NEW FOR 2015:
-Redesigned model
The original Mercedes-Benz four-door “coupe” is all-new for 2015, sporting new styling that brings it in line with the brand’s latest design language.
With the restyle comes a CLS 400 new base model designation that uses a new turbocharged 3.0L V6 that generates 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It slots in below the CLS 550 trim that carries over from last year, powered by the same 4.6L turbocharged V8, capable of 402 hp and 443 lb-ft. Atop the range is a single high-performance AMG-tuned model, the CLS 63 AMG S, which gets a turbocharged 5.5L V8 capable of 577 hp and 590 lb-ft. Gone is last year’s “entry level” AMG model, which used a detuned version of the same motor.
All three CLS trims use Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup; CLS 400 and 550 models get a traditional seven-speed automatic transmission, while the AMG car uses a twin-clutch seven-speed.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, sunroof, direct control comfort suspension, parktronic with active park assist, 14- power front seats with memory, automatic climate control, Comand online navigation with MB apps, ambient lighting with three colour settings, Bluetooth, MP3 player integration, satellite radio and an analog clock.
The CLS 550 isn’t an AMG model, but it gets AMG styling with unique 18-inch wheels and a different grille, aluminum sport pedals, active multibeam LED headlights with automatic highbeam control, passive blind spot and lane-keeping assist, heated steering wheel, air suspension, and three-zone climate control.
Go for the CLS 63 AMG S and the standard kit list grows to include air suspension with three settings, three-stage stability control with torque-vectoring brake, sport-tuned steering, limited-slip rear differential, eco start/stop, additional engine water cooling capacity, upgraded brakes with red painted calipers, full-LED headlights, trunklid spoiler, 19-inch wheels, carbon-fibre interior trim, drive-dynamic multicontour driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, silver seatbelts, Nappa leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster with race timer, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, and illuminated front door sills.
