2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class

Stylish, luxurious, elegant, and fast, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class highlights much of what’s best about Mercedes’ last few years of product development. For 2015, the CLS improves with new exterior and interior looks and a few other upgrades under the surface.

• Interior / Exterior »

Last updated visually for the 2012 model year, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class brings a fresh new look for the new model year, with an updated exterior and a redesigned interior.



The new look retains the fashion-forward look of the coupe-styled sedan, sharpening its appeal with a new front end that cleans up the lines and updates to better match the newest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The long, arching curve that defines the CLS’ silhouette remains, with short front and rear overhangs enhancing the sleek, coupe-like side view.
Inside, the new interior design theme seen in the 2015 C-Class and 2015 S-Class brings the CLS-Class fully in line with the brand’s latest offerings. Classy and upscale, the new look and feel blends classic themes like real wood and metal trim in a thoroughly modern, luxurious style that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

AMG models get an even more aggressive look outside, with larger air inlets, more aerodynamic elements, more aggressive wheels and tires, and, inside, special AMG-specific touches that add a definite performance air to match the potential waiting under the hood.

• Performance »

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class spans a broad range of performance, from the CLS 400 to the CLS 63 AMG, but all models offer ample power and brisk acceleration.

The newest performance-related offering for the 2015 CLS-Class is a nine-speed transmission, available first in CLS 550 rear-drive models, but expanding to other models in the range later in the model year. Adding extra shift points and revised gearing, the new nine-speed automatic proved both smooth-shifting and intelligent in its gear selection during our time with the car.

The entry point is the new CLS 400, powered by a twin-turbochared 3.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. While Mercedes-Benz hasn’t yet released acceleration specs for the CLS 400, but from our drive time in the car, we note it provides quick and lively acceleration at any speed.
Next up the range is the CLS 550, powered by a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, rated at 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Where the CLS 400 is brisk, the CLS 550 is downright quick, hitting 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
At the top of the CLS-Class performance range sits the CLS 63 AMG. Powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine with up to 585 horsepower and 577 pound-feet of torque in S Model trim, the CLS 63 AMG offers nearly supercar-level acceleration and impressive handling for a large coupe-sedan thanks to AMG adaptive suspension. It’s the driver’s selection of the group, to be sure.
All CLS-Class models offer relaxed, comfortable cruising when desired, but also the ability to turn up the wick and engage a curvy road with grace—an impressive combination for a car of its size. AMG models burn even brighter, pushing both driver and car toward the absolute limits.
Surprisingly, the most outward change is also the most subtle—the redesigned front end gives the CLS-Class a fresh face, but without any cartoonish signs of redesign. If anything, the 2015 CLS looks the way it always should have, modern and just on the line between bold and elegant. Inside, the 2015 CLS-Class wears Mercedes’ latest interior design theme with grace, wrapped in luxurious leathers and high-quality woods, with an aesthetic that seamlessly blends classic with high-tech.

Under the hood, the CLS 400 gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine rated at 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It’s a brisk performer, never lagging in traffic, and easily passing at any speed. The CLS 550 uses the familiar 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine rated at 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque for even more impressive acceleration. Both rear-wheel-drive and 4Matic all-wheel-drive versions of the CLS are available. An AMG-tuned CLS 63 AMG is also available, cranking out up to 585 horsepower.
But the real news under the skin of the new 2015 CLS-Class is the nine-speed automatic transmission, now standard equipment on the CLS 550 rear-drive models, and later expanding to other models in the CLS-Class range. This new transmission provides even more seamless, smooth shifting, and should improve gas mileage in the real world, thanks to the additional intermediary steps and higher top gear.
It’s not all performance and luxury with the CLS-Class, however. There’s a healthy dose of technology, too, much of it aimed at keeping the occupants safe. Standard equipment in this category includes Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which can help prevent rear-end collisions through the autonomous use of brakes if necessary. Optional extras include: Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, which offers many features of semi-autonomous driving; Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection; Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Active Parking Assist, and more.

On the other side of the technology front, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class offers a host of entertainment and information features, such as the COMAND Online system, operated through the central eight-inch color high-resolution display. From internet surfing while the vehicle is stationary to one-the-go Bluetooth streaming, weather, Google Local Search, StreetView, and more, the COMAND Online system, especially in conduction with Mercedes-Benz Apps, offers much for the tech-head to love.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class arrives in the U.S. in the fall of 2014. Official safety and gas mileage ratings are expected closer to the vehicle’s launch.
Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz

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