History/Overview
Mercedes-Benz introduced the third generation of its CLS four-door coupe last year with new styling and high-tech mild hybrid powertrains, and it returns for 2020 with changes to standard features and trim. The CLS debuted in 2004.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
All CLS variants are now standard with a hood with dual powerdomes, and offer Benz's Thermotronic climate control system and soft-close doors as stand-alone options.
CLS 450 gains a standard AMG styling package, along with a new standard wheel design. New standalone extras are an air body control suspension, a sport steering wheel, and black 20-inch wheels.
CLS 53 adds standard lighted door sill plates. This trim can now be optioned with a full dinamica steering wheel, AMG steering wheel buttons, and 20-inch black wheels. CLS 53's premium package now includes 360-degree camera views, multibeam LED headlights, and adaptive high beam assist.
Available Trims
The CLS's 450 and AMG 53 variants are built around different versions of a mild hybrid 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine. Both come with a nine-speed transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Standard Features
On the outside, the CLS 450 comes equipped with 19-inch wheels and LED headlights and taillights.
CLS 450 interior highlights include grey ash wood trim, sport pedals, black leather upholstery, customizable ambient lighting, an analog gauge cluster with a 7.0-inch display, a five-speaker stereo, automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, heated/power-folding side mirrors, keyless start, and an integrated garage door opener.
The CLS 450's safety suite comprises blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign assist, active parking assist, and tire pressure loss warning.
The AMG CLS 53's exterior is distinguished through cosmetic changes like a different grille, turbo 4Matic fender badges, a trunklid spoiler and a rear apron.
Inside, the CLS 53 gets a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, metal weave trim, and Nappa leather upholstery with red stitching.
AMG CLS 53 also gets performance-tuned versions of Mercedes's 4Matic AWD system and air suspension. Safety additions include rain-sensing wipers.
Key Options
An intelligent drive package offered on both models adds radar cruise control, active steering assist, map-based speed adaptation, active lane change and lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. There's also a side impact protection system that uses air bladders in the front-seat side bolsters to move the occupant further away from an impending side crash.
Both trims can be had with a Burmester 13-speaker stereo, multibeam LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, and a three-zone climate control system that allows for more precise air distribution.
Fuel Economy
Mercedes-Benz's fuel consumption estimates for the CLS-Class are 11.3/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway) for the CLS 450, and 12.4/8.7 in the AMG CLS 53.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class competitors include the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, the Audi A7, Aston Martin's Rapide, and the Maserati Quattroporte.
