“Great looks and performance. Be careful of the low front spoiler and don't completely rely on the 360 camera.”
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a new 9-speed automatic transmission for the all-wheel-drive CLS 550 4MATIC. Otherwise, this is a modest update to the facelifted 2015 model.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2nd generation CLS-Class (C218), facelifted for 2015; 2016 is an early post-refresh year.
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLS as a four-door coupe: a sleek, low-roof luxury car that delivers much of the comfort, quality, and technology of the E-Class in a more dramatic shape. For most buyers, the appeal is style first, with a richly trimmed four-seat cabin and strong turbocharged power. The trade-off versus more conventional luxury sedans is clear: the CLS gives up some rear-seat practicality in exchange for a more special look and feel.
The CLS 400 is the style-focused entry point, pairing a 329-hp twin-turbo V6 with leather upholstery, LED lighting, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The CLS 550 adds a 402-hp twin-turbo V8, air suspension, and upgraded navigation and audio, while the CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC is the 577-hp performance model with a sharper suspension, sport exhaust, and AMG leather sport seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The all-wheel-drive CLS 550 4MATIC moves from a 7-speed to a 9-speed automatic transmission, matching the rear-wheel-drive CLS 550. The other powertrains carry over.
Tech
The lineup gains a USB media connection that works with a normal phone cable instead of Mercedes’ older proprietary connector.
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, TT. 3.0L | V8, TT, 4.6L | V6, TT. 3.0L | V8, TT, 4.6L | V8, TT, 5.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Dvr Adaptive | Auto, 9-Spd Dvr Adaptive | Auto, 7-Spd Dvr Adaptive | Auto, 9-Spd Dvr Adaptive | Auto 7Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 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 | 11 cu-ft | 11 cu-ft | 11 cu-ft | 11 cu-ft | 11 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 | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 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
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS a redesign?
No. The 2016 CLS is an early post-refresh model that carries over the facelift introduced for 2015, without a major exterior, safety, chassis, or body-structure overhaul.
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The biggest difference is that the 2016 CLS 550 4MATIC has a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous 7-speed. The rest of the powertrain lineup is unchanged.
Did every 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS get the 9-speed automatic?
No. For 2016, the 9-speed automatic is fitted to both CLS 550 versions, while the CLS 400 models and CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC retain their 7-speed transmissions.
What technology changed on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The 2016 CLS gains a USB media connection that works with a normal phone cable, replacing the need for Mercedes’ older proprietary connector.
Did the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS receive new safety features?
No major lineup-wide safety update is documented for 2016. The CLS 400 still includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, but the year’s changes focus on the CLS 550 4MATIC transmission and easier USB connectivity.
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
4.4
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS
(46 reviews)
“I feel that the control for the distronic plus feature is located in a dangerous location just below the turn signal. Several times I have activated the feature when intending to signal for a right turn. You should definitely consider relocating it. The distronic control is in a dangerous location. I often hit it accidentally when using the turn signal.”
“CLS400 is excellent value for money, lot of safety features, exceptional interior and exterior features, best automatic LED headlights, fantastic pickup in regular and sports mode, fun to drive - next best thing to Benz S class”