Here is the second quick walk-around video from my training last week. The CLS-Class was a trendsetter when it was originally released back in 2005 and this 2012 redesign will reset the standard for four-door coupes. The car is stunning from front to back! The head lights and tail lights are particularly impressive in design as well as technology. The new engine is going to be a big step forward for performance and gas mileage…not a combination you see a lot. You can get more CLS-Class details from my previous post. The 2012 CLS550 will be arriving in showrooms next month!

The 2012 CLS550 base price will be $71,300 plus $875 Destination and Delivery. That is nearly $3000 less than the 2011 model! We expect the CLS-Class to arrive early this summer. You can see more details at the updated MBUSA website or my earlier options post. Order soon!

Mercedes-Benz introduced us to the newest members of the family during the Super Bowl this year. For more information about the C-Class Coupe, SLS AMG Roadster, SLK-Class and CLS-Class you can visit the Future Vehicles section of MBUSA.com and sign up for updates!

Mercedes-Benz recently offered the first test drives of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG to a group of automotive journalists. The reviews are in…and it is a hit!

From Motortrend:

“The engine simply has power everywhere, all the time. There is no lag and there are no flat spots in the torque curve, just immediate acceleration all the time.”

“Shifts are fast and seamless, and even the most jaded clutch jockey would hard-pressed to find fault in how it operates as an automatic.”

“The front and rear bumpers are modeled after the SLS AMG supercar and add a menacing look.”

From Edmunds Inside Line:

“Any drivetrain setting besides C results in a well-intended evil itch to lurch forth like a giant eel grabbing a passing fish. “Yeah,” says engineer Eichler. “We wanted it to be a little more bad boy this time.”

“Dynamics are hugely improved via the new suspension and its custom settings and the Speedshift MCT transmission weighs less and can handle more torque, too. Fuel mileage is way up, and the passenger cabin remains a comfortable place for four adults.”

The 2012 CLS-Class is scheduled to arrive in June 2011. There will be a limited number of Launch Editions (P88 Package) available at that time. If you know you want a 2012 CLS550, and you would like something special, you should order your Launch Edition soon!

• Steel Grey Metallic Paint – exclusive to Launch Edition
• Porcelain/Black Premium Leather –  exclusive to Launch Edition
• Black Ash Wood Trim
• Black headliner
• 19″ 5-Spoke Alloy Wheel (Anthracite Finish) – exclusive to Launch Edition
• Premium 1 Package
• Driver Assitance Package
• Parktronic
• Split Folding Rear Seats
• Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
• Active Multicontour Driver Seat
• Illuminated Door Sills
• Rear Trunklid Spoiler
• Edition 1 Floormats - exclusive to Launch Edition

The all new 2012 CLS-Class is scheduled to arrive in the US in June of 2011. It is a knockout! Since the 2011 CLS-Class is now out of production, Mercedes-Benz has given us the preliminary ordering guide so you can order your 2012 CLS-Class early! The CLS550 and CLS63 AMG are scheduled for release in June and the CLS550 4Matic should arrive in August or September. Most of the information on the CLS63 AMG is still under wraps but that information should arrive later this month.

Standard Equipment

• CLS550 gets the new 4.6 litre V8 with 402 hp and 443 lb/ft torque
• First Mercedes with lightweight, all-aluminum doors
• Airmatic on CLS550
• NTG 4.0 – 40GB hardrive based navigation system, voice control, Gracenote media database, HD Radio, Music Register
• harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with 14 speakers and 610 watt amplifiers
• 10 standard airbags including front seat knee and pelvic airbags
• Multicolor ambient lighting
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps
• Dual-zone Climate Control

Paint Colors

• 040 – Black
• 047 – Alubeam Titanium Metallic (additional charge)
• 057 – Zircon Red Metallic (additional charge)
• 197 – Obsidian Black  Metallic
• 497 – Cuprite Brown Metlallic
• 541 – Storm Red Metallic
• 775 – Iriduim Silver Metallic
• 792 – Palladium Silver Metallic
• 799 – Diamond White Metallic (additional charge)
• 890 – Canvas Blue Metallic (delayed launch)
• 963 – Indium Grey Metallic

Interior Colors

• 201 – Black Leather
• 801 – Black Premium Leather (additional charge)
• 205 – Almond / Mocha Leather
• 805 – Almond / Mocha Premium Leather (additional change)
• 208 – Ash / Black Leather
• 808 – Ash / Black Premium Leather (additional charge)

Optional Packages

Premium 1 Package – approx $4500

• iPod/MP3 Media Interface
• Rearview Camera
• Heated & Active Ventilated Front Seats
• Power Rear-Window Sunshade
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Full-LED Headlamps
• Electronic Trunk Closer
• Keyless-GO

Lane Tracking Package – approx $950

• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

Driver Assistance Package – approx $2980

• Distronic Plus
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist

Sport Package – approx $4000

• All-Season Tires
• Sport Steering Wheel
• Sport Body Styling
• AMG 18″ 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels

Sport Package Plus One – approx $4500

• High-Performance Tires
• Sport Steering Wheel
• Sport Body Styling
• AMG 19″ 5-soke Alloy Wheels

P30 AMG Performance Package – $9000 CLS63 Only

• Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
• Red brake Calipers
• Top Speed Raised to 186 mph
• AMG Performance Steering Wheel
• Limited Slip Differential
• Sport Suspension
• Additional Power TBD

Stand Alone Options

• Parktronic – $990
• Split Folding Rear Seats – $450
• Wood/Leather Steering Wheel – $600
• Rear Side Airbags – $430
• Active Multicontour Driver Seat – $670
• Heated Steering Wheel – $230
• Night View Assist Plus – $1800
• 19″ 5-spoke Alloy Wheel – $500
• Illuminated Door Sills – $800
• Rear Trunklid Spoiler – $300
• Heated Rear Seats – $700 – special order

Pictures of the redesigned 2012 CLS have been everywhere the last few days! The official debut is at the Paris Auto Show this fall but Mercedes has released official photos and this video a little early.

Here are some of the changes that are coming to the 2011 models.

C-Class

• Sport sedans now feature LED Daytime Running Lamps and black headlamp inlays
• Enhanced P1 package includes split folding rear seat and rear sunshade
• Heated Seats removed from Premium 1 Package
• New Lighting Package with Bi-Xenons and active curve illumination
• New standard 17” wheel for C350 sport

CL-Class

• Refresh! New bumpers, hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, and taillights
• LED daytime running lights standard
• Driver Assist Package updated with Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• New standard 18” wheel
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

CLS-Class

• Sport body styling, sport steering wheel and 18” AMG wheels now standard

E-Class

• Bluetec arrives in late summer with 17” run-flats, sport or luxury
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package in E350/E550 sedans
• E63 gets alcantara headliner and stitched dash as standard
• Diamond White available starting in October production
• Wagon is standard with rear view camera and power liftgate
• Coupe gets new 18” AMG wheel in Appearance Package
• Cabriolet introduced with AIRCAP, AIRSCARF and trunk pass through

SUV Family

• New Mirror Design
• Blind Spot Assist Available (not on GLK)
• New Rear View Monitor reduces fish-eye effect
• Compass in rear view mirror – M/GL/R
• Diamond White paint available in October (not GLK)
• Barolo Red and Sand Beige discontinued (M/GL/R)

GL-Class

• GL550 gets a facelift
• New head restraints in 2^nd and 3^rd row
• Passenger seat memory added to P1

GLK-Class

• Driver Knee and front passenger airbags added as standard (9 total)
• LED daytime running lamps in lighting package
• Eco mode replaces Comfort mode
• Pearl Beige paint replaces Sand Beige paint

G-Class

• New wheel design
• Night Black paint added (matte)
• Tail lamp covers and turn signal covers deleted

M-Class

• LED daytime running lamps with bi-xenon headlamps
• ML63 gets new hood and headlights

R-Class

• Refresh!
• New from the A-pillar forward – fenders, grille, hood, bumpers, LEDs
• New 19” wheel
• New LED tail lamps
• New Rear bumper
• New seat design

S-Class

• S63 gets all-new 5.5 litre direct injection bi-turbo V8
• Contrast stitching with Premium and Exclusive upholstery
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package
• Optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-souns system with 15 speakers, 1200 watts and 16-channel digital signal processing
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

SLK-Class

• Sport Body Cladding added as standard
• Quartz Blue paint added
• No SLK55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz European Delivery is always a popular option for taking delivery of a new vehicle! There are so many benefits!

The European Delivery Program Spring Special Promotion has begun. For a limited time customers who take delivery between May 1 and June 30, 2010 will receive a 2nd night hotel accommodation, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz. There is also available 2-for-1 airfare from Lufthansa through the Mercedes-Benz travel department.

Model Year 2011 European Delivery Launch Dates:*

E350 & E550 Cabriolet   May 17, 2010

CLS and SLK-Class   June 21, 2010

C, GLK and E-Class   July 19, 2010

SL550, SL63 AMG   February 22, 2010

S-Class   November 15, 2010

*Launch dates are subject to change should there be a delay in the US retail release dates.

The European Delivery Program would like 90-120 days notice but there are ways to speed up the process! Please get in touch if you are interested in the program. You should also read my European Delivery customer testimonial to get another take on the benefits of this program.