beautiful" or graceful, etc. IMO.

Hideous! WHAT THE HELL is wrong with M-B? First the new E-Class has a indistinguishable rear from a Camry, Hyundai, etc. and now they completely RIP off the new Maxima with that CLS rear? The designers just aren't the way they used to be. Hopefully the real car doesn't look like these spy photo's.

I never believed in the term "grow on you". If it's a good design, you'll love it right away, if it grows on you, you just have accepted it due to having no real choice, not caring enough to keep true with your initial feeling, or just force yourself subconsciously, etc.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the upward line coming from the door to the fender. It looks awful, why upwards? It reminds me (identical almost actually) of the awkwardly upward line that appeared on the 99-04 Mustangs.