Ladies and gentlemen, here, in all its cladded glory, is your first peek at the next-generation 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class.  Although the front remains out of site in each of the pictures, the back and sides are all clearly visible, and they reveal... well, they don't reveal a whole lot.  Like the current CLS, it's evident the 2011 CLS will retain its E-Class underpinnings, while a larger rear window is also visible.  Other than that, however, it's still far too early to tell what lay in store for the next four-door coupe's styling.

As for engine variants, expect the usual V6 and V8 suspects along with a hybrid option, while topping out the range will undoubtedly be a finely tuned AMG variant.

We'll keep you posted as new details of the 2011 Mercedes CLS are released; in the meantime, keep scrolling for a pair of spy photos highlighting the model (click to enlarge), then head over to GlobalMotors.net where you can find the full 2011 CLS gallery.

Enjoy ladies and gentlemen.

And before I go, a special thanks to Andrus for the tip.