Following last year's full redesign, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class moves into 2016 with a nine-speed automatic transmission for the mid-range CLS550 model as its only mechanical update. Inside, smartphone integration is standard.
This sedan (Benz calls it a four-door coupe) comes as the CLS400 4MATIC, CLS 550 4MATIC and CLS63 S 4MATIC. Engines are a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 making 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the CLS400, a 4.7L twin-turbo V8 for the CLS550 that makes 402 hp and 443 lb-ft, and a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 in the CLS63 S AMG that cranks out 577 hp and 590 lb-ft.
Fuel consumption figures are 12.2/8.8 L/100 km (city/highway) in the CLS400; 13.7/9.3 for the CLS550; and 15.1/10.8 in the CLS63 S AMG.
Standard features in the CLS400 include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, sunroof, direct control comfort suspension, parktronic with active park assist, 14-way power front seats with memory, automatic climate control, navigation, ambient lighting, Bluetooth and MP3 integration , satellite radio and passive blind spot detection.
The CLS550 adds the nine-speed transmission, active LED headlights with high beam assist, lane-keeping assist, heated steering wheel, air suspension, three-zone climate control and an analog clock.
CLS63 S AMG models get AMG-specific all-wheel drive, suspension, transmission tuning and steering, limited slip rear differential, eco start/stop, upgraded brakes and engine cooling, trunk lip spoiler, 19-inch wheels, carbon fibre interior trim, multi-contour driver's seat, climate comfort front seats, sport steering wheel, race timer, aluminum steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and illuminated front door sills.
Prices range from the CLS400's $77,100 to the CLS63 S AMG's $125,900.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed