The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class stands out as a vehicle designed for those who want to make a statement. This luxury sedan, or rather, four-door coupe, carves its own niche with a unique styling that sets it apart. Blending top-tier German engineering with distinctive aesthetics, the 2013 CLS-Class remains a compelling option in the premium automotive market.
Let’s delve into ten essential aspects that define the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
01. Defining the Four-Door Coupe: The 2013 CLS-Class Concept
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a prime example of successful automotive re-segmentation. Its sloping roofline is intentionally designed to mimic the sleek profile of a traditional two-door coupe while retaining the practicality of four doors. This design philosophy results in a visually striking vehicle that exudes dynamism even when stationary, contrasting sharply with more conventional sedan designs. Inside, however, the coupe-like roofline does impact rear headroom, which might be noticeable for taller passengers.
02. Underneath the Skin: The E-Class Platform Foundation
Despite its unique exterior, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class shares its fundamental architecture and mechanical components with the more traditionally styled Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan. This shared platform is a significant advantage, as the E-Class is consistently recognized as a leading mid-size luxury sedan. The interior of the CLS-Class also echoes the E-Class design, reinforcing the underlying similarities between these two Mercedes-Benz models.
03. Engine and Performance: The Potent V8 Powerplant
Powering the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine equipped with twin turbochargers. This engine delivers an impressive 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, positioning it competitively against rivals from BMW and Audi in terms of performance. The engine’s torque is readily available from just 1,800 rpm, ensuring strong acceleration from a standstill without requiring heavy throttle input. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway, respectable figures for a vehicle of this size and power.
04. Transmission and Drivetrain: Seven-Speed Automatic Standard
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic transmission, a system widely implemented across the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This transmission contributes to the CLS-Class’s improved fuel efficiency compared to previous models, while also offering a smooth balance between comfortable cruising and dynamic performance. The transmission is operated via a column-mounted stalk with a push-button Park control, which optimizes center console space for storage and the COMAND system interface. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are also included for manual gear selection.
05. All-Weather Capability: Available 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
Recognizing the diverse driving conditions faced by luxury car owners, Mercedes-Benz offers its 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as an option for the 2013 CLS-Class. This system enhances traction in adverse weather conditions like snow and rain, while aiming to maintain the driving feel of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle under normal circumstances. Electronic stability programs further complement the 4MATIC system in challenging driving situations, providing added safety and control.
06. Trim and Standard Features: The Well-Equipped CLS550
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is offered in a single, generously equipped trim level: the CLS550. Standard features are extensive and include a sunroof, HID headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable leather seats, Bluetooth, HD and satellite radio, and a premium sound system. Additional standard features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the COMAND infotainment system with voice control and rotary dial, a 7-inch LCD screen, adaptive air suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
07. Optional Packages: Customizing Your CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz offers a wide array of optional packages to further personalize the 2013 CLS-Class. The Premium 1 package adds features like a rearview camera, keyless entry with push-button start, adaptive LED headlights, a power trunk lid, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Parktronic package includes an automated parking system and front/rear parking sensors. For enhanced driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package offers adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure intervention, with a less comprehensive Lane Tracking package also available.
08. AMG Performance: The High-Performance CLS 63 AMG Variant
For drivers seeking even greater performance, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is available in a high-performance AMG variant, the CLS 63 AMG. This model upgrades to a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in its standard configuration. Furthermore, the AMG Performance Package boosts output to 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling the rear-wheel-drive CLS 63 AMG to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds. The AMG Performance Package also enhances the suspension, adds a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and increases the top speed.
09. Safety and Security: Comprehensive Protection
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of airbags, including front pelvic and torso side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Standard safety features also include Attention Assist for drowsiness detection, electronic stability control, and traction control. The Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 telematics system, offering emergency assistance services, is also included.
10. Market Position and Competition: Facing New Rivals
When initially launched in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class pioneered the four-door coupe segment with minimal competition. By 2013, however, the landscape had changed significantly, with new entrants like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A7 challenging the CLS-Class’s dominance. In terms of pricing, the 2013 CLS-Class held a starting MSRP of $72,100, positioning it more affordably than the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe ($77,100) but pricier than the Audi A7 ($60,100). Comparing against the more powerful Audi S7 ($79,695) reveals a closer competitive set in terms of both performance and price.
