2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG® CLS 53
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
- Powerful engines deliver decisive acceleration
- Pleasing balance of handling performance and comfort
- Long list of available advanced safety features
- Sleek exterior and impeccable interior
- Interior and trunk space are compromised by styling
- Significantly more expensive than the E-Class sedan
- A new system notifies you if the car is damaged while parked
- Some previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the third CLS generation introduced for 2019
With its CLS, Mercedes-Benz asks customers to give up practicality (space) in exchange for a shapely four-door body with a low roof and high waistline. Think of the CLS as a more sharply styled alternative to the practical E-Class sedan upon which it's based. As it has done since its 2005 debut, the CLS gives up headroom and trunk room but gains the striking lines of a four-door coupe.
The latest generation CLS, which Mercedes redesigned just last year, uses one of two six-cylinder engines that are either turbocharged or turbocharged and supercharged. Both engines are assisted by a mild hybrid system that uses an electric motor-generator to add torque to the wheels, recharge the relatively small hybrid system battery, and restart the gas engine during stop-start operation.
As of last year, all CLS models come with five-passenger seating, which was not available in the two previous generations. The CLS is extremely well equipped with tech and safety features. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen is now supported by the Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as are a variety of driver-assist safety systems.
The end result is a highly impressive sedan. You do
Our verdict | |
The CLS is a well-executed sedan. Refinement pervades every aspect, from the cabin to the infotainment system to its innovative mild hybrid engine. The only downside is that the E-Class does it all for less money. | |
How does the CLS-Class drive? | |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a well-rounded sport luxury sedan that stands out both for its power and its extreme refinement. There are no flat spots in the power delivery. We tested the AMG 53 version and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, which is impressive. The CLS' handling is capable and secure, and it's overall a more rewarding car to drive than the lower-trim E-Class sedans. Precise steering gives you a clear sense of the on-center position. Even if you're just cruising around town, the CLS provides a sporty and refined driving experience. | |
How comfortable is the CLS-Class? | |
The CLS is extremely comfortable on long drives thanks to minimal noise, outstanding seat comfort, and an excellent climate control system. The engine is impeccably smooth too. The front seat's combination of soft leather and firm padding provides great long-distance support and comfort. At highway speeds, the CLS provides exceptional isolation from wind noise. There's little engine noise aside from a muted growl during hard acceleration. Engine vibration is nearly nonexistent. The only minor demerit is that tire noise over seamed or ridged pavement is more noticeable than we expect for a car like this. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The CLS' controls are easy to use thanks to intuitive and straightforward interfaces. The screen menus can seem overly complicated at first, but they are well organized. The many ways to interface with the infotainment screen (hard keys, knob, touchpad, steering wheel touch nubs, voice) make it easier to use. As for interior space, the CLS provides plenty of elbow room and legroom in front. But headroom is compromised a bit compared to the related E-Class. That's especially true in the back seat because of the sloped roofline. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The CLS' display screen is large and impressive, and the infotainment interface has a lot of capability even if it isn't Mercedes' latest MBUX system. Sound quality from optional Burmester premium audio is exceptional and requires little if any EQ tailoring. Using the knob is natural and effective, or use the nubs on the steering wheel (they take a brief period to learn). The driver aids constitute a long list and work quite well. Our test car was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package that includes every assist feature imaginable. All are extremely well calibrated, and false positives are rare. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The CLS' trunk has less storage space than the E-Class sedan's as well as most other midsize luxury sedans' trunks. Still, there's enough room here to swallow a few weekend-luggage bags. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback and helps improve utility though so practicality remains decent for a sedan whose very existence is predicated on style. In the cabin there's adequate small-item storage with huge door pockets and a divided center console. | |
How economical is the CLS-Class? | |
The AMG CLS 53 we tested gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. This is above-average fuel economy for a performance-oriented luxury sedan. | |
Is the CLS-Class a good value? | |
The CLS is impeccably built. It looks and feels special. This is not an inexpensive car, but owners will be satisfied that they got their money's worth every time they get in. That said, it's hard to justify buying a CLS over a regular E-Class sedan considering it costs thousands of dollars more and has less rear headroom. | |
Wildcard | |
Plenty of power and a delightfully refined driving experience underscore this sedan's appeal. It's quite capable even on fast drives, though it stops short of hooliganism. Stylewise, the CLS stands out. | |
Which CLS-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class models
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a five-passenger four-door sedan, though Mercedes markets it as a coupe. Two versions are available: the CLS 450 and the AMG CLS 53.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG CLS 53 pricing
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite CLS-Class safety features:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and beeps if you signal in that direction. It also steers you away if you drift toward it.
- Car-to-X Communication
- Automatically transmits and receives safety updates to and from other appropriately equipped vehicles, then alerts drivers about hazards they can't yet see.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. the competition
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2019 Audi A7
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. Audi A7
On paper, the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 are remarkably similar cars. Both were designed to be swoopier-looking versions of their respective brand's mainstream luxury sedans. Both offer all-wheel drive (though that's optional on the CLS), and both compromise space relative to their conventional counterparts, the A6 sedan and the E-Class sedan.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is an all-new model that's designed to go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It offers two engines, though its top engine, a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, is more powerful than the CLS 53's inline six-cylinder. All-wheel drive is optional on the Gran Coupe.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
With more passenger and cargo space than the CLS 450, Mercedes-Benz's E 450 sedan is a more pragmatic choice. Both are offered in all-wheel drive and with more than one engine. But the E-Class sedan has become a far more shapely car than it was when the curvy CLS was first offered as its stylish alternative back in 2005.
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FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class:
- A new system notifies you if the car is damaged while parked
- Some previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the third CLS generation introduced for 2019
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
The least-expensive 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $81,200.
Other versions include:
- AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 9A) which starts at $81,200