Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been completely redesigned for 2012 with bold new styling aith an upgraded cabin.
Introduction
A "four-door coupe" might be an oxymoron, but it is one that nevertheless has proved to be a popular concept. Mercedes-Benz pioneered this with the original CLS-Class for 2006, taking the underpinnings of its E-Class midsize sedan and wrapping them in a curvaceous body with the sleek, sloping roof line indicative of a coupe. It might not have been as spacious or practical as a regular sedan, but its style was well worth the compromise.
Starting things off is a new engine lineup that's both more powerful and more fuel-efficient. Benz's new twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 produces 402 horsepower in the CLS550. The 2012 CLS-Class also handles and rides better thanks to a more rigid structure and further refinements of the Airmatic adaptive suspension. New electric-assist power steering does a good job of replacing the old hydraulic unit, providing good feedback and a variable-ratio action that helps make the big CLS-Class feel smaller than it is.
Inside the cabin, the build quality is better and the controls are easier to use, showcasing the strides Mercedes-Benz has taken to once again be considered a standard for the world. Comfort and convenience features are in abundance even before you sample the options list, while the number of safety features is truly impressive. There are 10 airbags (12 if you get the optional side bags for the rear seat), along with a multitude of electronic aids designed to keep you on the road, in your lane and paying attention.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-passenger, four-door sedan available in CLS550 and CLS550 4MATIC trim levels.
The CLS550 and CLS550 4MATIC come standard with 18-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with memory functions and four-way lumbar adjustment, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and leather upholstery. Electronics features include a navigation system, real-time traffic, voice controls, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, HD radio, satellite radio and digital music storage.
Available on either model, the Premium 1 package adds adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, a power trunk closer, keyless ignition/entry, and heated and ventilated front seats. On the CLS550, this package includes a power rear sunshade and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Lane Tracking package adds a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system. The Driver Assistance package gets adaptive cruise control and enhanced, active versions of the Lane Tracking items. The Parktronic package includes front and rear parking sensors and an automatic parking system. Stand-alone options include an infrared night-view display and heated rear seats. The CLS550 can be equipped with a heated steering wheel and massaging front seats with active bolsters.
Powertrains and Performance
The CLS550 features a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 that sends 402 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes estimates this car will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The CLS550 4MATIC indicates all-wheel drive, and it should hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the CLS550, while 4MATIC drops these estimates by 1 mpg each.
Safety
Every 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class gets standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front side airbags (both torso and pelvic) and full-length curtain airbags. Also standard is Attention Assist (a driver drowsiness and alerting monitor) and PreSafe (it anticipates an imminent crash and automatically takes measures to better secure occupants).
Options include rear side airbags, infrared night-view sensors and rearview parking sensors. The Driver Assistance package adds blind-spot and lane-departure systems; the active version of this package takes action should you fail to heed those warnings.
Interior Design and Special Features
While the CLS-Class' graceful arching roof line certainly gives it a stylish coupelike silhouette, it's not without a few drawbacks. The lower rear roof line makes rear-seat access tricky for 6-footers. Once inside, those taller folks will find a noticeable lack of headroom, but there is plenty of knee and shoulder room. The short windows make the CLS's cabin feel less airy than a typical sedan's, but compared to a traditional coupe, the CLS-Class is legitimately comfortable in back rather than merely passable. Also, trunk capacity is a useful 15.7 cubic feet.
Unlike newer Mercedes models with their austere, angular surfaces, the CLS-Class' dashboard is curvaceous. Textures and materials are up to Mercedes' normally high standards. Most interior functions are controlled via the COMAND interface; however, while this version features the latest software and menu structure, it's saddled with the previous generation's four directional arrow buttons instead of the multipurpose knob found in newer models.