2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

best car 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class ranks 11 out of 12 Super Luxury Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 10 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS sports a freshly redesigned interior and exterior, as well as a more powerful engine. Most reviewers love the changes, but say that it’s no small task to reinvent the original CLS’ four-door coupe design.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has been completely redesigned for 2012, and Mercedes says that the new CLS is more fuel-efficient, thanks to a new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 and seven-speed transmission.

So far, test drivers report that there’s no turbo lag, and that the engine is powerful and quiet. “The V8 has a nice little growl when pushed hard but quiets down at cruising speed,” writes AutoWeek. “A stop-start feature to save fuel and reduce emissions is standard, and it worked seamlessly on our test drive in Tuscany." The new engine is smaller than the previous model’s 5.5-liter V8, but it’s also more powerful thanks to twin turbochargers, and the automotive press generally likes the performance.

Although Mercedes boasts that the redesigned 2012 CLS is bolder, sportier and sleeker than its predecessor, many reviewers think that the outgoing model’s groundbreaking design is a tough act to follow. However, one aspect of the redesigned exterior that reviewers love is the optional LED headlights with adaptive high beams and Active Curve Illumination. “These are the slickest all-singing, all-dancing lamps you've ever seen, with every adaptive lighting function you can imagine being provided by LEDs: they bend in turns, swivel to look ahead when you turn onto side roads, automatically dip the high beams for oncoming traffic-but only on the left side so you can still see to your right,” says Automobile Magazine.

Most test drivers are pleased with the 2012 CLS’ interior, but some think the back seat can be cramped for taller passengers. The interior of the 2012 CLS features a chunky, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats and either burl walnut or optional black ash wood trim. Reviewers generally like the look, and say the standard navigation and COMAND system are relatively easy to use. That’s a big deal for Mercedes, since the first few generations of its COMAND infotainment and navigation system were blasted for being confusing and counterintuitive.