2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Just when I finally got used to the phrase “4-door coupe” Mercedes-Benz has to go and create a wagon version of the CLS and start calling it a “5-door coupe.” My mind still recoils at the concept let alone the utterance of such a silly thing, as well as any reference to it being a “shooting brake.”
It’s a wagon.
Thankfully those of us in the U.S. won’t have to deal further with this latest confused creation in the Mercedes stable, as we get the same CLS lineup from 2012: CLS500, CLS550 4MATIC and CLS63 AMG.
The CLS550 starts the lineup off, with its now-famous profile and sloping rear end allowing 4 doors to be shoehorned into a coupe layout. Unfortunately, this has its drawbacks, as you’ll similarly have to shoehorn yourself into that back seat as it lacks a proper amount of head- or legroom. What it doesn’t lack is power.
A 4.6-liter, bi-turbo V8 pumps out 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and is attached to a 7-speed automatic. Hitting 60 in just 5.1 seconds, it’s hardly a slouch. But if that doesn’t fit your needs, the handcrafted AMG 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 stands ready to get you there in just 4.4 seconds, leaving you 0.7 seconds to check your mirrors or change the station. Still not enough? An optional AMG performance package will pump up the psi and get you a total of 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque as opposed to the lackluster 518 and 516 in standard form. The same package will raise the top speed to 186 through limiter adjustment, as well as fit the vehicle with an AMG sport suspension and performance steering wheel, carbon-fiber engine cover and red-painted brake calipers. Besides that, it’ll drop the already impressive 0-to-60-mph time down to 3.8 seconds, offering you another 0.6 seconds to quickly read a text. Don’t let the cops see you do it, but they couldn’t catch you even if you did.
But this was all a part of the CLS package previously. For 2013 Mercedes has added some tech to make it even more attractive. The mbrace2 system shows up to combine emergency assistance services with local search functions, system diagnostics and remote vehicle access. This is an upgraded version of the 1st-generation mbrace system, now with enhanced remote vehicle and internet access.
And that’s just a taste of the tech you get standard with the CLS. A Harman Kardon, 14-speaker 5.1 Surround Sound system is standard, along with a 10GB hard drive, Bluetooth and HD & satellite radio. You can connect your iPod/iPad or MP3 player of choice and even enjoy a movie or two on dual 7-inch rear-seat screens for the DVD system. You get a sunroof and leather upholstery with walnut trim, the Attention Assist system, navigation and more airbags than should fit in a coupe/sedan/whatever. You’ll even get the Pre-Safe system, which closes the sunroof and places the seats in the “safest position” when an unavoidable crash is detected.
Both the CLS550 and the CLS63 AMG utilize 7-speed automatic transmissions, but the AMG gets a Speedshift dual-clutch setup with Start/Stop technology. Both units help in the efficiency department, but don’t expect much. CLS550s will return 17 mpg city/25 highway in RWD configuration, while 4MATIC AWD will penalize you with 1 mpg in the city. The AMG gets a predictably worse 15/22 rating.
It's doubtful that numbers like those would sway many potential purchases in this segment—or any mpg numbers at all—but the government does like to keep tabs on such things. Regardless of efficiency or lack thereof, if you’re looking for a 4-door coupe (and who isn’t these days?), the CLS was the first and is still the best.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Ogechukwu I
Nov 10, 2024
This is a high performance car built with the same luxurious design as every Mercedes Benz car. Nov 10, 2024
by Anonymous
Oct 12, 2023
Fantastic car. Took it down to South Florida for the weekend from Georgia. Ran like a charm. Great pick up. Not one regret. It does drink quite a bit of gas, especially after having to put premium in it. But its worth it!!Oct 12, 2023
by Ray Q
Mar 27, 2023
Fantastic styling comfortable for front passengers not back draw back four seats responsive power and handling buyers must be aware of expensive maintenance and repairs approaching 100,000 miles best to make sure all recommended scheduled services have been performed preferably by authorized dealer
“Want to play you have to pay”Mar 27, 2023
User rating:
by Ogechukwu I
Nov 10, 2024
This is a high performance car built with the same luxurious design as every Mercedes Benz car. Nov 10, 2024
by Anonymous
Oct 12, 2023
Fantastic car. Took it down to South Florida for the weekend from Georgia. Ran like a charm. Great pick up. Not one regret. It does drink quite a bit of gas, especially after having to put premium in it. But its worth it!!Oct 12, 2023
by Ray Q
Mar 27, 2023
Fantastic styling comfortable for front passengers not back draw back four seats responsive power and handling buyers must be aware of expensive maintenance and repairs approaching 100,000 miles best to make sure all recommended scheduled services have been performed preferably by authorized dealer
“Want to play you have to pay”Mar 27, 2023
by P B
Dec 05, 2022
Classy car for sure looks sleek and sexy! My eye is on this one.Dec 05, 2022
by Renaldo G
Aug 02, 2022
I totally love the concept of a sports sedan 4dr coupe and I love everything about it and in my opinion it has no competitors in its classAug 02, 2022
by Thomas L
Apr 01, 2022
Great value for this beautiful car and the interior looks well maintained.Apr 01, 2022
by Judy S
Jul 06, 2021
Overpriced! Not a good deal. BMW 5 series I guessJul 06, 2021
by Jerry J
Nov 11, 2020
It’s in a class all of it own besides the AMG model Nov 11, 2020
What users have asked
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2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Pricing
Original MSRP
$72,000 to $95,900Price range
$14,605 to $15,733Average price on CG
$14,723YoY price change
$14,903 to $14,723Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · 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 brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · 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: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
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
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: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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 · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · 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: touch screen display · 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
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · 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 brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · 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: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
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
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: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · 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: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
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 · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · 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: touch screen display · 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
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · 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 brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver 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: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
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
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: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · 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: door unlock
Seatbelts
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 · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · 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: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation