With the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class now out in the open, attention turns to the coupe version of the car, which in previous generations was known as the CL Class. The next generation of the big luxury coupe, which has been spied in prototype form for over a year, is widely expected to be called an S Class Coupe--or at least that’s what we thought.

These latest spy shots reveal that the new coupe version of the S Class is still referred to by Mercedes engineers as a CL. We can clearly see the key ring used for this particular prototype and it has a label that reads “CL 217”. The internal code for the current CL is “C216” and the one before it had the code “C215.”

The steering wheel of this prototype is also different to the unit fitted in the latest 2014 S Class as it has three spokes instead of two. The clock between the central air-conditioner outlets is also missing.

Does this mean that the CL’s replacement will keep the CL name or could this simply be Mercedes’ way of referring to the new car internally.

The automaker has never confirmed that its CL replacement will be called an S Class Coupe, despite it sharing a platform, interior and engines with the latest S Class sedan. Speculation first arose when Mercedes launched the E Class Coupe as its replacement for the CLK and then followed this up with a C Class Coupe. Naturally, one would assume the coupe version of the S Class would follow this trend and be labeled an S Class Coupe.

It’s possible that the CL name may be retained for this latest generation, however. The CL name has a certain cachet and its uniqueness helps distinguish it from the rest of the S Class range. This is especially important if Mercedes hopes to steal sales from high-end rivals such as the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT and Maserati GranTurismo with its new mega coupe.

We should know more as we approach the car’s reveal around the middle of 2014. In the meantime, click here to watch a prototype in our exclusive spy video.

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