What's New for 2013
After
a full redesign last year, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class receives
minor feature changes, namely a new Bang & Olufsen premium audio
option and an update to its mbrace telematics system.
Introduction
Beauty
has its price, and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a prime example.
There's no doubt the CLS has a presence about it. Its stretched, sleek
and athletic stance basically invented the "four-door coupe" body style
in 2006. But under the gorgeous sheet metal, the CLS shares its
underpinnings with the more affordable Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and it's
clear that such style comes with its own compromises.
Consider for a moment that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class costs
considerably more than a similarly equipped E-Class sedan. To compound
matters, the backseat of the CLS suffer from a lack of headroom -- a
consequence of the sweeping roof line that defines the car's shape.
Now, don't get us wrong -- if money were no object, the CLS 550 and
its bonkers 550-horsepower CLS63 AMG stablemate would definitely be on
our "must-have" list. In typical Mercedes-Benz
fashion, the CLS-Class delivers impeccable ride quality, confident
road-hugging handling, a long list of standard and optional high-tech
features and an interior that is, quite simply, beyond reproach.
Granted, the same can be said of other luxury sedans in this
segment, and some of them are also variations on the four-door coupe
theme. The latest entrant is the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, which gains favor with a bit more rear headroom. Even more headroom can be had in the Porsche Panamera,
though most will agree that it looks pretty homely by comparison. One
could also look at the more shapely Audi A7 and S7, which are less
expensive and offer standard all-wheel drive.
The good news is that there's no bad choice in the bunch, even when
you factor in the cost of beauty in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-passenger, four-door sedan
available in CLS550, CLS550 4Matic and CLS63 AMG 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
7-inch video display, the COMAND interface, a navigation system, voice
controls, 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 and satellite radio.
The CLS63 AMG adds a more powerful twin-turbo V8, a different
transmission, 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, a
sport steering wheel with shift paddles, upgraded leather upholstery, a
power rear sunshade, a split-folding rear seat (optional for the
CLS550) and an iPod/USB audio interface. The AMG Performance package
adds additional power, a higher top speed, a more aggressively tuned
suspension, a carbon-fiber engine cover and rear spoiler, and a sport
steering wheel trimmed in faux suede. Forged alloy wheels, a
limited-slip differential and carbon-ceramic brakes are stand-alone
options for the AMG.
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 CLS63 version includes front seats with
active bolsters and massage.
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, heated rear seats and a premium Bang &
Olufsen surround-sound system (late availability). The CLS550 can be
equipped with a heated steering wheel and massaging front seats with
active bolsters.
Powertrains and Performance
The
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 that
sends 402 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a
seven-speed automatic transmission. In Edmunds performance testing, the
CLS550 went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds -- truly impressive
performance for a V8-powered sedan of this size. EPA-estimated fuel
economy is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving
for the CLS550, while 4Matic drops these estimates by 1 mpg each for
city and combined figures.
The CLS63 AMG gets a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that sends 518 hp and
516 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a specialized
seven-speed automatic transmission. If that's not good enough, the AMG
Performance Pack pumps output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. In
Edmunds testing with the Performance Pack, a CLS63 hit 60 mph in an
incredible 3.9 seconds. Estimated fuel economy with the regular CLS63
engine tune is 16/25/19.
Safety
Every
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class features standard four-wheel antilock disc
brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front side
airbags (both torso and pelvic), full-length curtain airbags and the
updated Mercedes-Benz mbrace telematics system (smartphone integration
and Web-based apps that include remote controls, driver monitoring and
emergency services). 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.
In Edmunds brake testing, a CLS550 with summer tires came to a stop
from 60 mph in 108 feet, which is excellent but just a tad better than
average for the class. The CLS63 actually took a bit longer at 113
feet, but that's still excellent.
Interior Design and Special Features
As
with the exterior, the CLS cabin takes the current Mercedes-Benz design
aesthetic and makes it more organic and curvaceous. Materials are
beyond reproach. The control layout is similar to the E-Class, though
it swaps in an analog clock and the older knob-style climate controls
in lieu of the newer toggle buttons. Stepping up to the CLS63 adds a
chunky AMG wheel and fills the center console with AMG vehicle controls
and the MCT transmission selector (complete with an embossed AMG crest)
in lieu of the 550's electronic shift lever on the steering column.
With its low, racy roof line and two-passenger backseat, the 2013
Mercedes CLS isn't what we'd call the ideal people carrier. If you
frequently ferry people around or have particularly tall friends,
opting for an E-Class is probably a wiser idea. Trunk space is pretty
generous, however, with 15.7 cubic feet available.
Driving Impressions
Simply
put, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 drives beautifully. The adaptive air
suspension and variable dampers provide secure handling and an
impressive ride quality. The electrically assisted steering offers good
feedback, loads up naturally and quickens the more you turn, making the
CLS feel smaller than it actually is. Also helping that effort is a
"base" engine that utterly flattens you into your seat with a simple
brush of the pedal. It's hard to imagine needing any more power.
But then you drop yourself into the CLS63, brushits pedal and feel
yourself melt at the glorious burbling roar of the bigger twin-turbo V8
at work. This is a truly majestic power plant, and it's complemented
beautifully by a transmission that swaps gears with surgical precision.
Though a manual mode with paddle shifters is included, Sport+ mode is
so adept at downshifting one or two gears during braking (accompanied
by the glorious bark of an engine blip) that we found ourselves never
using the paddles.
Handling is also exceptional. As with the 550, the AMG's steering
feels light, but there is an abundance of feel fed to your hands that
rewards a delicate touch. The three-mode suspension system eliminates
body roll and brings the big CLS around corners without breaking a
sweat. It's quite firm even in its Comfort setting, however, so those
looking for a sumptuous ride should stick with the comfier yet still
composed CLS550.
