The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class remains a compelling choice for drivers seeking a blend of coupe-like styling and sedan practicality. This model year offers a range of trims, each with its own distinct features and performance characteristics, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Let’s delve into the specifics of the 2016 CLS lineup.
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS Trims and Features
The 2016 CLS is available in several trims, starting with the well-equipped CLS400, moving up to the more powerful CLS550, and culminating in the high-performance Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 S. Each trim level builds upon the features of the previous one, offering increasing levels of luxury, performance, and technology.
CLS400: Standard Luxury and Features
The base 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 is far from basic, offering a comprehensive suite of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and safety. Exterior highlights include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and running lights, and automatic wipers, ensuring both style and visibility. A sunroof adds to the airy feel of the cabin.
Inside, the CLS400 prioritizes comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated 10-way power front seats, including 4-way lumbar adjustment and driver memory settings. The power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhances driver personalization. Technology is well-represented with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the COMAND interface with an 8-inch display, Garmin navigation, a CD player, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port, and media player interface. Safety is addressed with forward collision and driver inattention warning systems as standard.
Alt text: Front view of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 showcasing its sleek coupe design and LED headlights, a popular model for car detailing and luxury car enthusiasts.
For those seeking even more amenities, the Premium 1 package for the CLS400 adds a rearview camera, power-folding side mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a power-closing trunk lid, ventilated front seats, satellite radio, and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, significantly enhancing both convenience and entertainment.
Stepping up to the Premium 2 package incorporates all features of Premium 1 and further elevates the lighting and convenience with upgraded LED headlights featuring automatic high beam control, a power rear sunshade, and an enhanced Mercedes navigation system.
CLS550: Enhanced Performance and Luxury
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 elevates the experience with a more powerful engine, delivering enhanced performance. It also includes an adaptive air suspension system (available as an option on the CLS400) as standard, providing a smoother and more controlled ride. The upgraded navigation system and Harman Kardon sound system, offered as options or in packages for the CLS400, are standard on the CLS550, reflecting its higher position in the model range.
The CLS550’s Premium package essentially combines the desirable features from both Premium 1 and Premium 2 packages of the CLS400 that are not already standard, offering a simplified upgrade path for buyers. The Night package provides a sporty aesthetic with gloss black exterior elements, red interior stitching, a sport steering wheel, and a manual shift mode for the transmission.
Alt text: Luxurious interior of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, highlighting the premium leather seats, wood trim, and sophisticated dashboard design, reflecting the high-quality materials used in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 S: The Pinnacle of Performance
For those prioritizing ultimate performance, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 S is the flagship model. It boasts an AMG-tuned engine, transmission, adaptive suspension, braking system, exhaust, and limited-slip differential, transforming the CLS into a high-performance machine.
Beyond the CLS550’s equipment, the AMG CLS 63 S distinguishes itself with 19-inch wheels, unique AMG styling elements, front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system, upgraded LED headlights, special AMG gauges and interior trim, an IWC analog clock, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, a power rear sunshade, and upgraded leather upholstery.
Its Premium package mirrors the CLS400’s Premium package, adding a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, power trunk lid, power-folding mirrors, and ventilated front seats with additional “multicontour” adjustments. For the ultimate in braking performance, carbon-ceramic brakes are available, along with a top-tier 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for audiophiles.
Available Packages Across Trims
Regardless of the trim chosen, buyers can further customize their 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS with optional packages. The Lane Tracking package enhances safety with blind-spot and lane-departure intervention systems. The Driver Assistance package adds advanced driving aids such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, steering assist, enhanced blind-spot and lane-departure systems, rear cross-traffic alert, and enhanced emergency braking with pedestrian detection. A heated steering wheel can be added to either of these safety-focused packages.
For parking convenience, the Parking Assist package, available on CLS400 and CLS550, includes front and rear parking sensors, automated parallel parking, and a surround-view parking camera. Additional standalone options for CLS400 and CLS550 include the multicontour seat adjustments, a split-folding rear seat for increased cargo flexibility, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Alt text: Side profile of a 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 S showcasing its sporty AMG styling, large alloy wheels, and powerful stance, appealing to performance car enthusiasts and those seeking a dynamic driving experience.
Conclusion
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS offers a compelling blend of luxury, style, and performance, with a trim level to suit various preferences. From the well-appointed CLS400 to the exhilarating AMG CLS 63 S, the 2016 CLS lineup provides a sophisticated and engaging driving experience for discerning buyers. Whether you prioritize comfort and technology or crave high-performance thrills, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS deserves consideration in the luxury coupe market.
