What Happens When "What If" Meets "Why Not"
The Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS was a concept car that from day one was destined to be a production car. The idea behind it was to create a four door coupe, a car that features all the desirable styling of a sleek two-door while still retaining the practicality and comfort of a regular four door sedan. Simply said, it was an idea that was begging to become a reality.
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| A concept car destined to become reality, the production Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Never has a Benz been so eagerly wanted by the public; it seemingly quenches the thirst for a new automotive trend. From its concept car phase, which was first seen in September of 2003 at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany, it has taken a mere six months to turn it into a production car. The Benz CLS-Class was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, and is slated to arrive in showrooms autumn 2004.
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| The production version of the CLS-Class is almost identical to the Vision CLS concept car. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Aside from the most minor changes, the production version of the CLS-Class differs only slightly from the concept car. Some may consider the L-shaped xenon headlamps with adaptive beams for improved visibility slightly odd looking, but to me they seem to enhance the car's appearance. The Benz grille, with its massive center-mounted three-pointed star, melds the brand's traditional coupe and sedan styling language.