2013 Mercedes Benz CLS Class

2013 Mercedes Benz CLS Class

Based on the E Class, but with a more rounded, coupe-like silhouette, the CLS Class's angles and edges were updated in 2012 for an edgier, more modern look. The result is a compelling, even athletic exterior and an interior that rides the border between glamorous and over-wrought.

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 seating in either version of the 2013 CLS Class is plush and spacious for front occupants. The rear seats are a bit short on headroom (that deliciously curved roof does have a downside) and on leg room, though most adults won't find the back seat too confining. A range of upgrade options for the front seats adds even more comfort or sport-suited bolstering. Quality, fit, and finish are very good, in some ways exceptional, particularly in AMG models.

The 2013 CLS550 comes standard with a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, HD and satellite radio and a CD changer. Available features include a power trunk lid, automatic high beams, an iPod interface, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems.

A legacy of safety leadership looks out for your future with such standard breakthroughs as PRE-SAFE and ATTENTION ASSIST. The available Driver Assistance Package enhances the present, with Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and the stop-and-go ease of DISTRONIC PLUS cruise control. (Disclaimer)

Launched as a 2012 model, this latest-generation CLS-Class is bigger than the original. At 113.2, inches, the wheelbase has stretched by almost an inch, and overall length, 194.5 inches, has grown 1.5 inches. Wide to start with (73.7 inches), it's even wider now (74.1), and the roof, 55.8 inches at its height, adds 1.1 inches. Front and rear track has expanded correspondingly.

Mercedes-Benz models can be found all over the world, and are known as luxury vehicles. Mercedes-Benz prices start at $34,475 for their entry-level C-Class model, and their more expensive models can surpass several hundred thousand dollars. A new Mercedes-Benz SUV such as the G-Class carries a six-figure starting price. If you are searching for a new Mercedes-Benz truck, the G-Class SUV is an excellent choice.