2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Uniquely Mercedes-Benz
For buyers who want a stylish luxury car that must also serve as a daily driver, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is hard to beat. It’s a “four-door coupe,” with the style of a traditional two-door hardtop, and plenty of space on the inside. Mercedes essentially created this unusual niche, and the latest CLS model proves just how compelling these cars can be as an alternative to traditional sedans.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is more than just a pretty face. It’s got the power and the moves to create a truly exhilarating driving experience. Because a car that’s as good to drive as it is to look at is more fun, right?
Starting at the bottom of the CLS range is the CLS400, which features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a choice of either rear-wheel drive or Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. In EPA fuel-economy testing, the V6 CLS achieves 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
Next up is the CLS550, which gets a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8, nine-speed automatic transmission, and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, this model can hustle from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with rear-wheel drive, or 5.2 seconds with all-wheel drive.
The EPA rates the V8 model at 21 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
Finally, there’s the CLS63 AMG® S-Model 4MATIC®, from Mercedes-Benz’s in-house performance tuner, AMG®. This skunkworks has been building high-performance versions of standard Mercedes-Benz models for years, and the CLS63 keeps up the tradition. As the name states, the CLS63 is only available with all-wheel drive, which channels the power from a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission.
The AMG®-tuned V8 produces 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which rockets the CLS63 from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-door, four-seat luxury car. Mercedes-Benz refers to it as a “four-door coupe,” but it has the same functionality as a conventional sedan, minus the middle rear seat. Prices start at $66,990.**
Befitting a Mercedes, the CLS-Class comes well equipped even before options are specified. The standard equipment list include 14-way power front seats with memory, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, navigation system, and 8-inch central display with console-mounted controller.
The list of optional equipment includes ventilated front seats, power-folding exterior mirrors, electronic trunk closer, harman/kardon® Logic 7® or Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems, voice control, and SiriusXM satellite radio with traffic and weather information.
There are also two notable connectivity options. Mercedes’ mbrace® system is a concierge service that allows drivers to monitor their vehicles remotely through an app, contact the dealer, call for roadside assistance or emergency services, and track the vehicle if it’s stolen.
The second feature is Mercedes-Benz Apps, which includes informational and social media apps like Google, Yelp, and Facebook that can be connected to a smartphone to show content on the in-car display.
Design
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class literally defies categorization. It may have four doors and full-size back seats, but the sleek roofline and other styling accoutrements make it more coupe than sedan, in Mercedes’ estimation. With its blend of style and practicality, the CLS is the best of both worlds.
The first-generation CLS launched the “four-door coupe” sub-segment back in 2005, and the 2016 model improves on its original formula. This latest model has a much bolder look, thanks to a prominent, diamond-block grille, headlights with LED elements, and muscular fenders and side sculpting.
On the inside, the CLS loses the awkward center rear seat of most sedans, but that just gives back-seat passengers more room to stretch out. The standard leather upholstery, sunroof, and full suite of technology features make the CLS’ cabin a nice place to be, no matter where you’re sitting.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, ATTENTION ASSIST®, and 12 airbags.
In addition, several electronic driver aids are available as options, including DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, Pre-Sage Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, and parking assist. To help improve visibility, a rearview camera or a Surround View system with four cameras are also on the options list.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the perfect car for buyers who want all of the luxury and practicality of a high-end sedan, but with a bit more style too.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at our dealership to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Mercedes-Benz