Pros and Cons*
Pros
Unique, distinctive styling, numerous technological innovations, high-quality fit and finish, quiet ride, and the overall high comfort level and supportive front seats make the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS a top contender.
Cons
It would be nice to have an affordable entry-level model with less power in order to bring more customers into the fold. High depreciation, poor visibility, unproven reliability and certain ergonomic weaknesses weaken this Mercedes offering
Price
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 starts at $84,800. 18-inch wheels, driving assist, electrical tilt and telescopic steering wheel and an appearance package are all standard equipment.
Options include; LED lighting system $1,200, advanced driving assist $2,700, and the premium package at $5,400.
Fuel consumption
In city driving, the CLS consumes 12.7 L/100 km while highway driving produces ratings of 8.2 L/100 km.
New and improved for 2013
A number of new visual styling changes were applied in 2012. The 2013 model benefits from ergonomic improvements such as the placement of the cruise-control and turn-signal controls.
Exterior design
This 4-door coupe shows-off the newly re-designed stylish front bumper and grille, which are the unique visual signatures of this model. The roofline swoops dramatically towards the beautiful tapered rear end. Its athletic bulges, steeply-inclined hood, and muscular rear quarter panels are unmistakably Mercedes-like.
Drivetrain
There is a twin-turbo 4.6 litre V8 under the hood that produces 402 hp and 443 lb-ft torque. The full-time all-wheel drive 4MATIC system is coupled to a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Trunk capacity
This elongated sedan can hold up to 520 litres in the trunk, which is a tad better than the Jaguar XF or the Porsche Panamera.
Security
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with ten airbags. In addition, anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system, ATTENTION ASSIST, PARKTRONIC active parking assist, blind-spot detection, and passive lane assist are all standard equipment for this model.
Comparable models
Audi S7, BMW 6 series Gran Coupé, Jaguar XF, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p. 422
Morin Alain, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p. 444
mercedes-benz.ca
Pros
Unique, distinctive styling, numerous technological innovations, high-quality fit and finish, quiet ride, and the overall high comfort level and supportive front seats make the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS a top contender.
Cons
It would be nice to have an affordable entry-level model with less power in order to bring more customers into the fold. High depreciation, poor visibility, unproven reliability and certain ergonomic weaknesses weaken this Mercedes offering
 |
| (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Price
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 starts at $84,800. 18-inch wheels, driving assist, electrical tilt and telescopic steering wheel and an appearance package are all standard equipment.
Options include; LED lighting system $1,200, advanced driving assist $2,700, and the premium package at $5,400.
Fuel consumption
In city driving, the CLS consumes 12.7 L/100 km while highway driving produces ratings of 8.2 L/100 km.
New and improved for 2013
A number of new visual styling changes were applied in 2012. The 2013 model benefits from ergonomic improvements such as the placement of the cruise-control and turn-signal controls.
Exterior design
This 4-door coupe shows-off the newly re-designed stylish front bumper and grille, which are the unique visual signatures of this model. The roofline swoops dramatically towards the beautiful tapered rear end. Its athletic bulges, steeply-inclined hood, and muscular rear quarter panels are unmistakably Mercedes-like.
 |
| (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Drivetrain
There is a twin-turbo 4.6 litre V8 under the hood that produces 402 hp and 443 lb-ft torque. The full-time all-wheel drive 4MATIC system is coupled to a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Trunk capacity
This elongated sedan can hold up to 520 litres in the trunk, which is a tad better than the Jaguar XF or the Porsche Panamera.
Security
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with ten airbags. In addition, anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system, ATTENTION ASSIST, PARKTRONIC active parking assist, blind-spot detection, and passive lane assist are all standard equipment for this model.
Comparable models
Audi S7, BMW 6 series Gran Coupé, Jaguar XF, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p. 422
Morin Alain, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p. 444
mercedes-benz.ca