Meet the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLS [gallery]

You may have noticed something strange happening at Mercedes-Benz over the past few years. Its cars, once brutally functional, have become a little softer, a little more sensual. Perhaps the best expression of that new design philosophy today is the new Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Rather than looking like something driven by an aging businessman or a third-rate diplomat, the CLS looks like it was designed to cut through the air and to do so at serious speed. That Merc’s decided to put so much effort into the CLS and its shooting brake variant makes a lot of sense given that the original CLS helped launch the the four-door coupe segment.

The new CLS isn’t exactly low on tech either. On the outside are swiveling LED headlamps, including a module for the low-beam headlamp, which can be swivelled outwards by up to 12 degrees.

Inside is an eight-inch screen, a redesigned three-spoke sports steering wheel and a couple of extra buttons on the central control panel, something that Merc reckons will make people’s lives simpler. If you’re so inclined, Merc’s also baked in connectivity features that allow you to surf the web when the car’s stationary.

The CLS isn’t shot on power either. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine ranges from producing 410 kW (557 hp) to 430 kW (585 hp) and 720 to 800 newton metres of torque.