2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

Depending on your perspective, Mercedes-Benz made the 2019 CLS either a practical coupe or an impractical but stylish sedan. You see, the CLS' sloping roofline puts the squeeze on larger passengers seated in the back, and its trunk volume is nowhere near what the more traditional E-Class sedan offers up. But the CLS' styling is much more aggressive and swoopy. It's all about what you prioritize.

The 2019 Mercedes CLS, which is fully redesigned, does have some significant changes. A new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine has replaced the previous CLS 550's V8. Used in both the new CLS 450 and AMG CLS 53, the engine also comes with a 48-volt integrated starter-generator system. It's kind of a mild hybrid system that helps with initial acceleration and smooths out the engine stop-start operation.

On the inside, the new CLS features seating for five, whereas the older model only sat four. Due to reduced headroom and a narrow cabin, we don't think the middle passenger will be very comfortable on anything but short trips, but at least the option is there. Technology-wise, the CLS features a large 12.3-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and Mercedes' COMAND navigation and infotainment system. This last bit is an odd move since other new Mercedes models feature the more appealing MBUX system.

From a ride and comfort perspective, the CLS is stiffer and sportier than an E-Class but softer and more comfortable than the AMG GT range of sports cars. Other competitors to the CLS are varied. For starters, you could look at cars such as the Audi A7 and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. And if you want to punch higher in the luxury and performance range, there's the Porsche Panamera and the Audi S7. But for a sedan that looks the part of a coupe, the new CLS is certainly among the best.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a coupe-styled luxury sedan with seating for five. The CLS 450 and the CLS 450 4Matic utilize the same powertrain and standard features, but they differ in their driven wheels: The 4Matic is all-wheel-drive, while the standard model is rear-drive only. The AMG CLS 53 features all-wheel drive, a more powerful engine and numerous performance features as standard equipment.

The CLS 450 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine (362 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment highlights include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, and ambient interior lighting.

On the tech front, the CLS comes with a 12.3-inch central display, a navigation system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

Notable options include a Warmth & Comfort package (rapid front-seat heating, heated front armrests and a heated steering wheel), a Premium package (a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, satellite radio and an inductive smartphone charging system), and an Energizing Comfort package (an in-cabin air purification and fragrance system).

A Parking Assist package adds active assistance that helps drivers find suitable parallel and perpendicular parking spots, a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, you can add a Driver Assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control with active speed limit assist, active lane centering, evasive steering assist, front and rear automatic braking and collision mitigation, and active blind-spot assist.

Other stand-alone options include a 25-speaker Burmester sound system, multicontour front seats and sound-reducing windows.

The AMG CLS 53 adds a more powerful engine (429 hp, 384 lb-ft). Additionally, the nine-speed transmission features quicker shifting for quicker acceleration while the standard all-wheel-drive system uses a dynamic system to transfer torque between the front and rear axles. An air suspension is standard, and the AMG features its own interior trim, steering wheel and 19-inch wheels. Most of the above options are also available for the CLS 53.