Although the CLS remains a captivating anomaly in today's automotive landscape, an enthralling new incarnation was unveiled in October at the Paris Auto Show. And it promises to define an entire class of vehicle. Again.

One look at the long hood, frameless side windows, and flowing roofline reveals how it pays homage to the coupes of Mercedes-Benz past. Yet the transformed front end - sporting an aggressive, upright grille with integrated three-pointed-star -- emphatically points to the road ahead. Powerful contours slope rearward from the front wheel wells with newfound swagger, while flared wheel arches and massive air inlets with black grilles add further definition to its muscular appearance.

The all-new 2012 CLS also boasts the world's first headlamps to offer full LED capability for all of its dynamic light functions--71 LEDs in all. Wraparound tail lights featuring LED technology close the luminously redesigned circle. One that extends inward, as well.

The exclusive, stitched dashboard now stretches all the way across the cockpit -- from the driver's door to that of the front passenger. Satin and high-gloss finishes join details such as a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock. Painstaking details, that is, like hand-stitched and hand-fitted leather seat covers.

Of course, the all-new 2012 CLS550 Coupe delivers performance just as meticulously crafted. Just unleash the 402 horsepower from its biturbo V-8 engine, and you'll see, hear and feel precisely how.

Or quicken your pulse even more with the 2012 CLS63 AMG. Its all-new, handcrafted 5.5-liter twin-turbo Direct Injection V-8 delivers 518 hp and 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.[3] And yet its advanced features and lighter weight result in lower emissions and improved everyday efficiency as well. The optional AMG Performance Package raises peak output to 550 hp, and shaves another tenth off the 0-to-60 run.

A new 7-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT automatic features a wet startup clutch and three driving modes, including one with an innovative ECO Start/Stop system and a paddle-shifted Manual mode with 100-millisecond shifts. From the console, the AMG DRIVE UNIT offers three selectable setups for the transmission, multi-mode suspension, steering and 3-mode ESP® -- including a driver-customizable program engaged by pushing a button labeled with the three letters that tell the whole story: "AMG."

Key Highlights

• - 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds* (CLS63 in 4.4 seconds)
• - 14-speaker, 610-watt harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system
• - Seating for four adults in hand-stitched leather
• - Hand-crafted trims from Burl Walnut or Black Ash wood to available Black Piano Lacquer wood or Carbon Fiber
• - World's first headlamps to offer full LED capability for all dynamic light functions
• - PRE-SAFE predictive occupant protection system

*Stated rate of acceleration is based upon manufacturer's track results and may vary depending upon model, environmental and road conditions, driving style, elevation and vehicle load