The four-passenger Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class sedan is offered in several trims, including rear and all-wheel-drive. It’s nicely stacked out the door, offered with standard equipment that includes: 18” premium alloy wheels with all-season touring tires, adaptive air suspension system, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, powered sunroof, two-zone climate control, powered and heated front seats, premium leather upholstery, 7” touchscreen command console with voice control, GPS and Bluetooth/iPod/USB integration, HD and satellite radio and a 14-speaker premium Harmon Kardon sound system. Upgrades can add things like larger wheels (up to 19”), paddle shifters, sport-tuned suspension and braking system, upgraded leather seating, rear sunshade (powered), racing accents (interior and exterior), backup camera, powered trunk lid, ventilated seats, parking sensors (front and rear), collision mitigation system, heated rear seats and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. Powering this luxury sedan is a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 engine that makes 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
2015 model year changes
For 2015, Mercedes-Benz adds a new model to the CLS-Class family -- the CLS400. It features a twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. All CLS models have refreshed styling inside and out, while the rear-wheel-drive CLS550 now features a 9-speed transmission.
Competitive comparison
Strong turbocharged V6 and V8 engines; class-leading tech and safety features; superb cabin materials; available all-wheel drive
Special features for 2015
Mercedes-Benz calls the CLS-Class a coupe, but it's actually a 4-door sedan that is considerably curvier than most sedans. It occupies a segment that also includes the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera. While both of those models come with hatches, the CLS-Class has a trunk. For many shoppers, the relative rarity of the CLS-Class is a selling point; it looks like no other car out there. There are a number of tech firsts in the CLS-Class, including the implementation of the world's first LED headlights.
