2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS400

The CLS400 continues with minimal changes.

The CLS-Class is essentially a midsize E-Class sedan that's spent extra time in the design studio. Like most regular coupes, the CLS400 is designed to carry four passengers and features a dramatic sloping roofline. Front occupants enjoy the same spaciousness as in the E-Class sedan, but there's slightly less headroom and smaller windows in the rear. Such are the sacrifices you make to get the enchanting exterior styling.

The CLS400 carries the lone V6 engine in the line, a 3-liter twin-turbo with 329 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and you can can opt for the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The V6 delivers 20 mpg around town and a laudable 30 mpg on the highway. Notably, the CLS400 costs about $7,200 less than the "base" V8 model.

The CLS400 comes in a single trim level that's luxuriously equipped with features like leather upholstery, heated front seats with driver memory, wood interior trim, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and HD radio. An adaptive air suspension and 18-inch wheels are also part of the deal.

The Premium 1 package adds ventilated front seats, a rearview camera, power-folding side mirrors, a power-closing trunk lid, keyless access and ignition, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system with satellite radio. The Premium 2 package gets you all that plus a navigation system, voice controls, digital audio storage, a six-disc DVD/CD changer, a power rear sunshade, and adaptive full LED headlamps with automatic high beams.

Turning to safety, the Lane Tracking package comes with blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The Driver Assistance package includes those features, plus adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist. You can also order the Parktronic package with front and rear parking sensors and an automated parking system. Finally, the Wheel package tacks on 18- or 19-inch AMG wheels, a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and paddle shifters.

Major individual options include infrared night vision, heated rear seats, massaging front seats, and a premium Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system.

Get your price on a Mercedes-Benz CLS400 »

Read our review on the Mercedes-Benz CLS400 »