When the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was first introduced in 2004, it arrived with a new body shape that blended four-door practicality with coupe styling. However, in the years since, the CLS has morphed to become more conventional and its styling largely mirrors that of other Mercedes sedans. As a sort of bridge between an E-Class and a C-Class, you could argue that it's an unnecessary model, and while it was refreshed for the 2022 model year, one can't help but wonder if its time in the sun is coming to an end. Well, it seems that Mercedes has decided to give the stylish sedan at least one more shot at glory.

Our spy photographers have been capturing the winter testing season's hottest new prototypes and have already brought us a number of insightful looks at the brand's upcoming new models, including the AMG GT sports coupe and the new E-Class sedan. Now, they've brought us a look at a CLS test mule, but as you can see, this prototype is wearing the body of the current model while the next-generation version will look notably different and shouldn't resemble the E-Class on which it is based. This early look at the car doesn't tell us very much as we'll have to wait for the production bodies to begin testing before we can glean any insights into what to expect from the styling department. That said, these images do at least confirm the continued existence of the CLS.

We should get to see the production bodies within the next couple of months, but our sources also tell us that we may need to prepare for a name change too. With the CLS all but stagnant, Mercedes may rename the car as the CLE. We've already had a look at the CLE convertible, and this is expected to replace the ragtop versions of both the E-Class and the smaller C-Class, so if the rumors are true, then the new CLS will likely be known as the CLE sedan, which would help differentiate it from the drop-top and the two sedans that it is sandwiched between. We'll bring you more information as and when we get it.