Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury, innovation, and groundbreaking design. In 2003, they carved out a unique niche in the automotive world with the CLS, a vehicle that daringly blended the sleek silhouette of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. For 2019, the Mercedes CLS Class enters its third generation, building upon this legacy while pushing the boundaries of design and technology even further. This all-new model isn’t just an evolution; it’s a revolution, setting a new benchmark for four-door coupes and signaling the future direction of Mercedes-Benz design.
A Masterclass in Sensual Purity: The 2019 CLS Exterior Design
The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class emerges with a striking new design language, characterized by what Mercedes-Benz calls “Sensual Purity.” This philosophy translates into a form that is both emotionally engaging and intellectually refined. The most immediate visual cue is the redesigned front fascia, dominated by a diamond grille that broadens as it descends, a subtle nod to the powerful Mercedes-AMG GT. This grille, featuring a single louver, is instantly recognizable as a hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz coupe family. Flanking the grille are wide, low-profile LED headlights that slant inwards, dynamically mirroring the grille’s contour and lending an assertive gaze to the vehicle. The hood flows seamlessly into the body, devoid of harsh lines, emphasizing the sculpted surfaces.
Moving along the profile, the iconic CLS arching waistline remains, a defining feature carried over from its predecessors, underscoring its coupe DNA. The greenhouse is low and sporty, framed by frameless side windows, enhancing the sleek and uninterrupted lines. The front end adopts a forward-leaning stance, reminiscent of a shark’s nose, an effect amplified by the fully inset hood. The surfaces are generously curved, lines are minimized, and edges are softened, all contributing to the sensual purity design ethos.
The rear of the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class is equally compelling. Muscular rear shoulders seamlessly transition into the flat rear deck. The two-section LED taillamps are a signature coupe element, positioned low to emphasize the car’s width and contributing to a planted, confident stance. Reflectors are integrated into the rear bumper, and the license plate recess is also located on the bumper, allowing the iconic Mercedes star to take center stage on the trunk lid. The taillamps themselves boast a crystalline appearance, creating a captivating three-dimensional depth and further solidifying the CLS’s premium aesthetic.
Interior Harmony: A Blend of Sport and Luxury in the 2019 CLS
Stepping inside the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class reveals an interior that mirrors the exterior’s sensual and flowing design language. The cabin is characterized by clean, horizontal lines that amplify the sense of spaciousness. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship is immediately evident.
The cockpit is designed to be both sporty and driver-focused. A wave-like design motif flows from the front doors to the rear, creating a cohesive and enveloping feel. A striking new feature is the illuminated air vents, designed to resemble jet turbine nozzles, adding a touch of avant-garde flair to the ambient lighting system. Speaking of ambient lighting, it’s customizable with a spectrum of 64 colors, extending to the air vents themselves, allowing for a truly personalized cabin atmosphere. Intelligently, the ambient lighting even provides feedback on temperature adjustments, briefly changing to red for warmer and blue for cooler settings.
The seats in the 2019 CLS are newly designed and feature high-quality piping, showcasing the attention to detail. While maintaining the coupe’s sporty character, the 2019 CLS marks a significant shift by offering seating for five passengers for the first time. The rear outboard seats are sculpted to resemble individual seats, maintaining a sporty aesthetic while accommodating three occupants when needed. For enhanced practicality, the rear seatbacks can be folded in a 40/20/40 split, expanding cargo capacity when required.
Technology takes center stage in the 2019 CLS interior. The standard configuration includes a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display. Optionally, this can be upgraded to a widescreen cockpit featuring dual 12.3-inch displays seamlessly integrated beneath a single glass cover, creating a visually stunning and information-rich interface. The digital cockpit allows drivers to customize the displayed information based on their preferences and driving needs. Three display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – offer further personalization options to match mood or interior trim.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Performance of the 2019 CLS
The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class is not just about aesthetics; it’s packed with cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements. Sharing DNA with the flagship S-Class, the CLS benefits from the latest advancements in driving assistance and comfort systems.
ENERGIZING Comfort: A standout feature is ENERGIZING Comfort, which intelligently networks various vehicle systems to create a tailored wellness experience. By coordinating climate control (including fragrance), seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres, ENERGIZING Comfort can adjust the cabin environment to enhance the driver’s mood and well-being. Six pre-programmed modes are available: Refresh, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort, and Training, each designed to promote a specific feeling or state.
Intelligent Drive: The 2019 CLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems, bundled in the Driver Assistance Package. Standard safety features include Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. New standard PRE-SAFE® Sound prepares occupants’ hearing for potential collision noise. The optional Driver Assistance Package further elevates safety and convenience with features like:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Adaptive cruise control with enhanced stop-and-go functionality.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
- Active Speed Limit Assist: Automatically adjusts speed based on detected speed limits.
- Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function: Enhances braking assistance, especially in intersection scenarios.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Supports the driver in making evasive maneuvers.
- Active Blind Spot Assist & Active Lane Keeping Assist: Monitors blind spots and lane markings, providing warnings and corrective steering inputs.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS & PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side: Advanced pre-collision protection measures.
These systems utilize improved camera and radar technology, offering a more comprehensive view of the surrounding traffic. For the first time, map and navigation data are integrated to anticipate driving situations and proactively adjust system responses. The “Assistance Graphics” menu visually displays the active assistance systems and their operational status.
Advanced Lighting: The optional LED Intelligent Light System is now available with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. Ultra Wide Beam technology significantly widens the illuminated area, maximizing road and roadside visibility. Adaptive Highbeam Assist allows for continuous high beam usage without dazzling other drivers, intelligently masking sections of the high beam pattern to avoid glare.
Suspension and Dynamics: The 2019 CLS rides on a four-link front and five-link rear suspension. A dynamically tuned steel comfort suspension is standard, offering a balance of comfort and handling. Optional AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension provides adaptive damping and adjustable ride characteristics. Drivers can select driving modes to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics from comfortable to sporty.
Electrified Performance: The New Inline-Six Engine with EQ Boost
Under the hood, the 2019 Mercedes CLS 450 debuts a completely new in-line six-cylinder engine, marking a significant step towards electrification. This engine features EQ Boost, an integrated starter/generator system with 48-volt technology.
The 3.0-liter in-line six produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. EQ Boost provides an additional 21 horsepower and a surge of torque on demand. The integrated electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration, enables fuel-saving “sailing” with the engine off, and recovers energy through high-efficiency recuperation. This mild-hybrid system delivers the performance of a traditional eight-cylinder engine with improved fuel efficiency, bridging the gap to more complex high-voltage hybrid technology. The CLS 450 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds (4MATIC version).
| CLS450 / CLS450 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders/Arrangement | 6 / Inline |
| Displacement (cc) | 2,999 |
| Rated Output (hp) | 362 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm |
| EQ Boost (hp) | 21 hp |
| Rated Torque (lb-ft) | 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 rpm |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.1 / 4.8 |
Edition 1: An Exclusive Launch Statement
To further emphasize the exclusivity of the new model, Mercedes-Benz offered an Edition 1 version of the 2019 CLS. This special launch model features unique design elements and enhanced luxury appointments. The COPPER ART interior concept defines the Edition 1, featuring black pearl nappa leather seats with diamond-patterned copper accents and copper-colored stitching throughout the cabin. A unique diamond grille with matte chrome pins and a copper-colored louver distinguishes the exterior. Based on the AMG Line, the Edition 1 includes LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. “Edition 1” badging and lettering further highlight its special status. Interior highlights include nappa leather dashboard trim, natural grain black ash wood trim, an IWC analogue clock with a unique dial, and “Edition 1” floor mats and illuminated door sills.
Conclusion: The 2019 Mercedes CLS – A Coupe Perfected
The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class represents a significant leap forward for the four-door coupe segment. It seamlessly blends breathtaking design with cutting-edge technology, luxurious comfort, and dynamic performance. From its sensual exterior to its opulent and technologically advanced interior, and its efficient yet powerful electrified powertrain, the 2019 CLS redefines what a four-door coupe can be. It’s a vehicle that appeals to both the heart and the mind, offering an unparalleled driving experience that is distinctly Mercedes-Benz. With its world premiere at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and subsequent US launch in late 2018, the Mercedes Cls Class 2019 was poised to make a significant impact on the luxury automotive landscape, continuing the legacy of innovation and design leadership that Mercedes-Benz is known for.
