Pros: Dazzling “4-door-coupe” sloped-roof styling; impressive cabin materials; muscular acceleration, especially in AMG models
Cons: Significantly pricier than similar E-Class; swoopy roof cuts into rear-seat headroom; ride is somewhat stiff on AMG models
CG Says: For 2015, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class gets revised interior and exterior styling, along with an “entry-level” CLS400 model powered by a twin-turbo V6. Also, the CLS550 model gets a 9-speed automatic transmission. The CLS-Class is a midsize 4-passenger, 4-door luxury sedan with a coupe-like rear roofline. It is based on the E-Class sedan, and priced between the E-Class and the flagship S-Class in Mercedes’ lineup. Mercedes introduced the CLS for the 2006 model year, calling it a 4-door coupe, and kicking off a niche class that was later followed by the Audi A7 and BMW 6-Series. The CLS also vies for sales against a variety of midsize luxury sedans from Europe, Japan, and the United States. The CLS-Class lacks the E-Class’s rear seat room and cargo versatility, and it costs considerably more. For their money, buyers get svelte, dramatic styling and perhaps even more cachet than the Mercedes brand already holds. Power and refinement are exemplary, and the CLS63 AMG offers more of both.
Class | Premium Midsize Car |
Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Passenger Count | 4 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
Base Prices | CLS400: $65,990 AWD CLS400: $68,490 CLS550: $73,200 AWD CLS550: $75,700 AWD CLS63 AMG: $106,550 |
Base Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 |
Horsepower 329 |
Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-30 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 |
Horsepower 402 |
Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic (FWD), 7-speed auto (AWD) |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-26 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 |
Horsepower 577 |
Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22 |