2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450: A Masterclass in Style and Mild-Hybrid Performance

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic makes a compelling statement in the luxury car market. After spending a week immersed in its opulent features and dynamic performance, it’s clear that this third-generation model successfully blends aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge technology and a thrilling driving experience. While it presents a few compromises, particularly for rear-seat passengers, the CLS 450 emerges as a truly exceptional luxury cruiser, especially for those who prioritize style and sophisticated engineering.

Striking Design: Form Prioritizes Flair

The most immediately striking aspect of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is undoubtedly its design. The dramatically sloping roofline, a signature element of the CLS, undeniably sets it apart. This design choice, while visually captivating, does come with functional implications. Sharing its platform with the more conventionally shaped E-Class, the CLS opts for a bolder, more coupe-like silhouette. However, this sleek roofline directly impacts rear passenger space, creating a trade-off between style and practicality. While Mercedes-Benz markets the CLS as a coupe, its four-door configuration naturally leads passengers to expect spacious rear seating.

Despite the rear headroom constraints, the exterior design of the CLS 450 is undeniably alluring. It presents a refined and more mature aesthetic compared to its predecessors, featuring a front fascia that subtly hints at AMG styling cues, often described as “AMG Lite.” If there’s a minor point of contention in the exterior design, it might be the rear end. While the front is sharp and assertive, the rear appears somewhat softer and less defined in comparison.

Interior Opulence and Cutting-Edge Technology

Stepping inside the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 reveals a cabin that is nothing short of breathtaking. The interior design is a masterpiece of luxury, adorned with meticulously stitched two-tone brown leather and open-pore wood trim. Every surface exudes quality, with no hint of cheap materials, even extending to fabric-lined door panel pockets. The front seats are exceptionally well-designed, offering deep bolstering and support in all the right areas, making them the prime seating positions in the car – even before considering the heated massage functions.

Elevating the passenger experience further is the Energizing Comfort system. This innovative feature offers selectable moods that orchestrate a symphony of in-cabin adjustments, including climate control, fragrance diffusion, ambient lighting, music, and seat massage settings, all aimed at crafting a specific atmosphere. While some might view it as a novelty, certain pre-programmed settings prove surprisingly enjoyable. The 64-color ambient lighting system is particularly captivating at night, illuminating a significant portion of the interior. Intriguingly, even the air vents are integrated into this system, glowing blue when the temperature is lowered and red when it’s raised.

Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity

Beyond the immersive ambiance, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is equipped with a wealth of infotainment technology. The test vehicle features dual 12.3-inch digital displays. The driver-side display functions as a customizable gauge cluster with various design themes, while the central screen houses the COMAND infotainment system. While the CLS 450 does not feature the newer MBUX system found in models like the A-Class, the COMAND system is a mature and highly refined interface. Years of development have resulted in a system that is responsive and intuitive to navigate, whether using the center console dial and buttons or the steering wheel-mounted thumb pads. The COMAND system is feature-rich, boasting an impressive 25-speaker Burmester audio system, navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Connectivity is well addressed with a wireless charging pad and three easily accessible USB ports in the front. Rear passengers are provided with a USB jack, a 12-volt outlet, and a two-prong plug located on the back of the center console. Like the flagship S-Class, the 2019 CLS 450 offers a suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, including systems for maintaining lane position in traffic and executing lane changes. Additional safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display, enhancing both safety and convenience.

Mild-Hybrid Powertrain: Smooth Power and Efficiency

Perhaps the most technologically sophisticated aspect of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is its mild-hybrid powertrain. It starts with a newly developed 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz augments this with a 48-volt alternator and electric motor, contributing an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This electric boost aids in initial acceleration and powers auxiliary systems when the car is stationary. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain propels the CLS 450 4Matic from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a brisk 4.8 seconds. The integration of electric propulsion is seamless, providing linear power delivery, complemented by the transmission’s smooth and precisely timed gear changes.

The mild-hybrid system also enhances fuel efficiency by enabling quicker and more prolonged activation of the stop-start system. Unlike many stop-start systems that can be jarring, the CLS 450’s system is remarkably refined. The inline-six engine restarts almost instantly from stoplight pauses with minimal vibration. These efficiency enhancements contribute to the all-wheel-drive CLS 450 achieving an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort

Whether navigating city streets or cruising on expressways, the optional air suspension in the CLS 450 delivers a plush ride in Comfort mode, effortlessly absorbing imperfections on the road. This makes it an ideal candidate for extended road trips. For more spirited driving, Sport Plus mode sharpens engine response and firms up the suspension for improved cornering. The 19-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires (245/40 front, 275/35 rear) provide substantial grip.

The only minor criticism in terms of driving dynamics is the somewhat numb on-center steering feel, even in Sport mode. This results in slightly less immediate turn-in response, but the steering does gain weight and feedback as more steering input is applied.

Configuring Your Ideal CLS 450

For a personalized 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450, opting for the standard rear-wheel-drive model, starting at $70,195 (including destination), presents a compelling value proposition. Adding options like Lunar Blue Metallic paint, the AMG Line package for enhanced aesthetics, and the Premium Package for Burmester sound and wireless charging further elevates the experience. For ultimate comfort, consider adding massage, rapid heating, and cooling functions to the front seats. Finally, the Parking Assist Package with a 360-degree camera and rear cross-traffic alert enhances convenience and safety. This curated configuration offers a balance of luxury and features while remaining significantly more accessible than the fully-loaded 4Matic test vehicle.

Conclusion: A Stylish Statement

If frequent rear passenger transport is a primary need, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 might not be the most practical choice. In such cases, the more conventional Mercedes-Benz E-Class would be a more suitable option. However, for buyers who prioritize distinctive styling and primarily accommodate one or two passengers in the rear, the CLS 450 is an exceptional choice. It delivers a compelling blend of performance, striking aesthetics, and a luxurious and comfortable cabin. While technically a four-door car, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is best enjoyed as a sophisticated and stylish personal luxury vehicle, offering a truly rewarding experience for those who appreciate automotive artistry and engineering excellence.

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