Do you think traditional luxury cars are too banal? How about a coupe-like sedan with a sporty fastback-style roof line and chic panamericana grille? Do you like it?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class made a splash almost two decades ago and remains a great alternative to more traditional sedans. Based on the Mercedes E-Class, the CLS sets the trend among luxury cars. In addition to its striking appearance, the Mercedes-Benz CLS offers impressive performance and an incredibly comfortable ride.
Yes, you sacrifice rear space and overall practicality, but it’s worth it if you like the look of the car.
New for 2021
1. The MBUX infotainment system replaces COMAND;
2. The 12.3-inch digital dashboard is now standard.
Who Should Buy
The luxury sports sedan exudes power and exceptional refinement. Even if you’re just driving around town on business, the CLS delivers a sporty and refined driving experience. And if there’s a long road trip ahead, you’re sure to love it.
The Mercedes CLS class is the most expensive in the class, but it justifies its value every time you get in the premium cabin. Be sure to get to know the car on a test drive.
New or used car?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class 2021 was the last model year before the updated 2022 version. To keep the current offering current, Mercedes-Benz has updated the CLS. The manufacturer has made the superior MBUX infotainment system standard. It now has a multimedia advantage over the competition. Buy the new 2021 Mercedes CLS or last year’s model? The version with the updated multimedia system is definitely better.
Mercedes-Benz CLS or Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury midsize car that has a lot in common with its CLS sibling. Both are refined and premium high-speed cruisers, and they share similar interior quality and features. However, for most buyers, the E-Class will be a better choice. It is offered in a wide range of body styles, including sedan, station wagon, coupe, and convertible, it has more engine options to choose from, and it costs much less. Mercedes-Benz CLS configurations are limited to a sedan body with a “fastback” roof.
Mercedes-Benz CLS or Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a super premium car and a true gem in the Mercedes lineup. The S-Class surpasses the CLS with its high-quality materials, grandiose cabin styling, and powerful engine lineup. The S-Class also has more standard safety and convenience features than the CLS. That said, the S-Class is significantly more expensive than the CLS. Which to choose? Your wallet decides.
Interior
The new Mercedes CLS seats five people. The front seats are soft, comfortable and easily adjustable. The CLS is extremely pleasant on long journeys due to its exceptionally comfortable seats and excellent climate control system. At highway speeds, the CLS provides exceptional insulation from wind noise. The engine cannot be heard, except for a muffled growl during sudden acceleration. The rear seats are just as comfortable, although the ceiling height is clearly lacking for adults. Inside, the CLS looks exactly how you’d probably imagine a premium interior would look. The interior is modern and stylish, with every square inch of it adorned with high-quality materials. Most competitors in the class have a bigger trunk than this Mercedes. The sedan offers only 337 liters of cargo space. That’s enough space for about eight or nine shopping bags. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system has an intuitive interface that doesn’t require much practice to master. The controls are user-friendly and the display is clearly visible and accessible from the driver’s seat. The many ways to interact with the infotainment screen (hardware keys, knob, touchpad, steering wheel touchpad, voice) make it easy to use.
Technical features
The Mercedes CLS 450 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower. The AMG CLS 53 has an upgraded version of this power unit under the hood, producing 429 hp. Both models are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The transmissions have a mild hybrid system (EQ Boost), which provides extra torque at low speeds. This adds “liveliness” to the engine and also saves fuel. Regardless of the powertrain choice, the CLS accelerates quickly and smoothly, confidently overtaking cars on the highway. The CLS 450 accelerates to 100 km/h in 5 seconds. The CLS 53 reduces that time to 4.3 seconds. With rear-wheel drive, the CLS 450 consumes 8.7 l/100 km. With all-wheel drive, the figure rises to 9.0 l/100 km. The AMG model needs 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km in “combined” mode. Great power and delightfully refined driving emphasize the attractiveness of this sedan. The car demonstrates quite sporty character even at high speed.
Other parameters
Safety
Neither the NHTSA or the IIHS have crash tested the 2021 CLS. This is common for expensive luxury cars.
Dimensions and weight
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is 5.02 meters long and its curb weight ranges from 1,875 to 2,021 pounds.
Available options
You can buy the new Mercedes CLS 2021 in one of two configurations: CLS 450 and AMG CLS 53.Both offer a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, but the AMG version is tuned for performance. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the CLS 450, with optional all-wheel drive (Mercedes 4Matic). All-wheel drive is standard on the AMG CLS 53.Most buyers will love the CLS 450 version. To make the most of the stylish and powerful spirit of the CLS, choose the AMG CLS 53. This top-tier version has a major power boost over the base model, plus sporty upgrades and AMG interior trim to add an air of exclusivity. Don’t forget about the installation option Mercedes panamericana grille and many other things here. If you’re already thinking about a luxury sedan with a big personality, why not go further?
