2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class growls with power to spare, handles on a dime, and gets gas mileage that is equal to or better than the competition. As far as straight-up driving is concerned, it's tough to beat. Still, there are a couple of drawbacks that might turn off drivers concerned with the ultimate in luxury.
What's New for 2017
The biggest change in the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class is the addition of a silky smooth, nine-speed automatic transmission that doesn't lose power in any gear. There is also an all-wheel drive option available.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class – The Pros
1. Power, Baby ... Power
The stock V6 engine cranks out 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, both of which are more than respectable in this class. There are also two V8 engines available. The smaller of the two provides 402 horsepower with 443 pound-feet of torque. For an abundance of thrills in between four doors, there is the 577-horsepower, 590-pound-feet-of-torque juggernaut of speed that will tear up the road to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
2. It Almost Handles Like a Bicycle
It's one thing to be able to race straight ahead at nearly 200 mph. It's quite another to be able to zip along a winding mountain road with complete confidence. The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class hugs the road comfortably and produces virtually no body roll in almost any turn. The steering is not only nimble but also "full-of-feel." There is little disconnect between driver and road.
3. One Can Call the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class "Old Reliable"
This car snags a four-star rating from J.D. Power and Associates, which is highly above-average. Considering the hard driving that this model engenders in drivers who are performance-hungry enthusiasts, that's quite an accomplishment. The warranty is good too. It covers four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
4. The Model Comes Standard With Some Advanced Safety Features
Drowsy drivers can get a "wake-up call" from the installed system designed to catch such sleepiness and recommend a break. The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class also alerts drivers when a collision is imminent. Although the CLS Class hasn't undergone crash tests itself, its cousin, the E-Class, has, and it has scored among the top of its competition.
5. It's Powerful yet Family-Friendly
The safety record of the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class gives drivers peace of mind, and the backseat also includes two LATCH sections for child safety seats. Unlike other cards, which bury the connectors in the seat cushions, the CLS Class places the lower anchors behind plastic buffers. This small, ergonomic change makes it much easier to attach a safety or booster seat than before.
6. The Comprehensive Safety Upgrade Packages Make Sense
The available blind-spot monitoring system and accompanying warning system contribute to the overall safety of the car. So do both the lane departure warning system and rear cross-traffic alert package. One can even select a pedestrian warning system that comes with the available 360-degree camera system for low-speed situations.
7. The Other Upgrades are Equally Fun
Drivers can keep the sun out their eyes with the power sunshade. They can find where they're going with an improved navigation system that's proprietary to Mercedes-Benz. The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class also sports one of two excellent sound systems and a convenient power trunk lid and rear-facing camera.
8. It's Sleek and Stylish
The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class puts fashion above function. Yes, it's still a sedan, but the aerodynamic construction yearns to be a "sports car with four doors." This construction is one of the chief reasons the performance and fuel economy numbers on this model are as terrific as they are.
9. It's Well-Appointed
The interior looks sharp and modern. The seats heat up comfortably on cold mornings and have memory seating customized to the driver's preference. The wood, leather, and lighting are all marvelous and contribute to the car's rakish appeal.
10. Legendary German Engineering Doesn't Disappoint
The 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class is put together immaculately. From the door tolerances to every piston in the engine, everything fits like wet chamois gloves. The quality is exquisite.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class – The Cons
1. The Back Seats and Trunk are Cramped
Other cars have much more space in these areas. Should one select the upgraded sound system, the trunk will be even smaller. The car almost has a 2 + 2 feel to it, and tall people will find the back seat decidedly uncomfortable.
2. The COMAND System is Confusing
The infotainment system of the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class, which is single knob-controlled, isn't easy to operate. Although both driver and passengers can synchronize their electronics to it, it's much more difficult to select menus and options than it would be with standard physical controls or a touch screen. Even basic functions take numerous steps to execute.
3. Other Models are More Luxurious Than This One
Anyone who wants the pinnacle of opulence will be disappointed with this car. Although it has tons of features, it doesn't have "everything in the book." To be fair, that wasn't the point of this car. Still, drivers who want everything to be ultramodern should look elsewhere.
How it Stacks Up to the Competition
The Audi A7 and the BMW 6 Class are both better-equipped. The Tesla S surpasses its acceleration and goes nearly as far on a full charge as the CLS Class goes on a full tank.
Conclusion
If you're a techie or gadget-oriented gearhead, then this vehicle isn't for you. If you feel like wrapping your neck in a scarf, pulling down your goggles, and roaring through the Italian Alps on your own personal Mille Miglia like a bat out of you-know-where, then the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLS Class satisfies on every count.
