Car news! Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Sedan

Full 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

What's New for 2014

All 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class sedans have a standard stop-start system to lower fuel consumption, while 4Matic all-wheel drive is now standard on the CLS63 AMG. The standard CLS63 also gets a bump in horsepower (now 550), while the former AMG Performance package is replaced by a new S-Model version, which makes 577 hp and has a higher top speed.

Introduction

Breathtaking design takes priority on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. A "four-door coupe" variation on the related E-Class, the CLS is easily one of the most attractive luxury sedans on the market, and it's one of those cars that looks even better in person than in photos. It's powerful, too, with two different, turbocharged V8s that make driving it an exhilarating experience. Among this Mercedes-Benz's few downsides are its relatively high price tag and its dramatically sloping rear roof line, which limits the car's versatility.

These limitations are readily apparent in the CLS-Class sedan's backseat, which can accommodate only two passengers and isn't comfortable for full-size adults. The car's high beltline and small rear windows make it feel even smaller, and compared to the more conventional E-Class sedan, you lose a full inch of rear headroom.

The situation is much different up front, as there's plenty of room to stretch out in the luxurious cockpit. If you're in the driver seat, your mind will be further occupied by the engine under the hood. With 402 hp on tap, the standard CLS550 is an amazingly quick luxury sedan in its own right. Meanwhile, the CLS63 AMG enters the realm of ridiculous speed with 550 hp in standard form and 577 on the S-Model. The switch to all-wheel drive (from rear-wheel drive) for 2014 changes the CLS63's character slightly, but it makes the car more of a year-round proposition for buyers in cold climates.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-passenger, four-door midsize luxury sedan. The CLS550 is available in rear-wheel-drive and 4Matic all-wheel-drive variations, while the 4Matic-only CLS63 AMG is offered in base and S-Model versions.

The CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic come standard with 18-inch wheels; all-season tires; an adaptive air suspension; bi-xenon headlights; LED running lights; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; a sunroof; dual-zone automatic climate control; 10-way power front seats with heating, memory functions and four-way lumbar adjustment; a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and leather upholstery. Electronics features include a 7-inch video display with the COMAND infotainment interface; a navigation system; voice control; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; Mercedes' mbrace2 telematics system and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, HD radio, satellite radio, USB/iPod integration and an auxiliary audio input.

The CLS63 AMG adds a more powerful twin-turbo V8, a different transmission, 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, upgraded leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade and a split-folding rear seat (optional for the CLS550).

The CLS63 AMG S-Model gains additional power, a higher top-speed limiter (186 mph instead of 155), a more aggressively tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, launch control, a different set of 19-inch wheels with a titanium finish, a carbon-fiber engine cover and rear spoiler, red brake calipers, a unique leather interior, and simulated suede trim on the steering wheel.