“I am most satisfied with this auto. Very soon after I purchased it I drove it out west for vacation and was in ice & snow & slush and freezing temps for a week. The cold weather systems performed flawlessly and the vehicle was most stable in ice and snow.”
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a mid-cycle refresh, with revised exterior styling, a larger center display, and standard automatic emergency braking. The lineup also gains the V6-powered CLS 400, while the rear-wheel-drive CLS 550 moves to a 9-speed automatic.
About the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2nd generation (2012-2018), mid-cycle refresh year
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLS as the original style-first luxury sedan with coupe looks: low roofline, four individual seats, strong turbo power, and a cabin that feels more dramatic than a conventional midsize luxury sedan. It is less about rear-seat practicality than an E-Class and more about presence, craftsmanship, and making every drive feel special. For most buyers, the CLS is the design-led choice for luxury and performance in one sleek package.
The CLS 400 serves as the luxury-focused entry model, pairing a 329-hp twin-turbo V6 with heated memory seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch display. The CLS 550 adds a 402-hp twin-turbo V8, air suspension, and Harman Kardon audio, while the CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC tops the range with a handcrafted 577-hp V8 and performance all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC bring a 329-hp twin-turbo V6 to the lineup. The rear-wheel-drive CLS 550 gains a 9-speed automatic, while the all-wheel-drive CLS 550 4MATIC retains its 7-speed. The non-S CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC is dropped, leaving the 577-hp CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC as the AMG model.
Styling
The front and rear are refreshed with updated grilles, lighting details, and revised designs. LED headlights become standard on the CLS 550 and CLS 550 4MATIC, while their rear spoiler changes from standard to optional.
Safety
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking becomes standard across the lineup. Automatic high beams change from standard to optional on the CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC.
Tech
The dashboard gains a larger freestanding 8-inch center display and an updated infotainment presentation. The AMG model also receives updated steering-wheel controls.
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto, 9-Spd Dvr Adaptive | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto 7Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 329 hp | 402 hp | 329 hp | 402 hp | 577 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh. The 2015 CLS has revised front and rear styling, a larger freestanding center display, and standard automatic emergency braking across the lineup.
Is the CLS 400 new for 2015?
Yes, the CLS 400 and all-wheel-drive CLS 400 4MATIC are new for 2015. Both use a 329-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and a 7-speed automatic.
Which 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS has the 9-speed automatic?
Only the rear-wheel-drive 2015 CLS 550 has the new 9-speed automatic. The CLS 550 4MATIC keeps a 7-speed automatic, as do the two CLS 400 models.
Did the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS get standard automatic emergency braking?
Yes, automatic emergency braking becomes standard across the 2015 CLS lineup. It works with forward collision warning to alert the driver and apply the brakes when needed.
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS significantly different from the 2014 model?
Yes, the 2015 CLS is a meaningful update rather than a carryover. It adds refreshed styling, a larger display, standard automatic emergency braking, new V6-powered CLS 400 models, and a 9-speed automatic for the rear-wheel-drive CLS 550.
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
4.3
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS
(51 reviews)
“Should be a link between the two zones of A/C so that changing one changes both.”
“Mercedes-Benz should provide more user friendly and easier to use technological features for advance aged &/or senior owners (i.e. age > 60) of their high end vehicles!”