2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Jun 14, 2012

Once unique as a four-door coupe, forging new ground in style, the competition has filled in the segment with a bevy of alternatives.

The Audi A7, for example, is perhaps even more delightfully styled, and offers its own high-tech web-connected system, but is similarly expensive and only available with a supercharged V-6 engine.

The Jaguar XF isn't a four-door coupe, but has its own unique style, and in XFR trim, can give the CLS63 AMG a serious run for its money.

The Cadillac CTS-V is even faster than either the Jaguar or the CLS63 AMG, but is somewhat less luxurious--and less expensive.

Porsche's Panamera may seem an unlikely comparison, but its higher price brings far better rear-seat room and incredible performance, though the look won't please everyone's eye.

The Infiniti M56 is the low-price leader of this group, but instead of a high-performance option, Infiniti offers a hybrid version, though the interior and exterior are nearly a match for the Mercedes' opulence and style.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Audi A7 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Cadillac CTS-V Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Porsche Panamera Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Infiniti M56 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Jaguar XF Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 Carrying forward 2012's more muscular looks with inimitable style, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class gets new high-tech options while keeping its surprising performance.	9 The 2013 Audi A7 and S7 are design standouts, refined performers, and more exciting, practical alternatives to sedans.	8.8 If you're looking for Corvette fun wrapped in Cadillac luxury and comfort, with an added dose of practicality, the 2013 CTS-V is your answer.	8.2 The 2013 Porsche Panamera continues the success of the brand's unusual-looking fastback sport sedan.	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.
MSRP From
$72,000	$60,100	$63,215	$75,850	$59,200	$53,000
Gas Mileage
16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 19 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine
Turbocharged Gas V8	Supercharged Gas V6	Gas V8	Gas V6	Gas V8	Gas V8
EPA Class
Compact	Midsize Cars	Subcompact Cars	Large Car	Midsize Cars	Midsize Car
Style Name
4dr Sedan CLS550 RWD	4dr HB quattro 3.0 Premium	2dr Coupe	4dr HB	4dr Sedan RWD	4dr Sedan
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
4	4	4	4	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	Sedan	2 Door Coupe	Hatchback	Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Manual	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift