
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.
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Quick Specs | |||
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. |
The 2012 Audi A7 is a tech powerhouse and design standout, showing that hatchback practicality can indeed be sexy. |
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. |
Bucking tradition and the ordinary, the 2012 Porsche Panamera mostly succeeds in being an excellent large fastback sedan. |
MSRP From | |||
$71,300 | $59,250 | $53,000 | $75,200 |
Gas Mileage | |||
16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas V8 | Supercharged Gas V6 | Gas V8 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | |||
Compact | Midsize Cars | Midsize Car | Large Car |
Style Name | |||
4-Door Sedan CLS 550 RWD | 4-Door HB quattro 3.0 Premium | 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door HB |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||
Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class vs. 2012 Audi A7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class vs. 2012 Jaguar XF | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class vs. 2012 Porsche Panamera |