Safety

The CLS has not been crash-tested by either the federal government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It comes equipped with seat-mounted side airbags for front passengers and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.

High-tech features like blind spot and lane departure warning systems are available in an $850 option package. The two are also available in another package, for $2,950, that also includes active cruise control that enables the car to sense a forward collision and apply full braking.

The market for luxury cars is a funny thing. A stylish car with performance chops can be just as popular as a more practical selection at a lower price. The fact that the CLS sacrifices less against both its E-Class sibling and the competition should make it even more appealing to this group of buyers.

    See also:

    Slippery road surfaces
    WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point ...

    DISTRONIC displays in thespeedometer
    When DISTRONIC is activated, one or two segments in the set speed range light up. For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRON ...

    Window curtain air bags
    The window curtain air bags enhance the level of protection for the head, but not chest or arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. The window curta ...