Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury, innovation, and groundbreaking design in the automotive world. In 2003, they carved out a unique niche with the introduction of the CLS, a vehicle that daringly blended the sleek silhouette of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. This bold move created an entirely new vehicle segment and the CLS quickly became an icon of automotive design. Now, entering its third generation, the Mercedes Cls 2019 arrives, not just as an evolution, but as a revolution, pioneering a new design language for Mercedes-Benz and pushing the boundaries of technology and comfort.
The Mercedes CLS 2019 is more than just a car; it’s a statement. It embodies self-assured sportiness with the unmistakable elegance that defines Mercedes-Benz coupes. This isn’t simply a facelift; it’s a ground-up reimagining of the four-door coupe concept, infused with thrilling technology and unparalleled comfort, while now offering seating for five passengers for the first time. The world premiere of this exciting vehicle took place at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, and anticipation has been building ever since for its arrival in the US market in late 2018.
A Legacy of Design Innovation: Evolving Sensual Purity
The original CLS was a design icon, and the Mercedes CLS 2019 proudly carries that DNA forward. It retains the signature arching waistline, the elegantly flat side window lines, and the low greenhouse that defined its predecessors. However, Mercedes-Benz has taken their “Sensual Purity” design philosophy to the next level. Sharp edges and overly complex lines have been consciously reduced, resulting in a form that is both purer and more emotionally resonant. The Mercedes CLS 2019 seamlessly integrates into the current Mercedes-Benz coupe family, sharing design cues while forging its own distinct identity.
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The design philosophy is evident in every curve and contour of the Mercedes CLS 2019. Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, aptly describes it: “The new CLS is a design icon as the archetype of the four-door coupe. In line with our hot & cool design philosophy, we have reduced its DNA to an extremely puristic level while emotionally charging its beauty.” This reduction to the essential, combined with emotionally driven design elements, is what makes the Mercedes CLS 2019 so captivating.
Exterior Design: Self-Assured Sportiness, Pure Mercedes-Benz Coupe
The front end of the Mercedes CLS 2019 immediately commands attention. The diamond grille, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes, is prominently featured with a single louver. Distinctively, the grille contour widens as it descends, a design element reminiscent of the powerful Mercedes-AMG GT, projecting a sense of dynamic presence. The hood flows seamlessly into the body surfaces, creating a clean and integrated look. Flanking the grille are very flat and wide headlamps that slant inwards, dynamically mirroring the grille’s contour and enhancing the car’s assertive stance.
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Moving to the side profile, the high, arching waistline and the sporty, low greenhouse with frameless side windows define the coupe aesthetic. The forward-slanting front end, often likened to a shark’s nose, adds to the dynamic feel and visually elongates the hood. The surfaces are generously arched, embodying the sensual purity philosophy, with lines and edges minimized to emphasize the fluid form.
The rear of the Mercedes CLS 2019 is equally striking. The muscular rear shoulder line gracefully merges into the flat rear end. Two-section taillamps, a signature coupe feature, are present, along with reflectors integrated into the rear bumper and the license plate positioned in the bumper itself. The iconic Mercedes star takes its central place on the trunk lid, completing the rear design. The LED taillamps, mirroring the headlamps in design sophistication, boast a crystalline appearance and create a captivating three-dimensional effect. Their low positioning further accentuates the vehicle’s width and planted stance.
Interior Design: Luxurious Space and Cutting-Edge Technology
Stepping inside the Mercedes CLS 2019 is an experience in luxurious modernity. The interior echoes the sensual, flowing lines of the exterior, creating a cohesive design language throughout the vehicle. The choice of high-grade materials and the impeccable level of finish are immediately apparent, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The cockpit is designed to be sporty and width-accentuated, creating a sense of generous spaciousness for both driver and passengers. The color combinations further enhance this feeling of openness. The interior design flows seamlessly from the front to the rear doors, creating a wraparound effect that opens up at the B-pillars, contributing to the airy ambiance. A novel highlight of the ambient lighting is the illuminated air vents, designed to resemble jet aircraft turbines, adding a touch of futuristic sophistication. The seats, with their hand-finished appearance, further reinforce the sporty yet luxurious character of the interior.
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The Mercedes CLS 2019 is equipped with a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display as standard. Optionally, this can be upgraded to a dual 12.3-inch display setup, merging to form a stunning widescreen cockpit beneath a continuous glass cover. This digital instrument cluster is a key feature, allowing the driver to customize the displayed information based on their needs and driving situation. Three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – can be selected to match personal preference, mood, or the interior appointments.
Ambient lighting plays a significant role in the Mercedes CLS 2019 interior experience. It is individually adjustable in a spectrum of 64 colors and extends to the air vents, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. A smart touch is the integration of the climate control system with the ambient lighting; when adjusting the temperature, the air vents briefly illuminate in red (warmer) or blue (cooler) to provide visual feedback.
The seats in the Mercedes CLS 2019 are newly designed specifically for this model series, featuring high-quality piping. The rear outer seats are styled to mirror the front seats, creating a sporty individual-seat impression, even though the CLS is now a five-seater for the first time, enhancing its practicality and versatility. For added convenience, the rear seat backrests can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split, expanding cargo space as needed.
ENERGIZING Comfort: Wellness on the Road
The Mercedes CLS 2019 goes beyond mere comfort; it offers a holistic wellness experience with ENERGIZING Comfort. This innovative system intelligently links various comfort features within the vehicle, including climate control (with fragrance), seats (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres. ENERGIZING Comfort allows drivers to select from six pre-programmed modes designed to enhance well-being and performance based on their mood and needs.
The six programs include:
- Refresh / Freshness: Designed to invigorate and combat fatigue.
- Warmth: Creates a cozy and comforting environment, ideal for colder weather.
- Vitality: A program aimed at increasing energy levels and alertness.
- Joy: Promotes a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
- Comfort / Well-Being: Focuses on relaxation and stress reduction.
- Training: Offers three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance – each with guided exercises, encouraging physical well-being even during journeys.
Intelligent Drive: S-Class Technology for Enhanced Safety and Assistance
The Mercedes CLS 2019 benefits from technology derived from the flagship S-Class, placing it at the forefront of automotive innovation. It is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, offering route-based speed adaptation and comprehensive driver support through the Driver Assistance Package.
Standard safety features are extensive and include Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. A newly standard feature is PRE-SAFE® Sound, which proactively prepares human hearing for the anticipated noise of an accident when a collision risk is detected.
The optional Driver Assistance Package significantly expands the assistance capabilities, incorporating:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
- Active Speed Limit Assist: Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to detected speed limits.
- Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function: Enhances braking assistance, particularly in complex traffic situations.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Helps the driver to perform evasive maneuvers in emergency situations.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: Monitors blind spots and can intervene to prevent lane changes into occupied lanes.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Detects lane departure and can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Extends PRE-SAFE® protection to rear-end collisions.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side: Prepares occupants for a side impact by inflating the side bolsters to move them away from the door.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist have been further refined in the Mercedes CLS 2019 to provide even more intuitive and comfortable support for maintaining distance and steering. The system now proactively adjusts speed for curves and junctions, enhancing driving smoothness. Active Lane Change Assist has also been significantly improved for more seamless lane changes.
Enhanced camera and radar systems provide the Mercedes CLS 2019 with an even more comprehensive view of surrounding traffic. For the first time, the system utilizes map and navigation data to anticipate driving behavior and optimize assistance functions. The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument cluster provides a clear visual overview of active assistance functions and their responses. All assistance functions are conveniently controlled via the steering wheel. In stop-and-go traffic, the system can now handle stops of up to 3 seconds, automatically resuming movement and following the traffic flow.
The optional LED Intelligent Light System can be further enhanced with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. Ultra Wide Beams significantly broaden the illumination area, maximizing road and surrounding area visibility, representing a substantial improvement over the already impressive LED Intelligent Light System. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, also part of the LED Intelligent Light System, allows for continuous use of high beams without dazzling other road users, intelligently switching off LEDs in the high beam modules when oncoming or preceding vehicles are detected, while maintaining main beam illumination in other areas.
Suspension and Powertrain: Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes CLS 2019 features a sophisticated suspension system, with a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. A dynamically tuned steel comfort suspension is standard, providing a balance of comfort and handling. For enhanced adjustability, the optionally available AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension has been improved with adjustable and adaptive damping. The driver can select vehicle characteristics ranging from comfortable to sporty using the driving mode selector.
Powering the Mercedes CLS 2019, specifically the CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC models, is a brand-new, systematically electrified in-line six-cylinder engine. This engine incorporates EQ Boost (integrated starter/generator) and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. It delivers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and significant torque boost available via EQ Boost for short periods. The integrated electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration, enables “sailing” (driving without the combustion engine), and recharges the battery through high-efficiency recuperation. This innovative system allows for fuel savings previously only achievable with high-voltage hybrid technology. The new in-line six-cylinder engine delivers the performance of a comparable eight-cylinder engine with significantly reduced fuel consumption. The CLS 450 comes standard with a particulate filter.
Technical Specifications: Mercedes CLS450 / CLS450 4MATIC
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders/arrangement | 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 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.1 / 4.8 |
Edition 1: Exclusive Launch Model
For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, the Mercedes CLS 2019 is available as an Edition 1 model. This launch edition features a host of luxurious standard features, including the COPPER ART interior concept. This design theme incorporates seats in black pearl nappa leather with diamond-design center sections and striking copper-colored accents. Copper-colored contrasting topstitching is found throughout the interior, including the center console, seats, armrests, dashboard, and door linings. A unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and a copper-colored shimmer on the louver further distinguishes the Edition 1.
The exterior of the Edition 1 is based on the AMG Line, enhanced with standard LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels finished in black with a high-sheen rim flange. “Edition 1” lettering on the front fenders clearly identifies this special model.
Interior highlights of the Edition 1 include:
- Dashboard support lined in black nappa leather
- Center console and dashboard support trim in Natural grain black ash wood with matching center console
- Exclusive IWC analogue clock
- Vehicle key in high-gloss black with high-sheen chrome surround
- Floor mats with “Edition 1” badge and copper-colored piping
- Chrome “Edition 1” lettering on the center console and “Edition 1” display on the welcome screen.
The Mercedes CLS 2019 represents a significant leap forward for the four-door coupe segment. It seamlessly blends breathtaking design, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious comfort, all while pioneering a new design direction for Mercedes-Benz. For those seeking a vehicle that is both emotionally engaging and technologically advanced, the Mercedes CLS 2019 stands as a compelling choice, redefining what a four-door coupe can be.
