cls

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS is undergoing testing, and as is true with so many segment-defining vehicles, there doesn't look to be much of a change going on up top. However, down below, in the area covered by cladding, we will probably see some noticeable tweaks and refinements as the original "four-door coupe" moves from the current E-Class to the new E-Class platform (it will not be built on the S-Class platform). As for engines, in addition to gas and (in Europe) diesel options, it will be offered with the BlueHybrid drivetrain from the S400.

In the mean time, for 2009, the CLS gets revised front and rear, a new grille, larger outside mirrors, and LEDs in the tail-lamp clusters. Inside, a new steering wheel complements the reworked interior and a next-generation COMAND system.

The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes' current design language, not much is expected to change.

That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals -- from Aston Martin to VW -- will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.