Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The CLS-Class signals the return of Mercedes-Benz to the executive coupe market, since the two-door sedan E-Class Coupe went out of production in 1995. The CLS-Class design comes from the American automotive designer Michael Fink and markets as a four-door coupe.

The CLS-Class shows off a brilliant exterior design. Although some luxury vehicles can be bland, the staggering line and aerodynamic features of this vehicle’s body take people’s breath away.

The CLS-Class also earns recognition for its underlying hardware, which closely matches the mechanics of the Mercedes E-Class.

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the replacement for the original CLS-Class. At first you might notice a similar silhouette to the outgoing model, but a number of highly accentuated lines give this CLS-Class model a very bold new look.

Inside the new CLS-Class, the changes include an updated dashboard with more innovative and upscale materials. Matte galvanized trim surrounds the air vents, while hand-sewn leather covers the dashboard.

The substance of the CLS-Class also comes in the form of a standard features list featuring COMAND with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, voice control, a 14-Speaker LOGIC7 Dolby Digital surround sound system, an in-dash DVD/CD changer, and an in-dash SD card reader.

The power factor for this new CLS-Class comes from the new twin-turbocharged, 4.7-liter V-8 engine, good for 402 horsepower. This system couples with a seven-speed automatic transmission, like the AMG CLS-Class63, which swaps the automatic for an AMG Speedshift transmission with paddle shifters.

Mercedes-Benz continues to manufacture one of the top vehicle models in the world.

The 2006 CLS-Class550 contains a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 382 horsepower, and the 6.3-liter V-8, generating 507 horsepower, powers the CLS-Class63 AMG. Both of these monster engines connect to Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic manual-shift.

Mercedes-Benz kept the focus on power for 2007, the sophomore year of the CLS-Class. The CLS-Class550 becomes the standard model for this year. The number change represents the V-8 engine’s upgrade to a 5.5-liter unit. It generates up to 382 horsepower, 80 more than the previous engine. Formerly optional pieces, such as the Harman Kardon premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer and Mercedes' ""PreSafe"" collision-mitigation system, come standard on 2007 models.

The 2009 model year saw the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class receive a mild exterior styling refresh, including a redesigned grille, restyled wheels, trapezoidal exhaust tips, and reshaped LED taillights. Mercedes also adds heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, a revamped steering wheel, and a revised COMAND interface.

Mercedes released the 2010 CLS-Class with two models. The standard CLS-Class550 packs a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8 engine, and the CLS-Class63 AMG version ramps up the numbers with a 6.2 liter V-8, a whopping 507 horsepower, and 465 lb-ft of torque.

For a car of this nature, a 14/21 mpg city/highway rating is almost generous. The five-speed automatic AMG edition is even less gracious at 14/19 mpg city/highway. A long list of standard features defines the luxury of the 2010 CLS-Class. Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a Harman Kardon audio system, and an iPod interface come on each CLS-Class, along with such options as adaptive cruise control and a set of sensors to assist with parking.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class shows another update of the two stalwarts, the CLS-Class550 and CLS-Class63 AMG. Standard equipment upgrades on the base CLS-Class550 include 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels with high-performance tires, a sunroof, an adaptive air suspension, four-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with shift paddles, 10-way power front seats with driver memory functions, Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic, and a satellite HD radio.

The CLS-Class63 AMG adds an upgraded V-8 engine, 19-inch wheels, more aggressive exterior styling, sport front seats, and an iPod interface.

Options exclusive to the CLS-Class63 AMG include the AMG Performance package, which adds lightweight 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels, a limited-slip differential, a track-calibrated suspension, a higher top-speed of 186 mph, and a sport steering wheel.

The AMG Wheel and Sound package includes: 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels and a 12-speaker, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen surround sound audio system.

The Premium 1 package remains available for both models and includes adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with washers, a power trunk lid, keyless ignition/entry, a power rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, and an iPod interface. Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes with high-performance anti-lock brakes, and stability control. In brake testing, the CLS-Class63 stops from 60 mph in 114 feet.