MSRP Range: $74,000 - $99,050 | More Details
The CLS has been identified as a four door coupe by Mercedes-Benz, but a glance at the capabilities of the vehicle suggests it's really like a sedan. Launched in 2006 with a design rooted in the E-Class. The CLS is a four-passenger offering with a style that is seemingly illogical.The four-door sedan is visually appealing. It sports either a 6.2-Liter V-8 AMG, 507 hp engine or a 5.5-Liter V-8, 382 hp engine. Both offerings are joined to a seven-speed auto tranny with the exception of the CLS63, the latter of which has an AMG Speedshift Plus offering. For several years, the CLS has had some spectacular changes including things like differing engine and tranny couplings, but the vehicle's style has only been changed a little bit over time.If you want something that diverges from the E-Class's style, the CLS-Class is an ideal selection. Nevertheless, the CLS has a roof that is lowered, its cabin space is compromised as a consequence, and it only offers a 2+2 seating configuration. Presently, a newer CLS design is slated for the future.
The Range
Body styles: Sedan
Engines: 5.5L V-8, 6.2L V-8
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic
Models: CLS550, CLS63 AMG
Engines: 5.5L V-8, 6.2L V-8
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic
Models: CLS550, CLS63 AMG
What's New
For 2011 the CLS-Class stays essentially the same as it was in 2010. It had received new engines in 2007 and then got a mild interior and exterior refresh in 2009. The only major change for 2011 -- the CLS550 now comes standard with features that were once optional: sport styling, 18-inch AMG wheels, performance summer tires, and paddle shifters.
Exterior
The coupe-like design of the CLS-Class had such an impact that other cars followed suit, including the Volkswagen Passat CC and upcoming Audi A7, and it could be argued that the new Hyundai Sonata was inspired by it as well.
Interior
Creature comforts, such as wood and leather trimmings, four-zone automatic climate control, surround sound, and 10-way power front seats are standard. Cabin feels plush and luxurious, but the rear seats are better for smaller passengers.
Performance & Handling
It's not surprising that the CLS feels a lot like an E-Class on the road. Chassis is capable, but is more biased toward comfort than performance. The Airmatic suspension does a great job of reducing body roll in sport mode. Acceleration is excellent -- even better in the AMG version -- and the seven-speed always seems to be in the right gear.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front/rear side and window airbags, and driver knee airbag are standard, as are stability control, traction control, four-wheel discs with ABS and brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
EPA Fuel Economy
CLS550: 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway
CL63 AMG: 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway
CL63 AMG: 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Beautiful design
- Excellent power
- Smooth, quick transmission
- Luxurious cabin
You Won't Like
- Reduced rear-seat headroom
- Impractical use of space
- AMG pricetag nears $100K
Sum Up
Like gorgeous shoes that pinch your toes If You Like This Vehicle You Might Also Like
- Porsche Panamera
- Volkswagen Passat CC
- Audi A7