From a recent Inside Line report, we learn the new Mercedes-Benz CLC compact 4-door coupe will celebrate its world premiere at next year's New York Motor Show in April.


In the same article, it is cited the information was confirmed by a company official during an interview, who also referred to the car as 'a true Mercedes'. Perceived as the little brother of the CLS, the new CLC will display a self-assured exterior styling, with a sloping roofline and bold, curvaceous surfaces. The engine lineup and the technical platform will be shared with the forthcoming A-Class and insiders claim a hardcore AMG version with over 300 hp and all-wheel-drive chassis is also possible in the next years.

However, caution is the best attitude when dealing with such rumors. There were several similar stories in the past when the facts mentioned never came true. The CLC-Class entered the development phase in mid-2011 under the internal codename 'C 117'; test prototypes are spread all over the world and still wear a good dose of outer camouflage, so it's decent to state the NYIAS 2012 may be a bit early in the calendar, also considering that period will be very busy and rich in premieres for Mercedes-Benz. Take for instance the unveiling of the new A-Class, which certainly has to happen before this niche model rolls out. And not to mention the new CLS Shooting Brake and possibly a new concept. The fleet of all new vehicles would be then too crowded and one might be in danger of not receiving the needed attention and thus passing relatively unnoticed by the media. To us, the Paris Motor Show would be the more likely stage for the reveal of the new CLC.

We have talked various times about the continuously expanding range of Mercedes-Benz models, which is allegedly planned to receive new body styles derived from the new A-Class/B-Class compact lineup, the M-Class and the 2013 S-Class (W 222).


Starting with 2013, the A/B family will grow a bit with the addition of the new CLC-Class, a compact 4-door coupe borrowing the design language from the CLS, that will use the front-driven MFA platform and could also spawn an AMG model with up 350 hp. One year after, under the same moniker, Mercedes-Benz will launch an unconventional shooting brake variant, which shall follow the trails of the CLS Shooting Brake, entering the market in 2012. Also in 2014, the Stuttgart-based constructor will unwrap its BMW X1/Audi Q3 fighter: the GLC will feature an unique exterior styling, inspired by the latest philosophy of the brand, and will be offered in both FWD and 4MATIC versions.

Mercedes-Benz does not want to fall behind the main competitors and looks to fill every important segment with niche models. One of them is the future MLC SUV coupe, built on the platform of the new M-Class and set for the official premiere towards 2015.

The illustrious S-Class will mark the entrance to a new generation during the autumn of 2012. The W 222 model will be presented in short wheelbase version, the long wheelbase variant following shortly after in 2013. Featuring new, high-end technologies such as hybrid and electric drive, the luxury flagship will also be available in the S 63 AMG trim, powered by the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo with up to 571 hp. Who knows, we might also get two new V12 petrol engines, one for the S 600, and one for the high-end S 65 AMG monster.

Furthermore, approaching 2014, a new S-Class Coupe replacing the current CL-Class is in cards to bow, probably at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Towards 2015, Mercedes-Benz is rumored to be revealing other two special variants based on the S-Class: a four-dour coupe that would slot in the gap between the CLS and the Coupe and probably a four-door luxury cabriolet based on the Ocean Drive Concept of 2007.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH division will also likely add new supercar to its glorious lineup of dream models. In 2015 or 2016, the Affalterbach-based company plans to uncloak a compact hyper vehicle with conventional doors and up to 500 hp and boasting an extensive use of lightweight materials (CFRP, aluminium etc.) for building the chassis, body and interior: the SLC AMG. Moreover, in the last period, new hints have surfaced, indicating a new uber-class supercar with up to 700 hp out of a V12 unit might reach stores in the next five years.

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This day's been very rich in spy photos: after we saw the A-Class, it's time to draw our attention to a future niche model: the CLC-Class (neither BLS nor CLA). Don't be confused, as the new car won't have anything in common with the awkward hatchback, already discontinued. Internally dubbed C 117, the CLC will be part of the forthcoming compact family of Mercedes-Benz, will be launched in 2013 and it could be generally seen as the little brother of the CLS. Although it may look a bit bloated due to the extensive camouflage, the beautiful car hidden underneath the black tape is likely to have a balanced, well-proportioned shape. Inspiration for the exterior and interior designs will come from the current CLS-Class and is expected to set high benchmarks in its class in terms of build quality, elegance and efficiency. Engines and technology will be borrowed from the new A-Class and B-Class, but we feel there's more to come: a top version motorized by a petrol/diesel burner with up to 250-300 hp and probably an AMG variant also.

Find out more info about the future Mercedes-Benz CLC >> HERE

Check out more spy shots after the jump!