The concept of a four-door coupé might seem like an oxymoron to some. Traditionally, a coupé is defined by its two doors, while a four-door car naturally falls into the sedan category. However, Mercedes-Benz challenged this convention in 2004 with the introduction of the CLS, birthing a new segment. Following suit, Volkswagen entered the arena with the Passat CC, and Audi eventually joined the fray with the A7. In 2011, Mercedes unveiled the redesigned CLS, aiming to solidify its dominance in this niche market. We spent a week behind the wheel of the 2012 Mercedes Cls 550 to see if it truly lives up to the hype and maintains its leadership position against rivals like the Audi A7.
Like its predecessor, the new CLS is fundamentally a stylish iteration of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In terms of dimensions, the 2012 model is slightly larger than the previous generation, growing by an inch in nearly every direction. Mercedes’ updated design language, characterized by a blend of sharp angles and flowing curves, creates a visually striking aesthetic, drawing subtle parallels to Bentley and Jaguar XJ designs, while retaining the distinctive essence of the original CLS. While the original CLS was considered groundbreaking in its design, the new model projects a more assertive stance from almost every angle. However, the rear design still appears somewhat compressed. A standout feature is the all-LED headlamps, which lend an intense and modern look to the front fascia – a signature element of contemporary German luxury cars. In comparison, the Audi A7, while aesthetically pleasing, appears more understated and perhaps even a touch generic. While the A7 borrows some styling cues from the R8 in its rear haunches, the front end shares a similar design language with the broader Audi range, lacking a unique visual identity.
Stepping inside the 2012 CLS 550, the rear headroom is immediately noticeable – or rather, the lack thereof. However, it’s crucial to remember the essence of a four-door coupé. Its primary function isn’t to maximize rear passenger comfort for extended journeys, but to offer stylish transportation for four when necessary. Both the CLS and A7 compromise on rear headroom to achieve their sleek rooflines. The rear seats are ideally suited for short trips, perhaps for business lunches or impressing clients with the car’s sporty appeal and acceleration. In this context, the CLS performs admirably, while the A7 feels somewhat less engaging.
Despite its higher price point compared to the E-Class, the CLS 550 shares many interior components with its more conventional sibling, rather than the more luxurious S-Class. This includes the COMAND infotainment screen and controls, which are smaller than expected in this class. The steering wheel, seat controls, and window switches are also borrowed from the E-Class. Fortunately, Mercedes selected the higher-quality components for the CLS. The refined switchgear, combined with a stitched dashboard, elevates the CLS interior significantly above the somewhat less cohesive finish of the E-Class. The Audi A7, conversely, seems to draw more heavily from the A8 in terms of interior design. The A7’s cabin boasts a top-tier ambiance, feeling more contemporary and arguably less traditionally “German” than the Mercedes, with a focus on minimalist design and technology integration.
The performance disparity between the CLS 550 and the A7 becomes evident under the hood. While Audi focused on matching the CLS in interior and exterior aesthetics, Mercedes holds a significant advantage in engine performance, particularly in the American market. The CLS 550 is powered by the all-new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the same powerhouse found in the CL 550. This advanced M278 engine utilizes lightweight aluminum construction, direct injection, variable valve timing, and twin intercooled turbochargers, delivering up to 12.9 psi of boost. This sophisticated engineering results in a paradoxical improvement: a 5% increase in horsepower to 402 HP, a 14% torque boost to 443 lb-ft, all while achieving a remarkable 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Audi A7, at the time of this review, was only available with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine in the US market, producing 310 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. Considering the A7 Quattro’s slightly heavier curb weight of 4,210 lbs compared to the rear-wheel-drive CLS 550’s 4,158 lbs (the 4MATIC CLS 550 weighs in at 4,268 lbs), the Mercedes demonstrates superior power-to-weight ratio, resulting in significantly quicker acceleration.
While the Audi A7 employs the advanced ZF 8-speed transmission, Mercedes opted for their proven 7-speed automatic transmission in the CLS 550. This 7-speed unit has two key advantages: it exhibits less gear hunting compared to the ZF 8-speed and, crucially, Mercedes retained a torque converter instead of a clutch-based system, as seen in some AMG models, ensuring smoother and more refined shifts in everyday driving. For those seeking a more engaging driving experience, Mercedes offers an optional AMG wheel package that includes manual shift mode with steering wheel paddles. To ensure a fair comparison with the all-wheel-drive A7, the test CLS 550 was equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. On the track, the A7’s claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds proved optimistic, with actual times closer to 5.5-5.6 seconds. In contrast, the 4MATIC CLS 550 consistently achieved 0-60 mph times of 4.3 seconds, with only minor degradation to 4.5 seconds after repeated runs due to heat soak. Although a rear-wheel-drive CLS 550 wasn’t tested, it is expected to be marginally quicker due to reduced weight and drivetrain losses, although traction could become a limiting factor with such substantial power. Impressively, the 4.3-second 0-60 mph time of the CLS 550 surpasses that of many previous generation AMG models. Even a brief test of the RWD CLS 63 AMG only yielded a slightly quicker time of 4.2 seconds, primarily limited by traction. With Audi anticipated to release a turbocharged V8 S7 in the future, a rematch in performance is eagerly awaited.
Coupés are inherently designed for spirited driving, particularly on winding roads. This is where the handling differences between the A7 and CLS become more pronounced. The A7, sharing its platform with the A6, exhibits a front-heavy bias, despite its rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system. This, combined with a wider turning circle, makes the A7 feel less agile and more cumbersome on tight, challenging roads. The CLS 550, while potentially offering less direct road feel and prioritizing ride comfort, demonstrates a reduced tendency to understeer (“plow”). This translates to a more confident and less nerve-wracking experience on roads where understeer could have significant consequences, such as cliffside highways. However, for everyday driving, these handling nuances might be less critical for the majority of drivers. For most, the CLS 550’s air suspension system, providing a comfortable and composed ride, will likely be a more significant selling point.
In today’s luxury car market, a sophisticated infotainment system is a crucial feature for many buyers. This is an area where the otherwise impressive CLS 550 falls short compared to the Audi A7. While the CLS 550 offers features like Distronic Plus cruise control, lane departure warning, and navigation, the COMAND system itself feels dated. It’s slow, the screen is relatively small, and the graphics appear outdated. In essence, it’s akin to comparing a first-generation MP3 player to a modern smartphone. Audi, on the other hand, equipped the A7 with the A8’s advanced 8-inch high-resolution MMI system. Although the MMI system has a steeper learning curve than BMW’s iDrive, it represents a significant leap forward compared to COMAND. Beyond ease of use, the MMI system excels in graphics and features. Audi partnered with Google to integrate satellite imagery into the navigation maps, providing constantly updated visuals via an embedded 3G cellular connection. Furthermore, Google’s extensive database is accessible for searching addresses and points of interest. This system works seamlessly in 3G coverage areas and adequately in 2G areas, but lacks functionality in areas with no cellular coverage. However, a traditional hard drive-based navigation database serves as a backup. While the Google connectivity is impressive, the associated monthly subscription costs were unclear at the time of the review, and the MMI “finger gesture pad” was deemed less practical than traditional buttons.
Cargo capacity and rear seat practicality are typically secondary concerns for traditional coupé buyers, but four-door coupé owners might occasionally need to transport more passengers or luggage. The CLS 550 offers a respectable 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space, sufficient for golf clubs for four. The Audi A7, with its hatchback design, prioritizes practicality, offering 17.7 cubic feet of space with the cargo cover in place and 24 cubic feet without. The hatchback configuration and standard folding rear seats allow for significantly larger items to be transported, such as a large barbecue grill. The CLS also features folding rear seats (a $440 option), but the resulting pass-through is relatively small. Rear passenger room is a mixed bag for both vehicles. Both the A7 and CLS offer approximately 36 inches of rear headroom, but the rear seats are slightly more reclined than in a conventional sedan, potentially making them feel more spacious. While the A7 provides a couple of inches more rear legroom, the limited headroom negates this advantage for taller passengers. For passengers with longer legs and shorter torsos, the A7 might offer a slight edge in rear passenger comfort.
Even buyers in the $80,000 luxury car segment are mindful of fuel economy. In mixed driving conditions, including city streets, freeway driving at 75 mph, and mountain passes, the CLS 550 4MATIC averaged 22.2 mpg over 641 miles. On a level highway at the speed limit, it achieved around 26 mpg. The Audi A7, in comparison, averaged 26.3 mpg over 860 miles and an impressive 33 mpg on the same level-highway test. While the CLS 550 isn’t as fuel-efficient as the A7, the significant power advantage justifies the slightly lower fuel economy figures.
The base price of the CLS 550 started at $71,300, but the test vehicle, loaded with options including 4MATIC and LED headlamps, reached an as-tested price of $82,765. A comparably equipped E 550 sedan would cost $73,265, indicating a premium of approximately $9,500 for the CLS’s enhanced style. The Audi A7 starts at a lower price of $59,250 but lacks some standard features found in the base CLS. When comparably equipped to the test CLS, the A7 would cost around $78,605, representing a price difference of approximately $4,000. Considering the performance advantage and the relatively small price premium over the A7, and even compared to the more mundane E 550, the CLS 550 presents a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing performance and style in a four-door coupé.
Ultimately, while the Audi A7 is a worthy competitor, the 2012 Mercedes CLS 550 emerges as the superior vehicle in the four-door coupé segment. Its potent twin-turbo V8 engine delivers exhilarating performance that rivals even AMG models of the time, while offering a luxurious and stylish package. For buyers seeking the ultimate blend of performance, luxury, and distinctive design in a four-door coupé, the 2012 Mercedes CLS 550 remains the undisputed king.
Vehicle provided for review, including insurance and a tank of gas.
Performance Statistics (as tested)
0-60 mph: 4.32 Seconds
1/4 Mile: 12.7 Seconds @ 113 mph
Fuel Economy: 22.2 MPG over 641 miles
