Austin American-Statesman

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS400

Coupe blends sleek performanc­e, fuel efficiency

- By Noah Bradon

Starting at $66,900, the 2016 CLS400 Coupe from Mercedes-Benz is a timeless presentati­on of the company’s history and future.

Sleek in appearance, smooth in handling and sophistica­ted in essence, the 2016 CLS is ushering in the new year in style. Coming in multiple models, the vehicle stands ready to fulfill the needs and desires of the driver, regardless of preference­s.

The power of the CLS400 is generated in the diecast alloy, 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 engine, delivering 329 horsepower at 5,250 to 6,000 rpm, with the aid of twin turbos, multi-spark ignition and high-pressure direct injection. The CLS400 comes with seven speeds, and each one can generate torque and accelerati­on to match the driver’s desires, up to 354 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. The suspension is kept in check with the four-wheel multi-link suspension, with comfort always remaining paramount through the spring and damping rates.

“Originally pioneered by Mercedes-Benz, its ability to balance precise handling with refined manners has made it an industry benchmark,” according to www. mbusa.com.

Added to the aforementi­oned benefits of the car, the stability of the CLS is made possible through the Electronic Stability Program, which constantly works to detect wheel spin, understeer or fishtailin­g. The advanced technology allows the feature to brake the exact wheel needed to regain control of the vehicle.

Adaptive braking technology is another innovation in automobile­s that applies brakes in wet situations -- not too much, not too little, but just enough to dry the damp brakes. HillStart Assist is able to evade rollback when parking or driving on inclines, in which the Predictive Brake Priming moves the brake pads toward the discs, making for faster braking.

Given the amount of power that the vehicle can deliver, the 20 mpg in cities and 30 mpg on highways is a fuel-efficiency feature worth noting. The ECO Start/Stop system is included in the CLS400, saving energy by shutting off the engine when the car is at a stoplight. However, no time is wasted, as the vehicle will be restarted upon a decrease in brake pressure. The system can also be turned off to recreate a traditiona­l driving experience.

Full LED lights keep the way clear, and the 18-inch twin fivespoke alloy wheels take the driver where the road leads. Sliding sunroof and the threespoke multifunct­ion steering wheel make driving convenient and comfortabl­e.

Safety is addressed through the technology for which Mercedes-Benz is known. Collision Prevention Assist Plus warns the driver of potential accidents, at times before the driver is aware of the threat. In the event of an incident, the CLS400 will do all that it can to prevent longlastin­g damages, and it does this with the help of the 12-way protection of airbags, seat-belt technology and Neck-Pro front-head restraints.

Safe on the inside and luxurious too, the CLS400 is fitted with 14-way power front seats with memory setting, leather seating and cool ambient lighting to create a haven for transporta­tion. The heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control translate into complete personaliz­ation and comfort. Meanwhile, the eight-inch display and controller keep visibility high for the driver. Bluetooth, HD radio and streaming audio are all possible inside the CLS400.

Regardless of the model, the CLS class from Mercedes-Benz stands ready to deliver excellent performanc­e.

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COURTESY OF WWW.MBUSA.COM Mercedes-Benz CLS400 Coupe.

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