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Every
once in a while, innovation delivers a whole new category
that encourages competition among manufacturers. You
are all too familiar with the now frowned upon SUVs,
and you’ve seen SUVs morph into crossovers. Let
us present you the leader in the Four-Door Coupe category:
the brand new and gorgeous CLS500.
It
takes a bit of getting used to when you first look at
it. You even wonder, can this be a Benz? Let us reassure
you, it grows on you, and you will get attached to it
(or vice versa), since it feels very much like a cockpit
where a driver fits snugly. The overall layout and instrumentation
remind you of an airplane environment. It gives you
the feeling of a two-door sports car, but you get four
doors, and the two passengers in the back need not be
pre-teens either. Full-sized adults enjoy complete comfort
(independent climate zones etc.) and a great view due
to a slightly elevated position.
This
is a car you want to keep on driving, especially with
a driver adaptive seven-speed automatic transmission
and adjustable suspension setting. For today’s
average road-going activity, the car is a true pleasure,
albeit not a winning thoroughbred with “only”
302 horsepower. There are quite a few specimens available
in the stable that can better that. Should you want
to be a leader on the track, then opt for the AMGized
version—the standard has 476 horsepower and
goes 0-60 mpg in 4.7 seconds.
We
need not enumerate all the features and electronic equipment;
this tester came fully loaded with everything you might
need.
In
order to compete and attract new sales, manufacturers
keep improving current models and designing new ones.
You can be sure that a year from now a slew of competitors
will have a similar configuration to offer… but
will they be as good? 
Related Content:
 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Warranty/Service:
4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle warranty, 24-hour
Roadside Assistance Program
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