The Mercedes-Benz CLS has long been admired for its groundbreaking design, seamlessly merging the sleekness of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. The 2019 Mercedes CLS marks the third generation of this iconic vehicle, pushing the boundaries of automotive design and technology even further. For those in the UK keen on car detailing and appreciating automotive excellence, understanding the nuances of the Cls Mercedes 2019 is crucial. This article provides an in-depth exploration of what makes this model a standout in the luxury car market.
Evolution of an Icon: The 2019 CLS Design Philosophy
Mercedes-Benz established a new vehicle category with the original CLS in 2003, and the 2019 model resolutely builds upon this heritage. It retains the signature CLS genes – the elegant, arching waistline, the gracefully sloping side windows, and the low-profile greenhouse. However, the design has evolved, embodying Mercedes-Benz’s “Sensual Purity” design language with even greater clarity. Sharp lines and pronounced edges are minimized, resulting in a smoother, more fluid aesthetic that aligns perfectly with the contemporary Mercedes-Benz coupe family.
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, aptly describes the new CLS as a “design icon” and the “archetype of the four-door coupe.” He emphasizes the reduction of its DNA to a “puristic level” while enhancing its emotional appeal. This design philosophy is evident throughout the vehicle, from the striking front to the elegantly sculpted rear.
Exterior Aesthetics: Sportiness and Sensual Purity
The front of the 2019 CLS immediately commands attention with its distinctive diamond grille, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes, featuring a single louver. The grille’s contour broadens towards the base, a design cue reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG GT, lending a powerful and assertive stance. The hood flows seamlessly into the body, creating a unified and sculpted front end. The headlights, notably flat and wide with inward-slanting edges, dynamically follow the grille’s contours, further emphasizing the car’s width and sporty character.
Alt text: Front view of the 2019 Mercedes CLS showcasing the diamond grille and sleek LED headlights, embodying modern Mercedes-Benz coupe design.
The side profile of the CLS Mercedes 2019 is defined by its high, arching waistline and sporty, low greenhouse with frameless side windows, contributing to its coupe-like silhouette. The forward-slanting front end, likened to a shark’s nose, and the fully inset hood elongate the car visually. The overall contour adheres to the sensual purity philosophy, characterized by reduced lines and edges, and generously arched surfaces that play with light and shadow.
Moving to the rear, the muscular shoulder line seamlessly transitions into the flat rear end, a signature CLS design element. The two-section taillamps, reflectors integrated into the rear bumper, the license plate recess in the bumper, and the centrally positioned Mercedes star on the trunk lid are all classic coupe design features. The LED taillamps, mirroring the headlights, possess a crystalline appearance and create a striking three-dimensional effect. Their low placement accentuates the vehicle’s width, reinforcing its planted and confident stance on the road.
Alt text: Rear view of the 2019 Mercedes CLS highlighting the three-dimensional LED taillamps and the coupe-like rear design.
Interior Refinement: A Blend of Luxury and Technology
The interior of the 2019 CLS Coupe mirrors the sensual and flowing lines of the exterior, creating a harmonious and luxurious cabin environment. The use of high-grade materials and meticulous craftsmanship are immediately apparent, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and refinement.
The cockpit is designed with a sporty, width-accentuated layout, and the intelligent use of color combinations enhances the sense of spaciousness. The wave-like design theme seamlessly flows from the front to the rear doors, creating a cohesive and enveloping feel. A particularly striking feature is the illuminated air vents, reminiscent of jet aircraft turbines, which add a modern and sophisticated touch to the ambient lighting system. The seats, with their hand-finished appearance, further contribute to the sporty yet luxurious ambiance.
The CLS 450 comes standard with a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display. Optionally, drivers can opt for dual 12.3-inch displays that merge under a single glass cover to form a widescreen cockpit. This digital instrument cluster is a central element of the modern interior, allowing drivers to customize the displayed information based on their preferences and driving needs. The center console, available in open-pore or high-gloss wood trim, appears to float above the dashboard, adding to the interior’s contemporary design.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2019 Mercedes CLS dashboard showcasing the widescreen digital instrument cluster and luxurious wood trim.
The fully digital cockpit offers three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – allowing drivers to personalize the instrument cluster to match their mood or the car’s interior trim. The ambient lighting system is highly customizable with 64 colors, extending to the illuminated air vents, creating a truly immersive and personalized driving experience. A unique touch is the ambient lighting’s integration with the climate control system, briefly changing color (red for warmer, blue for cooler) when adjusting the temperature.
The seats in the 2019 CLS are newly designed and feature high-quality piping. While maintaining a sporty, individual-seat appearance, especially in the rear, the CLS is now a five-seater for the first time, enhancing its practicality. The rear seat backrests offer a 40/20/40 split-folding configuration, further increasing versatility and cargo space when needed.
Performance and Technology: Under the Hood of the CLS 450
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is powered by a completely new in-line six-cylinder engine, marking a significant step forward in Mercedes-Benz’s powertrain technology. This engine is systematically electrified, featuring EQ Boost (an integrated starter/generator) and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. This innovative system provides a substantial 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by an additional 21 horsepower and torque boost available via EQ Boost for short bursts.
The EQ Boost system not only augments performance but also enhances efficiency. The integrated electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration, enables fuel-saving “sailing” (driving without the combustion engine), and recharges the battery through high-efficiency recuperation. This technology allows the new in-line six-cylinder to deliver the performance of a larger eight-cylinder engine while achieving significantly improved fuel economy. The CLS 450 also comes standard with a particulate filter, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
| CLS450 / CLS450 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The CLS 450 is available in both rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations, offering a choice to suit different driving preferences and conditions. The performance figures are impressive, with the CLS 450 4MATIC accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
Comfort and Convenience: ENERGIZING Comfort and Intelligent Drive
Beyond its sporty character, the 2019 CLS Mercedes 2019 prioritizes comfort and well-being. The optional AIR BODY CONTROL suspension provides adaptive damping and adjustable ride characteristics, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s dynamics from comfortable to sporty using the driving mode selector. The ENERGIZING Comfort system further enhances the driving experience by linking various comfort features within the vehicle.
ENERGIZING Comfort strategically utilizes the climate control system (including fragrance), seats (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres to create wellness programs tailored to the driver’s mood and needs. These programs, such as “Refresh,” “Warmth,” “Vitality,” “Joy,” “Comfort,” and “Training,” aim to enhance well-being and driver performance, especially on long journeys.
The 2019 CLS also benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s advanced Intelligent Drive technologies, many of which are derived from the flagship S-Class. The Driver Assistance Package includes a suite of cutting-edge systems designed to enhance safety and driver support. Standard safety features include Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, along with PRE-SAFE® Sound, which prepares occupants’ hearing for potential accident noise.
The optional Driver Assistance Package expands on these features, incorporating 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 provide enhanced support for maintaining a safe distance, steering, and staying within lane markings, further reducing driver workload and enhancing safety. The improved camera and radar systems provide a more comprehensive view of the surrounding traffic, and for the first time, the system utilizes map and navigation data to anticipate driving behavior and adjust assistance accordingly.
The optional LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam high beams further enhances visibility, providing maximum illumination of the road and surrounding areas. Adaptive Highbeam Assist allows for continuous use of high beams without dazzling other road users, automatically adjusting the light distribution based on traffic conditions.
Edition 1: An Exclusive Launch Offering
To mark the launch of the new CLS, Mercedes-Benz offered the exclusive Edition 1 model. This special edition elevates the CLS experience with unique interior and exterior enhancements. The COPPER ART interior concept features black pearl nappa leather seats with diamond-patterned center sections and copper-colored accents, along with copper-colored contrasting stitching throughout the cabin. The unique diamond grille with matte chrome pins and a copper-colored shimmer further distinguishes the Edition 1 exterior, which is based on the AMG Line. Special features also include LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in black with a high-sheen rim flange. “Edition 1” lettering on the front fenders and interior elements like a dashboard lined in black nappa leather, natural grain black ash wood trim, an IWC analogue clock, and “Edition 1” badging further emphasize the exclusivity of this model.
Conclusion: The 2019 CLS – A Benchmark in Luxury Coupes
The 2019 Mercedes CLS represents a significant evolution of a design icon. It successfully blends breathtaking aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, powerful yet efficient performance, and a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. For car detailing enthusiasts and those who appreciate the finer aspects of automotive design and engineering, the CLS Mercedes 2019 stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the luxury coupe segment. Its blend of sporty elegance and advanced features makes it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a vehicle that is both stylish and sophisticated.
