2012 Mercedes CLS first specs surface

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is due sometime next year (as a 2012 model) and German car mag Auto Bild has the details on some of its specs.

According to the latest print issue of the magazine, the CLS will be offered with four power plants, two petrol/gasoline and two diesels, all featuring stop/start technology delivering improvements in fuel economy.

A CLS 350 CGI will come with Mercedes-Benz's latest 3.5 liter V6 engine with 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque. A 550 CGI will come fitted with the automaker's new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The latter being offered with an all-wheel drive option as well.

On the diesel side, will be the 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 oil-burner producing 185 kW (252 PS). A 250 CDI variant is also expected to follow with a four-cylinder diesel producing 150 kW (204 PS).

Next year, Mercedes will also introduce a wagon version of the CLS (shooting brake) in order to make sure the model stays competitive in an ever growing four-door sport coupe segment with new competitors such as the Audi A7 arriving on the scene.