Introduced in 2003, the Mercedes-Benz CLS created a new vehicle segment that combined the dynamic design of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a luxury sedan. Come 2017, and the four-door coupe moved into its third-generation with updated styling, a revised interior with brand-new tech, and a completely new engine under the hood. The new-generation CLS replaces the W218 model that's been in production since 2011. It was launched at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and will go on sale in 2018.

The new model has pure CLS genes with its arching waistline, flat side window lines, and low greenhouse. It also retains its unique design, despite being based on the same underpinnings as the E-Class sedan. Though not as unique on the inside, the CLS blends the styling cues of the E-Class and S-Class with new features and exclusive technology. Under the hood, it comes with a new six-cylinder engine that uses EQ Boost, an electric motor that increases performance while returning better fuel economy. Let's find out more about it in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 362 @ 5500
  • Torque: 369 @ 4000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- AMG GT-inspired grille - Unique, angular headlamps - Diamond grille - The same arching waistline - More elegant profile - Low greenhous - Frameless windows - Two-section taillights - Sporty rear bumper

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The third-generation CLS is a natural evolution of the previous model, sporting many of the styling cues of the company's latest design language, introduced in 2013 with the S-Class model. However, much like its predecessor, the four-door coupe boasts a range of unique features, which are combined with details from other nameplates.

For instance, the front grille becomes wider toward the base, a feature borrowed from the AMG GT. The front section is also forward-slanting, a design that we don't find on other big Mercedes-Benz sedans like the E-Class and S-Class. The headlamps are unique to this model through their wide, angular design. Not only set lower in the fascia, they also follow the contour of the grille, adding to the aggressive and wide stance of the car.

The grille has the usual diamond design, but the single horizontal slat is typical of Mercedes coupe models. The engine hood is a brand-new design that's completely surrounded by body surfaces. On the second-gen model the hood runs into the headlamps and closer to the grille.

Onto the sides, the new CLS retains the high, arching waistline, already a trademark feature for the four-door coupe. However, the second beltline that descends from the front wheelarch toward the rear fender seen on the second-gen model is gone. This gives the new CSL a crisper, more elegant look. The sporty, low greenhouse with frameless windows is another classic features that was retain. The same goes for the muscular rear haunches that blend smoothly into the flat rear end.

More significant changes are visible around back. For starters, the angled, ellipsoidal taillights have been replaced by two-section units. Both elements have sharp edges at the upper corners, pointing toward the rear fenders and the Mercedes star on the trunklid, respectively. Speaking of the star, it was moved lower on the trunklid as the license plate number was also lowered into the bumper. The arched decklid and the bumper vents are still there, but the taillights and the redesigned license plate recess give the rear end a brand-new look. And while the CLS is notably sportier than the S-Class, it retains most of the elegance of the full-size sedan.

Edition 1

The new CLS goes on sale with the usual Edition 1 model, which includes a few additional features. The package includes an AMG Line exterior, LED Intelligent Light headlamps, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels in black and high-sheen rim flange, and "Edition 1" lettering on the front fenders.

Interior

- Base on E-Class - Big 12.3-inch infotainment display - Optional 12.3-inch instrument cluster - Open-pore wood trim - Exclusive seat design - Jet aircraft turbine design A/C vents - Energizing Comfort setting with six modes - Driver assistance features from S-Class - Optional Driver Assistance Package - Improved camera and radar systems

While the CLS' exterior is unique compared to other models in the current lineup, the interior is heavily based on the brand's current cabin layout. More specifically, it shares many features with the E-Class and S-Class. The dash has the same two-tier design with an arches lower section trim, but there are a few changes here and there. The most notable change is the air-vent design, which now resemble jet aircraft turbines. These were also included in the new ambient lighting system so they light up along with the other elements.

The 12.3 high-resolution display atop the center stack is also reminiscent of the S-Class. Optionally, the CLS can be equipped with two similar screens (one for the instrument cluster) that merge to form a wide-screen cockpit under a shared, continuous glass cover. Below, the center console is available with open-pore or high-gloss wood trim, which gives it a free-floating appearance that you can't get in the S-Class.

The seats have an exclusive design too, featuring high-quality piping. In the back, the CLS has a three-seat layout for the first time. However, the outer seats have the same design as the front seats for a single-seat impression. The ambient lighting system has 64 colors, just like other Mercedes-Benz models. The air-conditioning includes a special setting that briefly changes color to show if temperature is set to make the cabin warmer (red) or cooler (blue). The instrument cluster display has three styles: Classic, Sport, and Progressive.

There's also an Energizing Comfort setting that links numerous comfort system to provide a suitable atmosphere. The feature changes setting for climate control (including fragrancing), seating functions, steering wheel, lighting, and music. There are six programs to choose from: Refresh / Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort / Well-Being, and Training. The latter has three additional settings for the seat massage function: muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance.

When it comes to driver assistance features, they're borrowed from the S-Class so the standard package includes Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and Pre-Safe. The optional Driver Assistance Package adds Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Safe Plus, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side. Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions.

On top of that, the CLS has better views of surrounding traffic thanks to improved camera and radar systems. It's also using map and navigation data to calculate driving behavior for the first time.

Edition 1

The launch model comes with a few extras that won't be included as standard features on the regular CLS. Highlights include dashboard support lined in black Nappa leather, center console and dashboard support trim in Natural grain black ash wood with matching center console, and an IWC analogue clock with exclusive dial face. The vehicle key is finished in high-gloss black with high-sheen chrome surround, while the seats have colored piping. "Edition 1" badges are added on the floor mats, along with copper-chrome "Edition 1" lettering on the center console. An "Edition 1" welcome screen on the infotainment display rounds out the package.

Drivetrain

- Completely new six-cylinder engine - 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet - EQ Boost electric motor - 21-horsepower and 184-pound-feet boost - V-8 performance with boost function - Enhanced fuel economy - All-wheel-drive available - Optional Air Body Control air suspension

The third-gen CLS was unveiled with just one engine, but instead of getting a unit that's already being offered in the E-Class -- with which it shares a platform -- the four-door coupe gets its juice from a completely new powerplant. The engine in question is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that features an integrated starter/generator called EQ Boost. The integrated electric motor assists the combustion engine when accelerating, making driving without it possible, and supplies the battery with power by means of high-efficiency recuperation. By doing so it increase fuel efficiency. Yup, it's basically a hybrid.

But on top on providing savings at the fuel pump, EQ Boost also increases performance, enabling the six-cylinder to deliver the performance of an eight-cylinder engine. Specifically, it cranks out 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of twist as a traditional engine, while the EQ Boost provides an additional 21 horses and 184 pound-feet over short periods. All told, the drivetrain can deliver up to 383 horsepower and a whopping 553 pound-feet of torque!

Performance ratings aren't yet available, but expect this model, called the CLS450, to be the most powerful non-AMG model. An all-wheel-drive version with 4Matic is also offered.

The new CLS uses a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. A dynamically set-up steel comfort suspension is standard equipment, but the four-door coupe can be equipped with Air Body Control air suspension with adjustable and adaptive damping. The driver is able to select vehicle characteristics from comfortable to sporty using the driving mode switch.

More engine options will be added later on, but they are likely to become available in Europe only. However, the U.S. market will get the AMG model, most likely to be called the Mercedes-AMG CLS63 (and probably the CLS63 S too).

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

6/in-line

Displacement (cc)

2,999

Rated output (hp)

362 HP @ 5,500 – 6,100 RPM

Add. output from EQ Boost (hp)

21 HP

Rated torque (lb-ft)

369 LB-FT @ 1,600 – 4,000 RPM

Add. torque from EQ Boost (lb-ft)

184 LB-FT

Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec)

TBA / TBA

Top Speed

155 mph


Prices

Pricing for the new-generation CLS has yet to be revealed, but it's safe to assume that it should remain similar to the outgoing model. In the U.S., the old CLS starts from $75,150 in CLS550 trim. Granted, this model is powered by a V-8 engine and has a bit more oomph, but the extra tech and the new design features should place the new model in a similar price bracket. Expect the new model to cost at least $76,000 before options.

Competition

Audi A7

Launched in 2010, the A7 was the first response to the CLS in the premium market. Slotted between the A6 and A8, the A7 has a similar configuration, being a four-door sedan with a sporty, sloping roofline. On top of the exclusive exterior features, the A7 gets the latest technology inside the cabin. As you’d expect from a large vehicle wearing the four rings, the interior is also wrapped in premium materials with all sorts of bespoke options available via the company’s customizing division. The engine lineup is somewhat similar to the CLS, with no drivetrain delivering less than 200 horsepower. The base model gets a 2.8-liter V-6 with 204 horses and 207 pound-feet, while the U.S.-spec version gets the 3.0-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet. The performance range includes the S7 and RS7, both using the 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo. Output for these variants is rated at 420 and 560 horsepower, respectively. Moving over to the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, power ratings start at 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet and go all the way up to 313 horses and 479 pound-feet. The A7 range starts from $69,700 for the 2018 model year.

Read our full review of the 2019 Audi A7.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe / 6 Series Gran Turismo

In 2012, BMW joined this battle with the 6 Series Gran Coupe, which is essentially a sleeker version of the 7 Series, but with 6 Series styling. However, BMW made some awkward decisions recently and decided to discontinue the 6 Series. The Gran Coupe model is still available in showrooms as of December 2017, but it will probably be retired for good in 2018. Meanwhile, BMW launched the next-generation 6 Series Gran Turismo as a replacement for the slightly smaller 5 Series Gran Turismo. Although the GT model isn’t as sleek as the Gran Coupe due to its hatchback-style layout, it’s the closest thing to the CLS you can buy from BMW in terms of size. But despite wearing a "6 Series" badge, the Gran Turismo is a 5 Series inside the cabin, as well as under the hood. Motivation comes from three different drivetrains, starting with a turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Next up is a 3.0-liter inline-six that cranks out 340 horses and 332 pound-feet. The third unit is a diesel, also a 3.0-liter inline-six that delivers 265 horsepower and an impressive 457 pound-feet of twist. Pricing for the 6 Series Gran Coupe starts from $81,400, while the Gran Turismo model retails from $69,700.

Read our full stories on the 2017 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and 2018 6 Series Gran Turismo.

Porsche Panamera

Unveiled for the 2010 model year, the Panamera is Porsche’s first ever sedan and fits the bill as a competitor for the CLS. Its 911-inspired exterior is sporty in just about any trim, while the interior is as premium as they get. Redesigned in 2016, the Panamera became significantly more aggressive and gained state-of-the-art tech that puts it at the top of its segment. Also the only car in this niche available with an extended wheelbase, the Panamera can be had with a selection of V6 and V-8 engines. The 2.9-liter V-6 in the 4S model cranks out 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet, while the 4.0-liter, biturbo V-8 in the Turbo model is good for 550 horses and 567 pound-feet of twist. Additionally, the 4 E-Hybrid model, which pairs the V-6 to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery delivers 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. More oomph is available with the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which is rated at a whopping 680 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque. Pricing starts from $85,000 for the V-6 version and from $150,000 for the Turbo. The E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid start from $99,600 and the $184,400, respectively.

Read our full review of the 2018 Porsche Panamera.

Conclusion

Although it's a relatively new nameplate with less than 15 years old as of 2017, the CLS is already an important part of the modern Mercedes-Benz lineup. Not only it helped the German brand kickstart a new niche, but it also gave customers a new option between the E-Class and the S-Class. One that's just as luxurious as the full-size but boasts the styling of a coupe. The fact that both BMW and Audi created their own propositions for this market is proof that the CLS was a vision and not just a bold design exercise. The third-generation model is here to move the legacy forward with the same sporty, bold design, but with even more unique features, the company's latest technology, and a brand-new engine. While it won't be as popular as the S-Class, it will keep the Mercedes lineup colorful and Audi and BMW on its toes.

References

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Update History

Updated 05/03/2017: Based on the recent spy shots and rumors, we created a rendering for the upcoming Mercedes CLS. Check it out and let us know what do you think about it.

Spy Shots

October 12, 2017 - Mercedes CLS caught wearing no camouflage

August 24, 2017 - Mercedes CLS starts dropping camouflage

Rendering

Our rendering includes all the details spotted in the spy shots, but we decided to do the AMG version instead of the regular model. To create the next-gen AMG CLS63, our designer added a more aggressive front bumper with larger vents, exclusive wheels, "V8 Biturbo" badges on the front fenders, a trunk lid spoiler, and a sportier diffuser with quad tailpipes.