Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Totally redesigned body and interior
- All-new engines
- Lower base price

Exterior Features
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a 4-door luxury sedan offered in two models, with the base CLS550 available in two trim levels. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the base model, while 19-inch wheels are fitted on the top-tier CLS63 AMG..

Interior Features
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class seats 4 passengers and provides 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Interior features on the CLS550 include dual-zone automatic climate control, sunroof, power seats with leather upholstery, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system. CLS63 AMG models feature upgraded leather, split-folding rear seat, and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Optional Features
Mercedes-Benz combines many options for the CLS-Class into package groups. The 4Matic All-Wheel-Drive package may be added to CLS550 models, and the Premium 1 package upgrades any model to all-LED headlights, rearview camera, and heated seats. Front and rear parking sensors may be added to any model via the Parktronic package, while the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control. Stand-alone options include massaging front seats and an infrared night view camera.

Under the Hood
Mercedes-Benz CLS550 models are fitted with a twin-turbo, 4.7-liter V-8 engine rated at 402 horsepower. The CLS63 AMG is equipped with a twin-turbo, 5.5-liter V-8 engine that delivers 518 horsepower. Base and CLS63 models are rear-wheel drive (RWD). While all models utilize a 7-speed automatic transmission, the CLS63 AMG is equipped with a special automated 7-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class are:
- CLS550 RWD: 17/25/20 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- CLS550 4Matic AWD: 16/25/19 mpg
- CLS63 AMG: 16/25/19 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class include anti-lock brakes, front knee and side curtain air bags, and radar-based Pre-Safe brake technology.

To date, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.