2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

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: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS is essentially unchanged. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed on CLS400 models. 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 base CLS400 has a 329-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and the CLS550 has a 402-hp turbocharged 4.6-liter V8. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and are available with all-wheel drive. The high-performance CLS63 AMG packs a 577-hp turbocharged 5.5-liter V8. CLS63 has a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Available features include collision warning, autonomous braking, drowsiness alert, pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. 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.

ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO

2017 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS

2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Review

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review