Next Mercedes C-Class sedan shows its face

Although our recent spy shots of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class revealed a mostly uncovered look at the sedan's profile, these latest images give us our best look yet at its front end. Caught performing some hot-weather tests, this sedan is devoid of any major camouflage obscuring the fascia, grille and headlights, showing off what is clearly an E-Class-inspired face.

With its two-bar grille and massive lower intakes – similar to what we've already seen on the 2014 E-Classwith Sport Styling Package – we wonder if Mercedes is planning to offer the new C-Class with two distinct visual packages. As a refresher, expect to see the redesigned C-Class sedan make its debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, followed shortly thereafter by wagon, coupe and convertible variants.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

Rather than fuss with the seemingly pedestrian, entry-level Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic, starting at just $116,205, we recently straightened our tie and climbed right into the burly flagship at the other end of the CL-Class range – the most exclusive entry behind the velvet ropes that goes by the name CL65 AMG.

With a price of $214,105, the bad-boy of big Benzes soars in rarified air – the same stratosphere occupied by Aston Martin and Bentley. Like the S65 AMG, its sedan sibling, the coupe is fitted with a handcrafted 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 that delivers 621 horsepower and a mind-boggling 738 pound-feet of torque. Mirroring the sedan, the CL65 is also equipped with the automaker's robust five-speed "AMG Speedshift" automatic transmission sending power to just the rear wheels. Loaded with nearly every option in the automaker's arsenal, but all fitted as standard equipment, the four-place cabin is a cocoon that keeps its occupants isolated from the outside world while coddling them with the world's finest upholstery and trim. The CL65 AMG is elegant, spectacular and very exclusive.

Driving Notes

• The V12 engine provides thrust levels that are more common to small jets. Despite the large displacement, there is slight turbo lag as the turbochargers build up their 22 psi of boost. Once pressure hits, a fraction of a second later, the driver plays spectator to a ferocious battle between the engine and electronic traction control system as the 4,940-pound coupe launches to 60 miles per hour in about 4.2 seconds. Triple digits on the electronic display arrive effortlessly and its passing power leaves everyone giggling. The engineers have restricted its terminal velocity to only 186 mph, apparently to prevent it from going into orbit.

• Mercedes calls the CL65's Active Body Control (ABC) underpinnings "arguably the most advanced suspension in production" as its hydraulic systems actively control squat, roll, vibration, pitch and dive during maneuvers - it even mitigates the effects of crosswinds. Despite its AMG-calibration, and a near lack of body roll, the suspension never felt harsh or rough. Truth be told, it was actually much softer and more comfortable than we had expected it to be.

• Twin-sliding front calipers, over 15.4-inch perforated rotors (the holes are cast in place), provide confident levels of stopping power and look great inside the forged 20-inch wheels. The high-performance tires are 255/35R20 front and 275/35R20 rear, with wide contact patches that contribute to stability. Those meaty rubbers are needed to keep the heavy coupe planted on the pavement, but noise from the tires annoyingly permeates the cabin on certain road surfaces.

• Four adults will fit comfortably inside the CL65 AMG. Front passengers have an enormous amount of room to stretch out, but backseat passengers will need those up front to move forward a bit for the most comfortable accommodations. We marveled at the fit and finish, but would pass on the slick steering wheel and gloss black trim in favor of carbon fiber or wood.

• The CL65 AMG feels more athletic and slightly more nimble than the strapping Bentley Continental GT, but not as agile and spry as the smaller and lighter Aston Martin DB9. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a better four-passenger vehicle than both of its competitors, but its discreet badging may not warrant the same attention from an ignorant valet - lest it be confused with a visually similar CL550 – possibly damaging a fragile ego.

Preview: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes is still trying to play catch up to the other two premium German automotive manufacturers  playing in the same arenas globally. BMW led again in the month of March 2013 selling 191,269 units which includes both Mini and Rolls-Royce. Audi has for some time now been attempting to chase BMW but for the same period they managed to move 147,700 units, the difference is however closing slowly. Mercedes on the other hand is still lagging behind these two having sold 139,920 units globally. A major chunk of Mercedes sales come from the E-Class, the C-Class and now those numbers are being shored up by the new M-Class. Yet what Mercedes needs to get back its crown is a product that will bring them mass appeal. To achieve that goal Mercedes will need to make a massive play in Europe and the USA, two of its largest markets. But the company also foresees increasing demand in countries like India, targeting the upwardly mobile looking for an affordable prestige brand. Its why the upcoming CLA, an entry level sedan is so, so important for Mercedes.

What will set the CLA apart is that none of Mercedes’ rivals in India will have a sedan in the same segment. Yes the Audi A3 will come to India as well as the BMW 1 Series sedan but we assume Mercedes will enjoy first mover advantage.

When launched the CLA will be positioned lower than the C-Class. It will be the most affordable car from the brand with the three-point star, cheaper we expect than the current B-Class even. Mercedes will achieve this by assembling the car here in India though we don’t expect them to localise any production, except for tyres and the battery.

Naturally you’d expect this to be a small sedan but you’d be surprised to know that the CLA is both longer and wider than the C-Class as you can see above. However it’s lower than the C in keeping with that dynamic coupe like design. Both cars also have almost the same boot space. The fact that it’s also a very handsome machine, much nicer to look at than anything Mercedes has to offer to India will also helps matters greatly. The swoopy CLA will definitely appeal to our buyers but what about the stuff that’s beneath the suave skin. We take a look.

By Team Overdrive
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