Update: Mercedes-Benz CLS Review.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first official images of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class ahead of its world premiere at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October.

With full powertrain, equipment and performance data still under wraps, Mercedes has detailed the design elements of its latest creation, drawing inspiration from the past, the present and the future.

The new CLS maintains the long bonnet, sweeping panels and sharp glass of the first generation CLS, which pioneered the luxury four-door coupe segment in 2003. Mercedes-Benz head of design, Prof Gorden Wagener, said the styling also “points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”.

From the front, the CLS is reminiscent of the SLS AMG, with its dark, shadowy lamps and air intakes, and badge-dominated radiator grille which is separate from the bonnet.

Mercedes says the full LED headlamps in the CLS are a world first. A total of 71 LEDs are divided into three layers, with the indicators at the top, low beam side lights in the middle and main beams below.

In profile, the dropping shoulder line starts at the top of the front wheel arches and meets the middle of the flared rear arches, which Mercedes says were inspired by “the powerful stance of a predator waiting to pounce”.

The sloping boot-line follows the angle of the rear windscreen and leads to the wide, wrap-around tail-lamps which feature more LEDs and round off an aggressive and athletic package that boasts stronger styling cohesion that its predecessor.

Inside, the dash sweeps from the driver’s side door to the passenger’s and integrates a large central display.

A range of hand-finished surface materials, including a mix of satin and high-gloss metals, matte galvanised air vents and stitched leather seats and dashboard features, exude a high-class, premium quality.

Mercedes says two varieties of high-gloss wood trim, as well as piano black lacquer and carbon fibre inserts will also available to customers looking to further personalise their vehicle’s cockpit.

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s David McCarthy today admitted the local arm was yet to lock in a production date for Australian deliveries of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.

“It’s looking likely that it will be in the first half of the year [2011],” Mr McCarthy said.

Despite the uncertainty of its arrival time, he confirmed forward orders for the vehicle had been very strong with considerable interest in the second-generation model.

And he said while Mercedes-Benz Australia was working hard to make it happen, an Australian debut for the CLS at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October was probably not on the cards.

“We are still hoping to but it’s looking unlikely. Getting a car here has been a bit problematic,” Mr McCarthy said.