2018 Next Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS Spotted Testing

A heavily disguised development car of the next generation Mercedes-Benz CLS, expected to arrive in 2018 – has been spotted road-testing in Germany.

Clear footage of uploaded on the walkoART Youtube channel reveals the unmistakable silhouette of Mercedes-Benz’s luxury-coupe, tipped to be badged as the CLE, as part of Mercedes-Benz's new naming convention.

The next generation CLS (or CLE) will borrow its underpinnings from the W213 E-Class which means a host of powerplants ranging from turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesels, inline-sixes, and the fire-breathing 603bhp turbocharged AMG V8 mill.

The new model is also likely to receive similar active safety technologies as the current E-Class, such as the Speed Limit Pilot – which regulates the car’s cruise control speed according to the road’s speed limits and Active Lane Change Assist which is able to perform lane changes autonomously.

The CLS will hold court with BMW’s 6-Series Gran Coupe and Porsche's Panamera, however, unlike Porsche who will be introducing a Wagon model in their Panamera range (expected in 2018) – Mercedes-Benz are reportedly planning to axe their CLS Shooting Brake model due to dismal demand.