The Mercedes Benz CLS is offered in two variants, each defined by unique styling and overall output from a shared 3.0L 6-cylinder engine platform. This engine combined with an internal 48-volt electric motor aids in acceleration by providing a temporary boost of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for a combined output from 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft to 383 horsepower and an astonishing 553 lb-ft of torque under full load. Mercedes claims 0-60 mph times clock in at 5.1 seconds for the Coupe and 4.8 seconds for 4MATIC all-wheel drive equipped CLS 450 models. The CLS 53 brings a bigger stick to the fight by adding a twin-scroll turbocharger and electronic auxiliary supercharger that helps build boost early, preventing lag from the turbo and generating a linear torque curve. Engine output on the CLS 53 increases to 429 horsepower and 384-pound feet of torque (before the boost from the electric assisting motor!) All CLS models use an advanced 9-speed automatic transmission sending power where it's needed to all four wheels on demand.
The CLS comes very well equipped even in base trim. Standard features on the CLS 450 include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, keyless ignition, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt/slide sunroof, power-adjustable/heated front seats with memory settings, 64-color ambient LED cabin lighting, leather seat upholstery, wood trim, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, electronic trunk closer, blind-spot monitoring, and Active Brake Assist which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and finally brake drying adjusted braked pad position closer to the rotor if the driver pulls away from the accelerator quickly.
Of course, as is typical for a Mercedes-Benz, the option list is a mile long with some truly tempting features offered. All-wheel drive is on the options list, along with Air Body Control (an active suspension that adjusts on the fly), a digital driver's display, tri-zone automatic climate control, power rear sunshade, soft-closing doors, head-up display, massaging front seats, cabin air-purification/fragrance system, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, and intelligent headlights with adaptive high beams.
A Driver Assistance package brings adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, extra side protection (moving front occupants closer to the center of the car if a collision is imminent) and various other aids. Active parking assistance, 360-degree camera, and rear cross-traffic alert also are available as optional equipment.
Futuristic Interior
Sophisticated Exterior Styling
Powerful And Efficient Drivetrain
Optional All-wheel Drive
Luxurious Ride Quality
The Mercedes-Benz CLS carries over with minimal changes into 2021, although the CLS 53 does get a surround view camera as standard equipment.
Mercedes-Benz is calling this CLS a "coupe" is more of a mid-sized sedan masquerading as a sleeker smaller looking vehicle. Since its inception its chassis remains based on the same platform as the E-class and with the intention of delivering coupe-like styling but with four doors. Operating on a 48-volt electrical system allows unique features such as seamless start/stop functionality and electric ancillary engine components that draw less on the engine making for better gas mileage and power output. This places it in stiff competition with other sedans from familiar manufacturer rivals such as the A7 from Audi, the BMW 6 series, and the brilliant, but wildly expensive, Porsche Panamera.
