The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a series of executive cars manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz, a German car manufacturer, since 2004. The CLS receives only minor updates between the 2022 and 2023 model years. The only change is a new exterior color option that incorporates metallic paints that weren't previously available without increasing the price.
History of the Mercedes-Benz CLS
First Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (C219; 2004–2010)
In 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz debuted the Vision CLS concept car, which served as the basis for the C219 CLS-Class. Although it wasn't the first four-door coupe available, this model helped bring the faux-coupe body style back from the dead. In 1962, Rover released the Rover P5 as a four-door coupe with a sloping rear end and sporty-looking design cues. Not being as practical as a standard automobile meant the fad didn't continue long. The concept survived, though, and Mercedes-Benz revived it in 2004 with the CLS series. Since the CLS was based on the E-Class' W211 platform, some E-Class engines and drivetrains found their way into the luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz used only V6 and V8 engines, mated to either a six-speed manual or the brand-new 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Facelift
The CLS-Class had a facelift in 2008, looking significantly different from its predecessor. The CLS was modernized in 2008. The German automaker took a leap of faith when it released the vehicle, not knowing if it would sell well. The manufacturer drastically reduced the headroom for the backseaters due to the sloping back. The car's grille and headlights were updated for 2010.
Second Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218; 2010–2018)
The C218 CLS's production run lasted from 2011 to 2018, making it a second-generation version. The C218 CLS's styling was borrowed from Mercedes' F800 Style concept car, which debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz's largest four-door coupe received an upgrade for the 2010 model year, making it more luxurious than ever in its niche premium sector. Mercedes-Benz may not have been the first automaker to produce a four-door coupe, but its 2004 reintroduction revived a forgotten category that had been dormant for decades. They introduced the second generation in 2010, and in 2014 they got an update. Mercedes-Benz put four engines under the hood in addition to the AMG options. A seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox was standard on all trim levels. Based on the engine, the CLS may be equipped with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Facelift
In 2014, a revamped CLS series debuted. Mercedes-Benz gave a fresh look to the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe and CLS Shooting Brake to coincide with the company's incremental design iteration, which took cues from the flagship S-Class W221. The new front fascia, grille, and LED headlights with an available Multibeam arrangement are all visible outside. Design-wise, nothing has changed significantly inside.
Third Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (C257; 2018–Present)
The third generation of the four-door coupe debuted in 2018. After the overwhelming success of the CLS, every major player in the Premium market immediately started developing a rival. The BMW 6-Series GT, Jaguar XF, and Audi A7 Sportback were also present. The CLS, however, was the first and true innovator of its day. The Rover P5B, however, deserves the honor of being the first four-door coupe, which it did in 1962. Despite early promise, the manufacturer quickly scrapped the C257 CLS's Shooting Brake body style in the face of waning demand for the outgoing generation in international markets. The three-pointed-star manufacturer offered a range of compact engines with outputs between 286 and 367 horsepower. The AMG models received special treatment.
Facelift
Mercedes-Benz released an updated version of the CLS four-door coupe with updated styling and new amenities in 2021. As seen by the global sales of almost 450,000 copies since the first generation's debut, the CLS was a safe wager for the three-pointed-star manufacturer. There wasn't enough capacity for tall back passengers or bulky luggage, yet the CLS sold well. Mercedes-Benz cars had various gas, diesel, and hybrid powertrain options. The entry-level trim featured two inline-four turbocharged engines driving the rear wheels. The most powerful option was a 3.6L inline-6 with 367 horsepower thanks to an electronic starter booster. All models came fitted with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Price
For the 2023 model year, Mercedes-Benz retails the Mercedes-Benz CLS with an original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $77,550.
Features of the Mercedes-Benz CLS
Exterior Features
The CLS-Class sedan from Mercedes-Benz is visually distinct from the E-class upon which it is based. Thanks to its curvy silhouette, coupe roofline, and frameless door glass, it stands out from its more subdued (but spacious) sister. This year, the AMG Line comes standard with a set of 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke alloy wheels. You can choose from three 20-inch models or two different 19-inch models at an additional fee. You'll need to order the AMG Night Package if you want all the wheels. In addition to the dual exhaust tips and programmable lighted entry system, this model comes with a powered sliding/tilting sunroof. New dynamic air vents and a narrower horizontal bar in the grille are just two of the 2022 updates to the bumpers and grille.
Interior Features
The sleek, sloping contours and smooth surfaces of the CLS-class exterior are carried inside. An elegant swirl of the dashboard encircles the front seat occupants, and four round air vents take up much of the center stack. Nappa leather seats give the interior a high-end, opulent feel. The car can fit five people, but the rear passengers will have difficulty standing up due to the sloping roof. There is ample space for even the tallest passengers in the CLS, with 35 inches of legroom available in the back. As a comparison, the A7 offers an extra two inches. This Benz has a somewhat small trunk in comparison to its overall size. Cargo space is 12 cubic feet or about five standard suitcases' worth.
Standard Features
- Heated Front Seats
- Front Seats Memory Settings
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 64-Color Ambient Lighting
- 40/20/40-Split Rear Seats
- Leather Seat Upholstery
- Hands-Free Access
- Keyless Go
- Homelink Garage Door Remote
- Electric Trunk Opener/Closer
- Dynamic Select
- Five Driving Modes
- Car-To-X Communication
- Mercedes Pre-Safe
- Active Brake Assist
- Seven Airbags
- Adaptive Braking
- Backup Camera
- Blind-Spot
- Cross-Wind Assist
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Automatic High Beams
- Tire-Pressure Monitoring
- One-Touch Emergency Calling Features
Infotainment Features
- 12.3-Inch Digital Gauge Cluster
- 12.3-Inch Touchscreen Interface
- MBUX
- 'Hey, Mercedes' Voice Activation
- Voice Control
- Touchpad Controller
- Standard Navigation
- Apple Carplay
- Android Auto
- Multiple USB-C Ports
- Bluetooth Audio Streaming
- Front Bass Sound System
- Steering-Wheel-Mounted Touch Control Buttons
- In-Car WI-FI (optional)
- Head-up Display (optional)
- 13-Speaker Burmester Surround Sound System (optional)
- Wireless Phone Charging (optional)
Safety Features
- Backup Camera
- Electronic Stability Control
- Attention Assist
- Crosswind Assist
- Mercedes' Pre-safe System
- Blind-Spot Assist
- Seven Airbags
- Adaptive Braking
- Active Brake Assist
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Automatic High Beams
- Car-To-X Communication
- Smartkey With Keyless Go
Optional Safety Features
- Radar Cruise Control
- Active and Evasive Steering Assist
- Active Emergency Stop
- Active Speed-Limit Assist
- Active Blind-Spot Assist
- Active Lane-Keeping Assist
- Active Lane-Change Assist
- Stop-And-Go Traffic
- Route-Based Speed Control
- Full Pre-safe Suit
Specs and Performance of the Mercedes-Benz CLS
When it comes to power, the CLS 450 Coupe relies on the turbocharged M256 inline-six that succeeded the M276 V6. It's powerful and efficient, producing 362 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque (the latter accessible at just 1,600 revolutions per minute). The engine's reaction is now silky smooth yet powerful and immediate, all thanks to the EQ Boost technology, which completely removes turbo lag. The smooth-shifting of the nine-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox is a great complement. Temporarily increase your vehicle's power by 21 horsepower and torque by 184 pound-feet with EQ Boost. In 4.8 seconds, the CLS 450 4Matic Coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour. The maximum allowed speed is 130 mph. There is no slower, less powerful "350" version of the CLS like there is for the E-Class. Dimension-wise, the Mercedes-Benz CLS measures 4,988 mm (196.4 in) long, 1,890 mm (74.4 in) wide, and 1,435 mm (56.5 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,938 mm (115.7 in) and has a curb weight of 4,020–4,370 lbs (1,825–1,980 kg).
Release Date
Mercedes-Benz has been producing the Mercedes-Benz CLS since 2004. It is currently in its third-generation model for the 2023 model year.