Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury, innovation, and groundbreaking design in the automotive world. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class stands as a testament to this legacy, continuously pushing boundaries and redefining automotive elegance. Since its inception in 2003, the CLS has carved a unique niche, blending the soul of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. The latest generation of the CLS Class builds upon this pioneering spirit, showcasing a refined design language, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced comfort, all while staying true to its iconic four-door coupe silhouette.
The new CLS is a bold step forward in Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy, characterized by its sleek contours and minimalist lines. It’s a visual statement that balances sporty dynamism with timeless elegance. The front of the CLS immediately captures attention with its distinctive grille, widening towards the base, and a forward-leaning stance that exudes confidence. The wide, low-profile headlights and two-section taillamps are not just functional elements but integral parts of the car’s aesthetic signature. This design evolution not only pays homage to the original CLS, a vehicle that created an entirely new segment and became an instant design icon, but also propels it into the future.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS debuted at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, marking the arrival of a vehicle that is not just about aesthetics but also about performance and technological innovation. Under the hood, the CLS introduces a new inline six-cylinder engine, leading the Mercedes-Benz family in adopting 48-volt technology with an Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG). This system enhances both efficiency and driving comfort, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to future-forward engineering. Continuing the tradition of its predecessors, the new CLS delivers self-assured sportiness with unparalleled sophistication. It’s designed to be an emotionally engaging vehicle, providing exceptional comfort for long journeys, impressive acoustic refinement, and thrilling, state-of-the-art technology. Notably, this generation of the four-door coupe accommodates five passengers for the first time, adding a layer of practicality to its stylish appeal.
Mercedes-Benz revolutionized the automotive landscape in 2003 with the introduction of the CLS, effectively inventing the four-door coupe segment. This groundbreaking model seamlessly merged the graceful lines and dynamic feel of a coupe with the spaciousness and utility of a sedan. The third generation CLS doubles down on the unique charisma and pioneering essence of its predecessors. It proudly carries the CLS genetic code – the sweeping waistline, the slender side windows, and the low roofline. It represents a further refinement of the Sensual Purity design language, minimizing sharp edges and lines to create a fluid, cohesive form. The result is a vehicle that fits harmoniously within the contemporary Mercedes-Benz coupe family, sharing design cues while retaining its distinct identity.
The CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC models are powered by an all-new in-line six-cylinder engine, producing a robust 362 horsepower, further enhanced by a 21 horsepower boost from the integrated starter-generator. This powertrain underscores the CLS’s commitment to dynamic performance and efficiency.
Beyond its sporty demeanor, the CLS also prioritizes comfort and a luxurious driving experience. Features such as the AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, ENERGIZING Comfort system, and the latest generation infotainment system with Inductive Wireless Phone Charging and NFC pairing highlight this focus. These elements work in concert to create a serene and connected environment for both driver and passengers.
The standard features of the CLS are comprehensive and reflect its premium positioning. Highlights include AMG body styling, newly designed LED headlamps and taillamps, substantial 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a high-resolution 12.3-inch COMAND® display, ambient lighting that includes illuminated air vents, Car-to-X Communication, and Smartphone Integration. These standard appointments ensure that the CLS offers a high level of luxury and technology right from the base model.
Exterior Design: Embodying Self-Assured Sportiness
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, aptly describes the new CLS as a design icon and the archetype of the four-door coupe. He emphasizes the design philosophy of “hot & cool,” where the CLS’s DNA is distilled to its purest form, emotionally charged to amplify its inherent beauty.
The front end is immediately recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz coupe, featuring the signature diamond grille with a single louver. The grille’s silhouette broadens towards the base, echoing the design language of the Mercedes-AMG GT, lending a powerful and assertive stance. The hood is seamlessly integrated into the body, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface. The headlights, remarkably flat and wide with inward-slanting edges, dynamically follow the grille’s contours, contributing to the car’s forward-moving aesthetic.
The side profile of the CLS is defined by its high, arching waistline and a sporty, low greenhouse, framed by frameless side windows. The forward-sloping front end, reminiscent of a shark’s nose, is visually elongated by the fully inset hood. The design adheres to the principle of sensual purity, with significantly reduced lines and edges, and generously curved surfaces. This approach results in a silhouette that is both dynamic and elegant.
A hallmark of the CLS design is the muscular rear shoulder line, smoothly transitioning into the flat rear end. The coupe characteristics are further emphasized by the two-section taillamps, reflectors integrated into the rear bumper, the license plate recess in the bumper, and the iconic Mercedes star positioned centrally on the trunk lid. These elements combine to create a rear view that is both distinctive and instantly recognizable.
Similar to the headlamps, the LED taillamps are designed with a crystalline appearance, producing a striking three-dimensional effect. Their low positioning not only accentuates the vehicle’s width but also contributes to its overall sporty stance. The meticulous attention to detail in the exterior lighting underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to both form and function.
Interior Design: Harmonious Color Scheme and Digital Integration
The interior of the CLS Coupe exudes luxury, characterized by clean, fundamental lines that mirror the sensual, flowing shapes of the exterior. The selection of premium materials and the high level of craftsmanship are immediately apparent, creating an environment of sophisticated comfort.
The cockpit is designed to be sporty and emphasizes width, with color combinations that enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The wave-like design of the interior trim flows seamlessly from the front to the rear doors, creating a cohesive and enveloping atmosphere. A striking new feature of the ambient lighting is the illuminated air vents, inspired by the turbines of jet aircraft, adding a touch of avant-garde flair. The seats, with their hand-finished appearance, further contribute to the sporty yet luxurious ambiance.
The CLS 450 is equipped with a high-resolution central display, measuring 12.3 inches diagonally. Optionally, the vehicle can be fitted with dual 12.3-inch displays that merge under a single, continuous glass cover to form a widescreen cockpit. This configuration creates a fully digital and immersive user experience. The center console, available in open-pore or high-gloss wood trim, appears to float above the underlying structure, adding to the interior’s modern aesthetic.
In this fully digital cockpit, drivers can personalize the displayed information according to their preferences and driving needs. Three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – allow for further customization to match individual moods or interior trim choices. This level of personalization ensures that the driving experience is tailored to the individual.
The ambient lighting system offers an extensive palette of 64 colors, extending to the air vents themselves. A unique feature is the color feedback of the air vents, which briefly changes to red or blue when the temperature setting of the climate control is adjusted, providing intuitive visual cues.
The seats have been exclusively redesigned for the CLS, featuring high-quality piping. The rear outboard seats echo the design of the front seats, creating a sporty, individual-seat appearance, even though the CLS Coupe now accommodates five occupants. For added versatility, the rear seat backrests can be folded in a 40/20/40 split, expanding cargo space as needed.
ENERGIZING Comfort: Wellness for Long Journeys
The ENERGIZING Comfort system is a sophisticated feature that links various vehicle comfort systems to enhance the well-being of the occupants. It strategically utilizes the climate control system (including fragrance), seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, as well as ambient lighting and musical moods to create a tailored wellness experience. This holistic approach is designed to improve both comfort and driver performance levels.
Six pre-configured programs are available:
- Refresh / Freshness
- Warmth
- Vitality
- Joy
- Comfort / Well-Being
- Training (offering muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance exercises, each with multiple routines).
These programs are designed to cater to various moods and needs, transforming the vehicle into a personal oasis of well-being.
Intelligent Drive: S-Class Technology in the CLS
The new CLS generation shares advanced technology with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the brand’s flagship model. The CLS is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, including route-based speed adaptation and comprehensive driver support through the Driver Assistance Package. This integration of high-end technology from the S-Class underscores the CLS’s position as a leader in its segment.
The suite of driver assistance and safety systems is modular, with standard features including Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. A newly standard feature is PRE-SAFE® Sound, which prepares human hearing for the anticipated noise of an accident when a collision risk is detected, minimizing potential hearing damage.
The optional Driver Assistance Package significantly expands the capabilities of the CLS, incorporating 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 offer enhanced support for maintaining safe distances and steering, while Active Speed Limit Assist now automatically adjusts speed in anticipation of bends or junctions. Active Lane Change Assist has also been substantially improved for more intuitive and reliable lane changes.
Enhanced camera and radar systems provide the new CLS with a superior understanding of its surrounding environment. For the first time, the system uses map and navigation data to anticipate driving behavior, further enhancing the proactive nature of the assistance systems.
The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument cluster provides drivers with a clear visual overview of selected assistance functions and system responses. Intuitive icons are displayed both on-screen and in the head-up display, providing immediate feedback. All assistance functions are conveniently controlled via the steering wheel, ensuring ease of use and minimal driver distraction.
In stop-and-go traffic on motorways and similar roads, the system allows for stops of up to 3 seconds, after which the CLS will automatically resume movement and follow the traffic flow, enhancing convenience in congested conditions.
The LED Intelligent Light System, optionally available with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams, sets a new benchmark in automotive lighting. The Ultra Wide Beams significantly increase the width of the light distribution, maximizing illumination of the road and surrounding areas. This provides a substantial improvement in the already impressive lighting performance of the LED Intelligent Light System. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, also part of the LED Intelligent Light System, enables drivers to use main beams continuously without dazzling other road users. The system intelligently switches off LEDs in the high beam modules when oncoming or preceding vehicles are detected, while maintaining main beam illumination in other areas, ensuring optimal visibility in all driving situations.
Suspension and Dynamics
The new CLS is built with a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. A dynamically tuned steel comfort suspension is standard, offering a balance of comfort and handling. The optionally available AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension system has been refined with adjustable and adaptive damping. Using the driving mode selector, drivers can tailor the vehicle’s characteristics from comfortable to sporty, adapting the driving experience to their preferences and road conditions.
New Engine Technology: EQ Boost and 48-Volt System
The third generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is powered by a completely new in-line six-cylinder engine, a key element in its advanced powertrain technology.
The new, systematically electrified in-line six-cylinder engine in the CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC features EQ Boost (integrated starter/generator) and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. This innovative system delivers 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and a significant torque boost available via EQ Boost for short durations. The integrated electric motor, known as EQ Boost, supports the combustion engine during acceleration, enables fuel-saving “sailing” with the engine off, and recharges the battery through high-efficiency recuperation. This technology achieves fuel economy benefits previously associated only with high-voltage hybrid systems. Overall, the new in-line six-cylinder engine delivers performance comparable to an eight-cylinder engine but with significantly reduced fuel consumption. The CLS 450 is equipped with a particulate filter as standard, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The performance figures for the new CLS 450 models are compelling:
| 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
The exclusivity of the CLS is further elevated with the Edition 1 launch model. This special edition boasts numerous luxurious standard features, including the COPPER ART interior concept. This design theme features seats upholstered in black pearl nappa leather with diamond-patterned center sections and striking copper-colored accents. Copper-colored contrasting topstitching adorns the center console, seats, armrests, dashboard, and door linings, creating a cohesive and opulent interior ambiance. The exterior is distinguished by a unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and a louver with a copper-colored shimmer.
The Edition 1 exterior is based on the AMG Line and includes 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 include:
- Dashboard upper section trimmed in black nappa leather.
- Center console and dashboard trim in natural grain black ash wood with a matching center console.
- IWC analogue clock with an exclusive dial face.
- Vehicle key in high-gloss black with a high-sheen chrome surround.
- Floor mats with “Edition 1” badging and copper-colored piping.
- Chrome “Edition 1” lettering on the center console and an “Edition 1” display on the welcome screen.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Class continues to set the standard for four-door coupes, blending innovative design with advanced technology and luxurious comfort. From its groundbreaking engine technology to its meticulously crafted interior and striking exterior, the CLS remains a true icon of automotive excellence, offering a unique and compelling proposition in the luxury car market.
