Under the Hood

The CLS500 gets a 302-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 that works with a seven-speed-automatic transmission. The CLS55 AMG has a 469-hp, supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 that's connected to a five-speed-automatic transmission. Both transmissions have manual-shift provisions.

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    Hill start assist
    Hill start assist helps you when pulling away forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It holds the vehicle for a short time after you have removed your foot from the brake pedal. This ...

    Ride & Handling
    The GL has a unibody frame — rare among full-size SUVs — and its four-wheel-independent air suspension swaps traditional coil springs for inflatable air bladders. Ride height can be varied to enha ...

    Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments
    Briefly press the cruise control lever beyond the pressure point, up 1 for a higher speed or down 2 for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced. ...