2013 Nissan Altima Driven, 2014 Chevy Spark EV Priced: Today's Car News
After 88 years of car production in Australia, Ford has announced it will be closing its plants... Read More
- #4LEADERBOARD RANK
- 6353ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 229COMMENTS POSTED
FEATURES | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Dynamically self-adjusting bolsters, massaging seats, supple high-end leather, satin burlwood trim (or carbon fiber in Performance Package models), and a massively detailed and slightly too-intricate infotainment/multimedia system operated through the center console--the CLS 63 AMG is, in every case, a thoroughly luxurious and meticulously well-executed sedan.
Motor Authority
New active all-LED headlights are said to be a world's first, too. Designed to last the life of the car, they automatically dip the cutoff and modulate the high beams in response to oncoming traffic and driving conditions.
Inside Line
Previously, the CLS was only available with rear-wheel drive, but the CLS550 now can be had with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which is standard on the E550.
Automobile
There's the predictable spate of available gee-whiz options, too, including massaging seats with active bolsters that robotically grip you in corners (we'll pass, thanks)
Autoblog
three active systems...help with parking, staying in the appropriate lane, and monitoring blind spots. The latter doesn’t merely alert a driver to a car in a blind spot; it uses the brakes to tug the CLS away from an approaching vehicle.
Car and Driver
The standard audio system is a harman/kardon LOGIC7 system with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, engineered specifically for the CLS. Six-hundred-ten watts of power and 14 speakers distribute sound throughout the cabin. HD Radio, a six-disc CD/DVD changer, Bluetooth audio streaming, a 10GB music register, Gracenote music database, and SiriusXM satellite radio are also included. An iPod/MP3 interface is also available.
For those with iPads, there's even a docking station available, to allow rear-seat passengers to watch movies, play music, and more. Alternatively, a rear-seat entertainment system provides 7-inch screens, DVD-watching, and audio with an integrated SD card/USB stick reader for easy access to stored media.
New for 2013 is Mercedes' optional mbrace2 telematics and connectivity suite, a comprehensive update and upgrade from the previous mbrace. With mbrace2, you can contact remote services to monitor and track vehicle usage; perform diagnostics; connect to the "cloud" with the Mercedes-Benz Apps system for functions like Google Local Search, Facebook, and Yelp; interact with the car via a mobile app; and access the mbrace Concierge service, which offers 24/7 personal assistance even when you're not with your car, for anything from securing airline tickets to making dinner reservations.
The COMAND infotainment system integrates most of the rest of the car's functions, including audio, climate control, power features, and more. With voice- and controller-driven access, the COMAND system enables easy, high-visibility control, though some of the interface elements are less than intuitive.
As with other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the CLS Class also offers an ever-expanding range of wheel, paint, upholstery, trim, and comfort options.
Conclusion
Outstripping even the E Class's features and equipment, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class offers a high base specification and an impressive list of available upgrades.
