Those who say that the front-end hasn't been changed, probably haven't looked very closely. The 'old' front-end more strongly reminds us of the C-Class tradition, i.e. the Mercedes with rear-wheel drive. Although this one hasn't been altered, the front-end is slowly moving in the direction of the front-wheel drive.

It's the very successful A-Class look, which was the inspiration here, in fact the radiator-grille has been taken over completely. Also the bonnet with only two beadings, which are quite far to the outside, shows a large measure of conformity. The big ones, are moving towards the design of the 'small ones'.

The copying of the profile is also very obvious. Basically, no part of the body-work has been left unchanged, except perhaps the roof section. All this, in just 3 years. The new rear-end has profited mostly from the LED lighting technology. Indeed, also in the tail-pipe area things have been happening. There is no premium-brand name any more, which simply allows two round pipes to poke out.

However, one should not be deceived, the description 'C', is somewhat deluding. In reality, we're dealing with a car which is at least one notch higher. It's a typical coupé, less room for a higher price. Thereby, when we say 'room', not only the head-room is meant, since as far as length is concerned, both the coupé and the Shooting Brake are longer than the respective E-Class models.

It's quite interesting the way the 4MATIC has been emphasized in the price-list. Presumably, the 4MATIC can be more easily had in the CLS than in the C-Class. Petrol powered engines can only be had from the V6 onwards. The largest Diesel engine is also a V6. AMG even offers an S-model. As if the type that would have seriously needed. 07/14