2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
New for 2015
The CLS gets an exterior and interior styling refresh for 2015, as well as a new CLS400 model with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6.
The Original "Four-Door Coupe"
If you want a good-looking car, a two-door coupe is hard to beat. Unless, that is, you want a good-looking car but also need to regularly carry multiple passengers, or perhaps some groceries.
That’s where the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes in. It’s a “four-door coupe,” with the sleek styling of a coupe, and the four doors and usable rear seats of a sedan. It’s the perfect no-compromise luxury ride.
Powertrains and Performance
The CLS-Class’ four-door coupe styling makes it great to look at, but what’s under the stylish skin makes it great to drive.
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’ 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released performance data for the CLS400, but EPA fuel-economy ratings are available. 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®. AMG® is the performance division for Mercedes-Benz, and this model is quite a hot rod. 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-door, four-seat car that most people would call a sedan, but Mercedes-Benz refers to it as a coupe because of its styling. Prices start at $65,990.**
Standard features 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.
From there, the option list 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. The Mercedes-Benz 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.
Exterior/Interior
When it launched in 2005, the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class invented the four-door coupe segment, blending the sleek styling of a coupe with the spaciousness of a sedan. The second-generation 2015 model picks up where its predecessor left off, emphasizing style without sacrificing practicality.
The low, coupe-like roofline remains, and is now joined with more sculpted sides, headlights, taillights, and a bigger grille for a more muscular look. The grille now features a flashy diamond-block design, while the headlights feature full LED elements.
The interior features seating for four,doing away with the uncomfortable rear center seat most sedan buyers rarely use anyway. Like all Mercedes models, the CLS comes well appointed, with features like a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a sunroof, and a full-length center console.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2015 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. A single rearview camera or a Surround View system with four cameras can also be specified.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class continues to redefine automotive luxury with its signature mix of style and practicality.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are the 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