2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

Just about every sedan introduced these days has some sort of aggressively sloped roofline, with cars as commonplace as the Honda Civic and Chevy Malibu possessing a body style that could be described as "coupe-like." Boxy is out; sleek is in. You'd almost expect these automakers to have to pay some sort of royalty fee to Mercedes-Benz, though. After all, Mercedes-Benz popularized the trend more than a decade ago with the introduction of its "four-door coupe," the CLS-Class.

Now several years into its second generation, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is admittedly no longer as fashion-forward as it once was due to new competitors and the sleekly redesigned 2017 E-Class. Like a proverbial little black dress, though, the CLS still stands out in a crowd, even if it's not exactly novel. Besides the CLS' styling, the car's superb quality, abundant feature content, thrilling performance and engaging driving experience make it one of the finest automobiles you can buy.

Unfortunately, opting for fashion over function has its drawbacks. The CLS only has room for two people in back, and headroom is limited due to that sleek roofline, which also restricts rear visibility. (Mercedes-Benz doesn't offer a rearview camera as standard equipment, either.) Then there's the CLS' age. It's one of the older models in the Mercedes lineup, and it lacks some of the brand's latest technology and features.

If you like the idea of a sleekly styled four-door, you should also consider some impressive competitors, including the Audi A7 (plus the high-performance S7 and RS 7), the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (plus its M6 variant) and the redesigned Porsche Panamera. There's also the Tesla Model S, which is certainly sleek and performance-oriented in its own unique way. Even if the CLS isn't quite the trendsetter it used to be, though, there's still so much to love about it that will always be in fashion.

Every CLS-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, front side pelvic airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Also included are a drowsy driver warning system and a forward collision warning system with automatic braking. The Mbrace emergency communications system provides automatic alarm and collision notification, emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location, and remote locking and unlocking.

The Lane Tracking package adds blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The Driver Assistance package upgrades those systems with automatic steering override, an enhanced forward collision warning system (operates at higher speeds and can detect pedestrians), a cross-traffic alert system, a rear collision detection and vehicle preparation system, and the Mercedes Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control and steering assist system. Parking sensors, a rearview camera and an enhanced surround-view camera system are also optional.

In Edmunds brake testing, a CLS550 with summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 102 feet, which would be excellent for a high-performance sports car, let alone a midsize luxury sedan.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-door, four-passenger sedan. Mercedes refers to it as a coupe due to its sleekly raked roofline. Three models are available, each corresponding to a different engine: the CLS400, CLS550 and AMG CLS 63 S. The term 4Matic indicates the presence of all-wheel drive.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 embodies everything we've come to expect from top-level German luxury sedans. The confidence-inspiring handling, combined with a composed ride quality, is a testament to the adaptive suspension's range and tuning. The steering feel is also worthy of praise; it provides feedback to the driver during enthusiastic handling and feels properly weighted for every driving condition.
We have yet to drive the V6 CLS400, but given the mechanically related 2016 E400 we did drive, we're sure the power output will be more than adequate for most drivers. Actually, it'll likely be more than abundant. But that's just the beginning. The CLS550 delivers a plentiful rush of power that can pin passengers to their seatbacks when you hit the gas, providing the sort of acceleration we used to expect from AMG models (but without the firm ride and heftier repair bill that comes with its many AMG components). Then again, that just means that today's AMG model, the CLS 63 S, is even more awe-inspiring with its colossal thrust and the resolute grip provided by its standard all-wheel-drive system. It's one of the most thrilling cars with four doors.

The CLS-Class' evocative roofline is one of its most distinguishing characteristics, but it's not without its drawbacks. Headroom for the rear seats suffers as a result, making the backseats  ill-suited for adult passengers. The CLS also has just two seats in back with a center console  situated in the middle. For frequent passenger shuttling, the less expensive five-seat E-Class is a better choice.

Materials quality and construction are up to the utmost expectations for Mercedes-Benz, but the interior's look and controls are from the previous generation of the brand's design. It lacks the organic curves, oversized display screen and general sense of opulence you'll find in the 2017 E-Class — then again, you may prefer the CLS' blockier, more classically German aesthetic.

Either way, another key difference is the standard COMAND electronics interface. It features the same software as you'll find in the updated C-Class (though not the E- and S-Class, which are even more advanced), but it's stuck with an 8-inch screen and it lacks the new touchpad included with the newer systems. The remaining buttons and knob get the job done, but this latest system does seem to be a bit more confusing than its predecessor.

Stepping up to the AMG CLS 63 S adds a distinctive sporty flair to the cabin, with racy sport seats and unique stitching and trim selections. The AMG also relocates the gear selector from the steering column to the center console, eliminating the large cupholders and reducing some interior storage for your personal effects.

Cargo space is generous regardless of CLS model, with a trunk that can hold up to 15.3 cubic feet. It is worth noting that the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system significantly compromises trunk space.