Mercedes CLS

Mercedes has confirmed that a CLS replacement is in the pipeline – and it’ll be a hatchback. While BMW has canned its rival, the CS, Merc is forging ahead with a second generation of its four-door coupe.

Based on the underpinnings of the new E-Class, visually it’s expected to closely resemble the Fascination concept (pictured, metallic gold) shown at last September’s Paris motor show. Our source confirmed it will feature a full tailgate, following the lead of the recently-announced BMW 5-series GT.

These spy shots of the new Mercedes CLS show a car closely resembling the current coupe/saloon, but a close look at the ‘boot’ shows it is added on and not part of the car’s structure. It isn’t even made of the same material as the rest of the car.

Before the CLS arrives next year, Merc will unveil two other E-Class derivatives. An AMG version will be shown this summer, using the carried over 6.2-litre V8, while the estate will appear at Frankfurt in September.

More details also emerged on the Mercedes SLR’s eventual replacement. Likely to be the first model to be exclusively badged an AMG (the McLaren partnership having been dissolved), it could well revive the Gullwing name. Powered by a supercharged version of the 6.2-litre V8, expect upwards of 600bhp for the two-seater supercar.

This focus on the V8 means the days of the V12 AMG (as used in the SL65 AMG) are numbered due to the cost of development.