2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$66,900 to $107,800

Original MSRP

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expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(5 reviews)
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Preview summaryImage

One of the first four-door sedans to incorporate the sloping coupe-like roofline that has since been imitated by competitors like the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe and Audi A7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been in production since 2005, with the current second generation introduced in 2010. Changes to the 2016 model are for the most part minimal, but its big news comes in the form of a new automatic transmission. 2015 cars were equipped with a 7-speed automatic, but Mercedes is upping the ante for 2016 with a transmission that has nine forward gears. It might seem excessive, and you might think that you’d feel the gears change constantly while driving, but transmission technology has come a long way over just the last 10 or so years, and it’s probably safe to say that shifting will be quite seamless--even with nine speeds. Using so many gears in the transmission also enhances fuel economy, something that big, heavy luxury sedans like the CLS can always use help with. Other changes for 2016 include full LED headlamps, a USB port in the interior, and the new “Night Package”, which includes a gloss black grille, bigger wheels, chromed exhaust tips, tinted glass, and black accents.

At the bottom of the CLS lineup is the CLS400, which starts at $66,900. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 produces 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, and the car will do 20 mpg city/30 highway--although all CLSs require premium fuel. The CLS400 4MATIC is the same basic car, but with four-wheel drive, and it returns 19 mpg city/26 highway and starts at $69,400. The CLS550, starting at $74,100, gets a 4.6-liter 402-hp V-8 and adds voice recognition audio and adjustable active air suspension. It too comes in a 4MATIC version, which starts at $76,600. The range-topping CLS63 AMG S-Model breaks into six-figure territory at $107,800, adding an active parking system, stainless steel exhaust, a rear spoiler, a rear sunshade, and adaptive headlights. The biggest change to the AMG version, however, is its 577-hp 5.5-liter V-8.

The interior of the CLS has the quality fit and finish that you'd expect from a Mercedes, along with plenty of high-tech convenience features. The infotainment system can do Google searches and Yelp reviews, it features location-based traffic and weather updates, and you can even download a smartphone app that will remotely lock, unlock, or locate the car for you should you find yourself lost in in a monstrously large parking garage. Convenience options include a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, and the fascinating infrared night view system that Mercedes debuted about five years ago on a few of the company’s more expensive models. One options bundle especially worth considering is the “Premium 1 Package”, which adds heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive headlights, a rearview camera, a power trunk, and a power rear sunshade.

Several important safety features debuted for the 2015 CLS, including an industry-first Attention Assist system that measures the driver’s steering patterns and suggests pulling over when it detects drowsiness. A Lane Tracking Package includes lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems, and a Driver Assistance Package combines the Lane Tracking Package with an adaptive cruise control system. The Parktronic Package, meanwhile, includes front and rear parking sensors and an automatic parking system.

An attractive, fast, comfortable, and safe mid-size sedan, the CLS has shown that Mercedes can build a genuinely sexy-looking four-door automobile. For a time, it was in a bit of a class of its own, but for several years now it’s had stiff competition from the other German companies in the game, namely Audi’s A7, BMW’s 6-Series Gran Coupe, and Porsche’s Panamera. If no longer a standout, however, the CLS remains a desirable option for buyers in its market segment.

Published May 31, 2022 by Andrew Newton

User reviews for 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS

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User rating:
by shalva m
Dec 04, 2022
best condition and 0 problems car its very good. Dec 04, 2022
by Kevin T
Apr 18, 2022
The car MB/CLS... speaks for itself... they are outstanding! Excellent Automobile...Apr 18, 2022
by Earlene B
Nov 18, 2020
Sleek, sexy, sporty! Stylish as well as classy. What you expect from Mercedes!Nov 18, 2020

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS Pricing

Original MSRP
$66,900 to $107,800
Price range
$20,186 to $22,769
Average price on CG
$21,477
YoY price change
$22,769 to $21,477

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.47

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.47

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 610 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.47

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 610 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.47

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 610 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.65

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

See all trims (5)