2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Sleek and Strong

The curvaceous Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class combines coupe-like looks with sedan-like practicality.

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The rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class cuts a sleeker profile than does the average luxury sedan. For this reason, the company actually calls it a coupe, even though it’s basically just a dressed-up E-Class sedan.

It only seats four, instead of five, like most midsize sedans.

The base model has a new 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine that it shares with the more mundane E-Class. It's 25 percent more powerful than the engine it replaces and enables the car to hit 60 mph in well under six seconds. Premium fuel is required.

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A sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission is standard and includes manual gear-selection capability, though most will likely leave it in “drive” and be done with it. The EPA rates the CLS550’s fuel economy at an estimated 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway, which subjects it to the federal gas-guzzler tax.

At the top of the line is the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, formerly called the CLS55 AMG, which is likewise renamed to reflect its larger 6.3-liter V8 engine. It remains one of the fastest cars on the road, now with 507 horses under the hood. It’s capable of zero-to-60-mph acceleration times of slightly more than four seconds, but you’ll pay dearly to be able to go that fast — it costs about $25,000 more than the CLS550.

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The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG comes with performance tires, assorted cosmetic add-ons (which are also offered on the base version as part of the AMG Sport Package), and an adjustable air suspension with soft and sporty settings. This model is rated at 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway.

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As is now expected on luxury sedans, sophisticated chassis-control systems, safety features, and comfort and convenience items abound. The automaker’s Pre-Safe system, first introduced on the S-Class sedan, is standard on both CLS models. If the system detects an imminent and unavoidable collision, it will automatically tense up the seat belts and, if necessary, bring the passenger’s seat back to an upright position and close the side windows. Active front-seat head restraints that mitigate whiplash injuries as well as no less than eight airbags are standard.

Unlike its other sedans, Mercedes-Benz does not offer all-wheel drive on the CLS-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class interior is richly appointed in leather and wood. Although the low roofline and high beltline make for a sporty exterior, they impair outward visibility. A premium Harmon/Kardon audio system with a six-disc CD player has been added to the already long list of standard amenities.

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Noteworthy options include heated and ventilated multi-contour seats, a power trunk closer, adaptive cruise control that can maintain a set speed and space from vehicles ahead, as well as an interface that links Apple’s iPod MP3 player to the car’s audio system.

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