2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

Standard equipment on the CLS400 includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, automatic wipers, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), front-seat memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the COMAND infotainment interface (8-inch screen, knob controller), Bluetooth connectivity, a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port and a media player interface.

The popular Premium 1 package includes keyless ignition and entry, power-folding mirrors, a power trunklid, a rearview camera, ventilated front seats, satellite radio and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Premium 2 package essentially includes all of the above plus adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, a power rear sunshade and an upgraded Mercedes navigation system.

The CLS550 has a more powerful engine plus an adaptive air suspension (optional on the CLS400), the Mercedes navigation system and the Harman Kardon sound system. Its Premium package features all the elements of the two CLS400 versions that aren't already standard. The rearview camera must be added separately to the Premium package. The Night package adds gloss-black exterior elements, red interior stitching, a sport steering wheel and a manual shift mode for the transmission.

The top-line AMG CLS 63 S gets an even more powerful V8, plus special performance tuning for the transmission, adaptive suspension, braking system, exhaust system and limited-slip differential. Beyond the CLS550's equipment, it has 19-inch wheels, unique styling elements, front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system, the upgraded LED headlights, special gauges and interior trim, a sport steering wheel, an IWC Ingenieur analog clock, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, the power rear sunshade and upgraded leather upholstery. Its Premium package has the rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, a power trunklid, power-folding mirrors, and ventilated front seats with additional multicontour adjustments. Carbon-ceramic brakes are a stand-alone option.

Available on all trims is the Lane Tracking package that adds blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control and steering assist, enhanced blind-spot monitoring and intervention, lane departure intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and an enhanced emergency braking system that includes pedestrian detection. A heated steering wheel can be added to either of these packages. Heated rear seats are a stand-alone option.

The CLS400 and CLS550 are available with the Parking Assist package that includes the front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system and a surround-view parking camera (available separately on the CLS 63). Stand-alone options include an active multicontour driver seat (features adjustable side bolsters and shoulder supports, and a massage function), a split-folding rear seat and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive (4Matic) is optional. EPA fuel economy estimates were not available for the CLS400 at the time of publication. Last year's car posted 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2017 CLS550 has a turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 good for 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. It too has the nine-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive standard with all-wheel drive as an option. During Edmunds performance testing, a CLS550 with rear-wheel drive went from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, which is very quick even for this lofty segment. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway) for the CLS550 and 20 mpg (17 city/25 highway) for the CLS550 4Matic.

The AMG CLS 63 S has a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that cranks out 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. A special AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic transmission are standard. Mercedes estimates the CLS 63 S will go from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, which is exotic sports car territory. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg (16 city/22 highway).