2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
#1
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
It's finally here, the third generation of the car that popularized the four-door coupe design, the Mercedes-Benz CLS. This 2019 model replaces the version that first appeared in production form way back in 2010. Compared with that car, the new CLS looks much cleaner and leaner. The look-at-me rear fender creases have vanished, the nose and tail straightened out, and the extra-wide grille and lights sit low in the front fascia. What remains is a high belt line and rakish roof. Overall, it might be a tad less distinctive, but more mature.
Though the CLS has always been about style, this generation is also important from a powertrain perspective. Under the slinky hood is the first application of Mercedes-Benz's new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. It will be the only engine available at launch, and it makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, Mercedes hasn't brought back a logical naming scheme based on power or displacement, as the introductory six-cylinder model is called CLS450. The straight-six also has a combination starter and generator hooked up to a 48-volt electrical system. The motor produces 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and, just like many other 48-volt mild-hybrid systems, it's there to improve fuel efficiency. It can provide assistance with acceleration from a stop, as well as allow for engine-off coasting at times. This powertrain is coupled to a nine-speed automatic and can propel the CLS to a top speed of 130 mph, though 0-to-60 time and fuel economyratings have yet to be released. Both rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models will be available, and all versions have multi-link independent suspension at all corners with optional air suspension.
The least surprising part of the new CLS is the interior. It looks like pretty much any other Mercedes, loaded with luscious leather, wide spans of wood, and much metal. The instruments and infotainment screen fit in a "2001"-esque black monolith. Ambient lighting is everywhere, too, including the dash, center console, and even the air vents. The lighting does play a role in a unique feature called "ENERGIZING Comfort." There are six settings that change the lighting, temperature, sound configuration and massage seats to set a mood. Those settings include Refresh/Freshness, Warmth, Vitality,Joy, Comfort/Well-Being and Training, the last of which has three sub-settings. Also, being a modern Mercedes, the CLS has oodles of driver assists, from lane-keeping to adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed for corners.
Finally, in honor of the release of this new CLS, Mercedes is offering a special Edition 1 model (the matte gray car in the above gallery). It features AMG body modifications and wheels, standard adaptive LED lights, and a spiffy black leather interior with black natural-grain wood and copper accents. Pricing has not been released for any of the CLS variants, but they will go on sale by fall 2018.
Though the CLS has always been about style, this generation is also important from a powertrain perspective. Under the slinky hood is the first application of Mercedes-Benz's new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. It will be the only engine available at launch, and it makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, Mercedes hasn't brought back a logical naming scheme based on power or displacement, as the introductory six-cylinder model is called CLS450. The straight-six also has a combination starter and generator hooked up to a 48-volt electrical system. The motor produces 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and, just like many other 48-volt mild-hybrid systems, it's there to improve fuel efficiency. It can provide assistance with acceleration from a stop, as well as allow for engine-off coasting at times. This powertrain is coupled to a nine-speed automatic and can propel the CLS to a top speed of 130 mph, though 0-to-60 time and fuel economyratings have yet to be released. Both rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models will be available, and all versions have multi-link independent suspension at all corners with optional air suspension.
The least surprising part of the new CLS is the interior. It looks like pretty much any other Mercedes, loaded with luscious leather, wide spans of wood, and much metal. The instruments and infotainment screen fit in a "2001"-esque black monolith. Ambient lighting is everywhere, too, including the dash, center console, and even the air vents. The lighting does play a role in a unique feature called "ENERGIZING Comfort." There are six settings that change the lighting, temperature, sound configuration and massage seats to set a mood. Those settings include Refresh/Freshness, Warmth, Vitality,Joy, Comfort/Well-Being and Training, the last of which has three sub-settings. Also, being a modern Mercedes, the CLS has oodles of driver assists, from lane-keeping to adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed for corners.
Finally, in honor of the release of this new CLS, Mercedes is offering a special Edition 1 model (the matte gray car in the above gallery). It features AMG body modifications and wheels, standard adaptive LED lights, and a spiffy black leather interior with black natural-grain wood and copper accents. Pricing has not been released for any of the CLS variants, but they will go on sale by fall 2018.
#3
Lexus Test Driver
From the photos alone, it appears much smaller, like it could pass as the lower-grade CLA. Something seems lacking...
#5
Mercedes-Benz's new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. It will be the only engine available at launch, and it makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, Mercedes hasn't brought back a logical naming scheme based on power or displacement, as the introductory six-cylinder model is called CLS450.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
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#8
Super Moderator
The dash of the CLS don't seem to be diffrent from the regular E class sedan, except the circular vents(look the same as the E coupe's) compared to their obvious difference in the previous generation.
Seeing the E63S is already awesome, the CLS63S should be fantastic !! But the CLS do not seem to hold value as well as the comparable E class ...
Seeing the E63S is already awesome, the CLS63S should be fantastic !! But the CLS do not seem to hold value as well as the comparable E class ...
Last edited by Gojirra99; 11-29-17 at 02:15 PM.
#9
Super Moderator
#11
Lexus Test Driver
I would rather have this than the E class for sure.
The rear taillights on the E just looks really funny to me. The shape of the lights and rear deck lid area in general just makes it look really awkward and ungainly. They made the rear taillights on the CLS much more symmetrical and natural looking. If only this was a hatchback though...
The rear taillights on the E just looks really funny to me. The shape of the lights and rear deck lid area in general just makes it look really awkward and ungainly. They made the rear taillights on the CLS much more symmetrical and natural looking. If only this was a hatchback though...
#12
Lexus Champion
This new drivetrain was supposed to have the 48V starter-generator mild hybrid for low-end grunt and the electric turbocharger for high-end grunt, right? I see the mild hybrid mentioned but nothing that the turbocharger is an e-turbo.
#14
Lexus Test Driver
The swoopy styling on the C and CLA looks great but taken to extremes, it looks like this lump of soap. That's the danger of sausage-length styling, it makes the entire lineup look boring. I don't understand how Mercedes went from the original, gorgeous CLS to the overstyled 2nd gen model to this dull thing that looks bereft of any unique styling. For me, the last great Mercedes coupe was the C215 CL.
#15
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I think the main problem here is that it is missing a character line on the side panels. The S and C both have great lines on the doors but they removed this on the E. That is my main criticism for that car, as well as this one.