2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2013 Ford Flex
To start off, 2013 Ford Flex is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2013 Ford Flex. (281 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Flex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Flex weights approximately 216 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2013 Ford Flex is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Ford Flex will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Flex. (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2013 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLS | Flex |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 5125 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 2256 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1726 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2994 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
