The Mercedes-Benz CLS has long been recognized as a pioneer, a vehicle that masterfully blended the seductive lines of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. For the 2019 model year, the Mercedes-Benz CLS continued to uphold this legacy, introducing a new generation that further refined its iconic design and integrated cutting-edge technology. This article delves into the nuances of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2019, exploring its exterior and interior design, performance features, and innovative technology that cemented its position in the luxury automotive landscape.
Exterior Design: Puristic Lines and Self-Assured Sportiness
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS marked the advent of a fresh design language for Mercedes-Benz, characterized by clear contours and minimalist lines. This approach, dubbed “Sensual Purity,” aimed to distill the essence of the CLS DNA into an even more emotionally resonant form. The front fascia immediately commands attention with its diamond radiator grille, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes, featuring a single louver and pins in matt chrome. The grille’s contour broadens as it descends, drawing a visual parallel to the Mercedes-AMG GT’s assertive stance.
The headlamps, positioned wide and low, flank the grille and feature an inward slant, dynamically mirroring the grille’s outline. The hood, seamlessly integrated into the bodywork, enhances the smooth, uncluttered aesthetic of the front end. Moving to the side profile, the CLS 2019 retains its signature arching waistline and a low greenhouse, creating the classic coupe silhouette. Frameless side windows amplify the sleekness, while the forward-leaning front section, reminiscent of a shark’s nose, adds to the vehicle’s dynamic presence. The surfaces are generously curved, and sharp lines are deliberately minimized, embodying the sensual purity design philosophy.
The rear of the CLS 2019 is equally distinctive, featuring a muscular shoulder line that flows gracefully into the flat rear end. Two-section LED taillamps, with their crystalline appearance and three-dimensional effect, are a defining coupe element. Their low placement visually widens the vehicle’s stance. The reflectors are integrated into the rear bumper, while the license plate is also positioned in the bumper, allowing the iconic Mercedes star to take center stage on the trunk lid. These design cues collectively underscore the CLS 2019’s self-assured sportiness, firmly establishing it within the Mercedes-Benz coupe family.
Interior Elegance: A Fusion of Sportiness and Spaciousness
Stepping inside the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2019 reveals a luxurious cabin that echoes the flowing lines of the exterior. The interior design prioritizes a sense of spaciousness, achieved through a width-accentuated cockpit and a harmonious color scheme. High-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship are evident throughout the cabin. The wave-like design theme seamlessly connects the front and rear doors, creating a sense of continuity and openness, particularly as it expands towards the B-pillars.
A striking feature of the ambient lighting system is the illuminated air vents, designed to resemble jet aircraft turbines, adding a touch of modern sophistication. The seats, newly designed for this model, further enhance the sporty ambiance with their hand-finished appearance and high-quality piping. Notably, the 2019 CLS became a five-seater for the first time, with rear outer seats designed to mirror the sporty aesthetic of the front seats, offering individual seat-like comfort. The rear seat backrests offer 40/20/40 split-folding functionality, enhancing versatility.
The driver-centric cockpit is dominated by a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display, with an option to upgrade to dual 12.3-inch displays that merge into a widescreen cockpit under a continuous glass cover. This digital cockpit allows drivers to customize information display based on their preferences and driving needs, offering three display styles: Classic, Sport, and Progressive. The ambient lighting system is highly customizable with 64 colors, extending to the air vents, and even providing visual feedback for temperature adjustments (red for warmer, blue for cooler).
Performance and Innovation: Electrified Power and Intelligent Drive
Under the hood, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS introduced a new generation of powertrains, most notably a systematically electrified in-line six-cylinder engine in the CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC models. This engine features EQ Boost, an integrated starter-generator, and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. The result is an impressive 362 horsepower, complemented by an additional 21 horsepower boost and substantial torque available via EQ Boost during short bursts.
The EQ Boost system not only augments power but also enhances efficiency through features like “sailing” (driving without the combustion engine) and high-efficiency recuperation, contributing to fuel savings previously associated with high-voltage hybrid technology. The new in-line six-cylinder engine delivers performance comparable to an eight-cylinder engine but with significantly improved fuel economy. The CLS 450 models achieve 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 4.8 seconds (CLS 450 4MATIC).
The CLS 2019 also inherited advanced technology from the S-Class, particularly in driving assistance systems. The latest generation of these systems, including route-based speed adaptation and the Driver Assistance Package, enhance both safety and convenience. Standard safety features include Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, with newly standard PRE-SAFE® Sound.
Optional Driver Assistance Package further expands capabilities with features like 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. These systems utilize improved camera and radar technology, and for the first time, incorporate map and navigation data to anticipate driving conditions. The LED Intelligent Light System, optionally available with Ultra Wide Beam high beams, further enhances visibility and safety, providing maximum road illumination without dazzling other drivers.
Comfort and Wellness: ENERGIZING Comfort and Suspension
Beyond performance and technology, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2019 prioritizes passenger comfort and well-being. AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, available as an option, provides adjustable and adaptive damping, allowing drivers to tailor the ride from comfortable to sporty via the driving mode switch. ENERGIZING Comfort system further enhances the driving experience by linking various comfort features such as climate control (including fragrancing), seat heating, ventilation, massage, surface heating, steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres.
Six ENERGIZING Comfort programs – Refresh/Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort/Well-Being, and Training – offer pre-set wellness setups designed to enhance mood and reduce driver fatigue. Standard appointments in the CLS 2019 are comprehensive, including AMG body styling, newly designed LED headlamps and taillamps, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch COMAND® display, ambient lighting with illuminated air vents, Car-to-X Communication, and Smartphone Integration.
Edition 1: An Exclusive Launch Offering
To mark the launch of the new CLS, Mercedes-Benz offered the Edition 1, an especially exclusive model. Based on the AMG Line, the Edition 1 featured unique design elements like the COPPER ART interior concept with black pearl nappa leather seats with copper-colored accents and contrasting stitching, a unique diamond grille with copper-colored shimmer, and “Edition 1” lettering. Standard features included LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. The interior boasted a nappa leather dashboard, natural grain black ash wood trim, an IWC analogue clock, and “Edition 1” badging and displays, further elevating the CLS 2019’s luxurious appeal.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2019 represents a significant evolution of the four-door coupe, blending iconic design with innovative technology and enhanced comfort. Its puristic exterior lines, luxurious and spacious interior, electrified powertrains, and advanced driving assistance systems solidify its position as a leader in the luxury automotive segment, continuing the legacy of the CLS as a design and engineering icon.
