Say Hello To The New, Inline-Six Powered Mercedes CLS

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS is here, and yes, it doesn’t look radically different from its predecessor. In fact, the jury’s still out as to whether or not the styling constitutes an improvement. We’ll let you guys debate that in the comments.

Under the skin though, there are plenty of changes going on. Particularly in the engine department: there isn’t a single V6 on the roster. Instead, the CLS will be available from launch with a range of Mercedes’ new inline-six petrol and diesel engines.

The range will initially be topped by the CLS 450, powered by a 362bhp, 369lb ft 3.0-litre straight-six. It has a little trick up its sleeve too - thanks to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, you get a 22bhp and 184lb ft boost for “short periods,” plus the ability to briefly run on electric power alone during what’s described as a “sailing” phase. 0-62mph happens in 4.8 seconds, and the top speed is the usual 155mph, electronically-limited deal.

There’ll also be a pair of 2.9-litre straight-six diesels available, dubbed the 350d and 400d. All three launch models will be all-wheel drive.

We can expect four-cylinder models to join the range soon, and at the shoutier end of the scale, a rapid AMG CLS53.

The inside will look familiar if you’ve ever peered into the cabin of the current E-Class: the driver gets a pair of 12.3-inch TFT screens housed in one continuous glass panel instead of an instrument binnacle. There are plenty of new touches though, including the same 64-colour ambient lighting system that’ll be shared with the next-generation A-Class.

Buyers will also be given the option of the ‘Energising Comfort Control’ thing first seen in the most recent S-Class, which works with the climate control, lighting, fragrance system (yes, really) and more, all for the sake of your wellness. Settings will include ‘Freshness’, ‘Warmth’ and ‘Joy’.

Finally, the CLS gets a set of seats “designed exclusively for this model series,” Mercedes says. Plus, there’s space for one more person: for the first time, the CLS is a five-seater car.

Want one? It’s available to order next month, with first deliveries taking place early next year. It’s on display at the LA Auto Show now, should you fancy studying its curiously-styled flanks in the metal.