Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES MERCEDES-BENZ — NISSAN

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes-Benz pioneered

the modern four-door-

coupe segment with the

original CLS almost a

dozen years ago. Now,

the redesigned third-generation

CLS continues to rely on the same

recipe: a sleek, low-slung sport sedan

with some compromised visibility

and cabin access. Fit and finish is

excellent, but the controls are complicated. The CLS seats five people. The

base engine is a 362-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, marking Mercedes-

Benz's return to a straight, inline six-cylinder. Forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning are standard.

Consumers will have to pay for the optional package that includes active

steering and adaptive cruise control.

OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$69,950-$81,200

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class
!

The E-Class delivers good

fuel economy and is quite

nimble, making it fun to

drive. However, its ride

comfort, interior room, and

controls are less impressive. The 255-hp,

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine

and nine-speed automatic transmis-

sion returned a commendable 24 mpg

overall. The car is quiet and handles with impressive agility. The ride is mostly

comfortable, but the suspension struggles to smother impacts from some pot-

holes. The controls are complicated and distracting; even adjusting the lumbar

support is done using the central controller. The seats are supercomfortable,

and there is an optional massage feature. Fit and finish is meticulous. Forward

collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.

OVERALL

SCORE

78

$54,050-$111,750

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 85 MPG 24

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Essentially a raised hatch-

back version of the CLA

sedan, the GLA got 26 mpg

overall from the 2.0-liter

turbo four-cylinder. But the

seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

is unrefined, and power delivery is

uneven. This makes the GLA feel

lethargic at first, then power comes

on abruptly. Handling is nimble, but

the ride is stiff and the cabin is loud. Visibility, particularly to the rear, is poor,

and headroom is snug. Standard safety features include forward collision

warning and automatic emergency braking. Blind spot warning and rear cross

traffic warning are optional. The infotainment system is complicated and takes

time to master but now features compatibility with Android Auto and Apple

CarPlay. A redesign (shown above) arrives this summer. See page 36 for more

on the new GLA.

OVERALL

SCORE

63

$34,250-$36,250

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

1

Mercedes-Benz GLB

The new Mercedes-Benz

GLB compact SUV slots

between the GLA and

the GLC. The GLB is

boxier than those SUVs,

with a more rugged, upright

appearance. Despite its compact

dimensions, the GLB offers an

optional third-row seat. The dash

is dominated by a wide screen

that stretches across most of the dashboard for the instrument panel and

infotainment system. We found it extremely cumbersome to use on the

new GLE. The GLB comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter

turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 221 hp and is shared with the

CLA. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with

pedestrian detection are standard.

OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$36,600-$38,600

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Mercedes-Benz GLC !

The Mercedes-Benz GLC

is a capable and pleasant

luxury compact SUV, but

the control layout and

infotainment system are

not intuitive to use. The base engine is

a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder

mated to a nine-speed automatic

transmission that supplies ample

motivation. Driving the GLC is quite

enjoyable, thanks to its comfortable ride and athletic handling. The cabin is

very quiet. The tastefully appointed cabin is richly furnished with wood and

chrome touches. The front seats are supercomfortable and supportive. The

rear seat is a bit snug. A plug-in hybrid and high-performance AMG versions

are also available, as is a coupelike version with reduced visibility and

cargo room. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking

are standard.

OVERALL

SCORE

72

$42,500-$84,100

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The new GLE is very quiet

and impeccably finished

inside, and has firm,

supportive seats. The

uplevel GLE450 has a

powerful 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder

engine that returned 20 mpg overall

in our tests. The standard engine is

a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-

cylinder. The GLE rides comfortably,

but its handling is rather dull. It comes with a new infotainment system

with a wide display that houses the instrument panel and the center screen

for the audio, phone, and navigation systems. These, along with some comfort

settings, can be changed through the touch screen, touchpad, or steering-

wheel, touch-sensitive controls. We found the system to be extremely

distracting to use, even with the ability to use voice commands. Forward

collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.

OVERALL

SCORE

69

$53,700-$76,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS is a very

functional three-row

SUV that exudes luxury

with its gorgeous interior.

The standard 3.0-liter

six-cylinder turbo provides plenty

of smooth and effortless power. An

even more powerful turbocharged

V8 is available. The ride is very

composed and handling is responsive

for such a luxury coach. All of the seats are first-rate, and the interior can

be configured for either six or seven passengers. Unlike most competitors,

the third-row seat is relatively roomy. However, the infotainment system

is overly distracting because many common tasks require a few steps. Using

steering-wheel controls too easily ends up changing a display or audio

selection. Standard safety features include forward collision warning and

automatic emergency braking.

OVERALL

SCORE

71

$75,200-$97,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is brimming

with features and qualities

that make it stand out

among luxury cars.

The powerful turbo V8

that we tested provided effortless

acceleration. The plush, magic carpet

ride is the best we've ever tested,

and the cabin is ultra-quiet. Even

though the S-Class is large, handling

agility is commendable, with quick steering. Along with the seats and steering

wheel, the door and center armrests are heated as well. Many controls are

overly complicated, however. Forward collision warning and automatic

emergency braking are standard. Driving assistance systems include adaptive

cruise control that adds convenience in stop-and-go traffic and can even

change lanes upon using the directional stalk. Coupe, convertible, plug-in

hybrid, and sporty AMG versions are available.

OVERALL

SCORE

74

$94,250-$235,600

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

72 CR.ORG APRIL 2020

Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

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