The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS has strong appeal for its unique style and luxurious interior. It does, however, sacrifice some rear headroom for the sweeping roofline. And with a fully redesigned CLS set to go on sale later this year, that appeal is waning.
Even though Mercedes-Benz refers to the CLS as a coupe, it is, in fact, a four-door sedan with a coupelike silhouette. The CLS 550 models are powered by a 402-horsepower turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is available with the CLS 550 4Matic.
Standard feature highlights include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, an adaptive air suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, a navigation system and a 14-speaker sound system.
The Premium 1 package adds keyless entry and ignition, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, power-folding mirrors, a power trunklid, ventilated front seats, an active multicontour driver seat, a power rear sunshade, and a premium audio system. Other bundled options include the Lane Tracking package (blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning), the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, steering assist, forward collision mitigation, rear-end collision cabin preparation, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist and frontal cross-traffic collision mitigation), and the Parking Assist package (a surround-view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and an automated parallel parking system).
Stand-alone options include a rear spoiler, an illuminated Mercedes logo in the grille, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, split-and-folding rear seats, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a retractable/removable trunk bin.
The AMG CLS 63 S gets a 577-hp turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that is paired with a performance-focused seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. In addition to the CLS 550's standard features, it also receives 19-inch wheels with summer tires, upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, a sport exhaust system, unique styling elements, the automated parking system, the adaptive LED headlights, special gauges and interior trim, a sport steering wheel, an IWC analog clock, sport seats, the power rear sunshade and upgraded leather upholstery. Most option packages are available and similar in content to the CLS 550. Carbon-ceramic brakes are a stand-alone option.
Compared to the Audi S7, which is also set for a full redesign this year, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the CLS 550 pricing starts about $5,000 less. When the models are compared with similar features, the price difference narrows, and this holds true as options are added across the board. The Porsche Panamera is more expensive than all of these vehicles, with a gap that widens with more generously appointed models.
As much as we like this generation of Mercedes-Benz CLS sedans, we suggest waiting for the fully redesigned 2019 model that will have all of the style and grace of the current CLS, along with the latest design and features from Mercedes. To help you decide which vehicle is right for you, use all of the tools available to you on Edmunds.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Overview
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is offered in the following submodels: AMG CLS 63 S, Sedan. Available styles include CLS 550 4dr Sedan (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 9A), CLS 550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 9A), and AMG CLS 63 S 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A). CLS-Class models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 CLS-Class comes with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic, 7-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 CLS-Class comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 CLS-Class featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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