2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class vs. Its Competition

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class 4-door Sedan 4.6L RWD Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Jan 3, 2012

The CLS carved out a new luxury niche when it was new in 2005, but haters don't just hate--they copycat, too.

Audi is new to the game this year with the luscious A7; it's a sexy hatchback with nifty Google Earth mapping, and a high sticker price to go with its supercharged six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive mechanicals.

The Infiniti M56 rivals the CLS' lush interior and looks; handling's tuned a notch above the CLS 550, but there's no spicy version, just a green Hybrid model.

For scalding performance, look no further than the glitzy Jaguar XFR and its supercharged V-8, but be prepared for the same skimpy back seat as with the CLS.

Just slightly afield of the Benz coupe-like sedan is the Cadillac CTS-V, a smaller machine with 556 horsepower and some of the best track times in the business.

And while we're at it, we'd cross-shop a Porsche Panamera, a more pricey competitor with far better back-seat room, and the roofline to show why it's not always a good idea to give people exactly what they want.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Audi A7 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Infiniti M56 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Jaguar XF Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Porsche Panamera Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 Still a fashionista at heart, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is cut from a more masculine pattern book these days--especially in powerful AMG trim.	9 The 2012 Audi A7 is a tech powerhouse and design standout, showing that hatchback practicality can indeed be sexy.	8.8 The 2012 Infiniti M56 delivers the performance of a true super-sedan, plus impressive comfort, all in a assertive but graceful design inside and out.	8.4 Scorching acceleration, nimble handling, and true luxury-car refinement complement style and fashion to swoon over in the 2012 Jaguar XF; backseat space remains its only reality check.	8.2 Bucking tradition and the ordinary, the 2012 Porsche Panamera mostly succeeds in being an excellent large fastback sedan.
MSRP From
$71,300	$59,250	$59,200	$53,000	$75,200
Gas Mileage
16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V8	Supercharged Gas V6	Gas V8	Gas V8	Gas V6
EPA Class
Compact	Midsize Cars	Midsize Cars	Midsize Car	Large Car
Style Name
4dr Sedan CLS550 RWD	4dr HB quattro 3.0 Prestige	4dr Sedan RWD	4dr Sedan	4dr HB
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
4	4	5	5	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan	Hatchback
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift