Mercedes-Benz redefined automotive elegance and sportiness with the introduction of the CLS in 2003, creating a unique segment that blended coupe aesthetics with sedan practicality. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS marks the third generation, building upon this legacy with an even stronger emphasis on its iconic character and trendsetting design. This model embodies pure CLS DNA, characterized by its sweeping waistline, sleek side windows, and a low-profile greenhouse. It also represents the next step in Mercedes-Benz’s Sensual Purity design philosophy, showcasing reduced sharp edges and lines, seamlessly integrating it within the contemporary Mercedes-Benz coupe family.
Exterior Design: Self-Assured Sportiness Embodied in the 2019 Benz CLS
The front end of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is particularly striking, featuring the signature diamond grille of Mercedes-Benz coupes, complete with a single louver. The grille’s silhouette broadens towards the base, drawing a visual parallel to the Mercedes-AMG GT. The hood is seamlessly integrated into the body surfaces, creating a smooth, unified appearance. The extremely flat and wide headlamps, angled inwards, dynamically follow the grille’s contours, further enhancing the car’s assertive stance.
The side profile of the 2019 CLS is defined by its high, arching waistline and the sporty, low greenhouse, complemented by frameless side windows. The forward-slanting front end, reminiscent of a shark’s nose, appears elongated thanks to the fully inset hood. The design adheres to sensual purity principles, minimizing lines and edges in favor of generously arched surfaces.
The muscular rear shoulder line is another hallmark of the CLS, flowing gracefully into the flat rear end. Coupe characteristics are further emphasized by the two-section taillamps, reflectors integrated into the rear bumper, the license plate positioned in the bumper, and the iconic Mercedes star centrally located on the trunk lid.
Similar to the headlamps, the LED taillamps of the 2019 Benz CLS possess a crystalline appearance, creating a captivating three-dimensional effect. Their low positioning visually widens the vehicle, adding to its sporty and grounded presence.
Interior Design: Consistent Color Scheme and Widescreen Digital Instrument Cluster in the 2019 Benz CLS
Stepping inside the 2019 Benz CLS Coupe reveals a luxurious interior characterized by clean, fundamental lines that echo the sensual, flowing exterior contours. The choice of premium materials and the high level of craftsmanship are immediately apparent.
The sporty, width-emphasizing cockpit and the carefully selected color combination generate a feeling of expansive spaciousness within the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS. The wave-like design theme seamlessly extends from the front to the rear doors, creating a flowing impression that opens up at the B-pillars. Illuminated air vents, a novel feature of the ambient lighting, evoke the image of jet aircraft turbines, adding a touch of sophisticated sportiness. The hand-finished appearance of the seats further reinforces the sporty yet luxurious ambiance.
The 2019 CLS 450 comes standard with a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display. An optional upgrade offers dual 12.3-inch displays that merge seamlessly under a shared, continuous glass cover to create a widescreen cockpit experience. The center console, available in open-pored or high-gloss wood trim, appears to float, enhancing the interior’s modern aesthetic.
In the fully digital cockpit of the 2019 Benz CLS, drivers can personalize the information displayed based on their needs and driving situation. Three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – can be chosen to match personal preference, mood, or the interior appointments.
The ambient lighting system offers individual adjustment across 64 colors and extends to the air vents. A thoughtful touch is the color change in the illuminated air vents when adjusting the climate control temperature, briefly displaying red for warmer and blue for cooler settings.
The seats in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS are newly designed and exclusive to this model series, featuring high-quality piping. The rear outer seats mirror the appearance of the front seats, creating a sporty individual-seat impression, even though the CLS Coupe now accommodates five passengers for the first time. For added versatility, the backrests can be folded in a 40/20/40 split.
Wellness and Comfort: ENERGIZING Comfort in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS prioritizes passenger well-being with ENERGIZING Comfort, a system that intelligently links various comfort features within the vehicle. It harmonizes the climate control system (including fragrance), seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres to create customized wellness setups tailored to the driver’s mood and requirements. This holistic approach aims to enhance both well-being and driver performance.
Six pre-configured programs are available in the 2019 CLS ENERGIZING Comfort system:
- Refresh / Freshness
- Warmth
- Vitality
- Joy
- Comfort / Well-Being
- Training (including muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance exercises).
Intelligent Drive: S-Class Technology in the 2019 CLS Benz
The 2019 CLS generation shares significant technological advancements with the flagship S-Class. It incorporates the latest generation of driving assistance systems, including route-based speed adaptation and comprehensive driver support via the Driver Assistance Package.
The suite of driver assistance and safety systems in the 2019 Benz CLS is modular and includes standard features like Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. A new standard addition is PRE-SAFE® Sound, which prepares human hearing for the anticipated noise of an accident when a collision risk is detected.
The optional Driver Assistance Package for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS expands these capabilities with: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist provide even more refined support for maintaining safe distances and steering, with speed now automatically adjusted in anticipation of bends and junctions. Active Lane Change Assist has also been significantly enhanced.
Improved camera and radar systems in the 2019 CLS provide an even more comprehensive view of surrounding traffic. For the first time, map and navigation data are utilized to inform driving behavior.
The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument cluster provides drivers with an at-a-glance overview of selected assistance functions and system responses. Clear icons are displayed both on-screen and in the head-up display. All system functions are now conveniently controlled via the steering wheel.
In stop & go traffic on highways and similar roads, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS can now handle stops of up to 3 seconds, automatically restarting and following the traffic flow.
The optional LED Intelligent Light System for the 2019 CLS features advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. Ultra Wide Beams significantly broaden the light distribution for maximum road and surrounding area illumination, noticeably enhancing the already impressive lighting performance of the LED Intelligent Light System. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, also part of the LED Intelligent Light System, allows drivers to use main beams continuously without dazzling other road users by selectively switching off LEDs in the high beam modules when oncoming or preceding vehicles are detected, while maintaining main beam illumination in other areas.
Suspension and Dynamics of the 2019 CLS Benz
The 2019 CLS features a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. A dynamically tuned steel comfort suspension is standard. The optionally available AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension system has been refined with adjustable and adaptive damping, allowing drivers to select vehicle characteristics ranging from comfortable to sporty via the driving mode switch.
New Engine: EQ Boost and 48-Volt System in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
The third-generation 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is powered by an entirely new in-line six-cylinder engine.
The new, systematically electrified in-line six-cylinder with EQ Boost (integrated starter/generator) and a 48-volt onboard electrical system powers the CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC models. This engine delivers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and significant torque available via EQ Boost for short periods. The integrated electric motor (EQ Boost) supports the combustion engine during acceleration, enables “sailing” (driving without the combustion engine), and recharges the battery through high-efficiency recuperation. This technology achieves fuel savings previously exclusive to high-voltage hybrid systems. Overall, the new in-line six-cylinder engine delivers performance comparable to an eight-cylinder engine with significantly reduced fuel consumption. The CLS 450 is equipped with a particulate filter as standard.
The performance specifications for the 2019 CLS 450 models are as follows:
| CLS450 / CLS450 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders/ arrangement | 6/in-line |
| Displacement (cc) | 2,999 |
| Rated output (hp) | 362 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm |
| Add. output from EQ Boost (hp) | 21 hp |
| Rated torque (lb-ft) | 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.1 / 4.8 |
Edition 1: An Exclusive Launch Model for the 2019 Benz CLS
The exclusivity of the 2019 CLS is further amplified by the Edition 1 model. This launch edition features numerous luxurious standard appointments, including the COPPER ART interior concept. This design theme incorporates seats upholstered in black pearl nappa leather with diamond-patterned center sections and copper-colored accents. Copper-colored contrasting topstitching adorns the center console, seats, armrests, dashboard, and door linings. A unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and a copper-colored shimmer louver further distinguishes the Edition 1.
The exterior of the Edition 1 is based on the AMG Line, featuring standard LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels finished in black with a high-sheen rim flange. “Edition 1” lettering on the front fenders clearly identifies this special model.
Key interior highlights of the Edition 1 2019 Benz CLS include:
- Dashboard support lined in black nappa leather
- Center console and dashboard support trim in natural grain black ash wood with matching center console
- IWC analogue clock with exclusive dial face
- Vehicle key in high-gloss black with high-sheen chrome surround
- Floor mats with “Edition 1” badge and copper-colored piping
- Chrome “Edition 1” lettering on the center console and “Edition 1” display on the welcome screen.
Conclusion
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the four-door coupe. With its striking design, innovative technology, and luxurious appointments, the 2019 Benz CLS continues to set the standard for its class, offering a compelling blend of sportiness, comfort, and cutting-edge features for discerning drivers.
