2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG® CLS 53
2021 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
- More expensive than the related E-Class sedan
- MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument panel now standard
- Surround-view camera system and power rear sunshade standard on AMG CLS 53
- Part of the third CLS generation introduced for 2019
Are traditional luxury cars too staid and dull for your taste? A good remedy is to consider a coupe-like sedan with a sporty fastback roofline. The Mercedes-Benz CLS started the trend nearly two decades ago, and it remains an excellent alternative to more conventional sedans. Based on the Mercedes E-Class, the CLS puts a trendy twist on luxury vehicles. Yes, you sacrifice some rear headspace and overall practicality, but it'll be worth it if you find the CLS' look appealing.
The 2021 CLS is the last model year before a refreshed version arrives in 2022. To keep the current offering relevant, Mercedes-Benz has updated the CLS to include the company's excellent MBUX infotainment system as standard this year. It's now armed with an advantage in the tech department over competitors including the Audi A7, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Porsche Panamera. What else is there to like? Read our in-depth Expert Rating below to find out more.
Our verdict | |
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a well-executed sedan. Every aspect is refined, 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 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 overall it's 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. Sound quality from optional Burmester premium audio is exceptional. 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 the trunks of most other midsize luxury sedans. Still, there's enough room here to swallow a few weekend luggage bags. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback helps improve utility, so practicality remains decent for a sedan whose 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 CLS is a four-door luxury sedan with a fastback roofline. It comes in one of two trim levels: the CLS 450 or the AMG CLS 53. Both models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the CLS 450, with optional all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic). All-wheel drive is standard on the AMG CLS 53. Highlight features include:
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG CLS 53 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
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
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2021 Audi A7
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. Audi A7
The Audi A7 comes standard with all-wheel drive, and its wide hatchback design translates to cavernous rear cargo space. Both the A7 and the CLS are excellent to drive and offer high-performance variants. We prefer the CLS' infotainment system to the Audi's, which is more distracting to use while driving.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The 8 Series Gran Coupe is a little bigger than the CLS but still fits the mold as a sport-inspired sedan. It has a roomier rear seat and a bigger trunk than the CLS, plus available V8 power. But you'll likely pay more to get the 8 Series Gran Coupe, which makes the CLS the better value pick.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. Genesis G80
Sleek, luxurious and affordable — wait, what? The Genesis G80 is redesigned for 2021, and we've found it's vastly improved over the previous generation. The G80 is comfortable over most road surfaces and offers lots of standard features. It doesn't quite match the CLS in refinement, but the lower price easily compensates.
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FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class:
- MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument panel now standard
- Surround-view camera system and power rear sunshade standard on AMG CLS 53
- Part of the third CLS generation introduced for 2019
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
The least-expensive 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the 2021 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 $81,550.
Other versions include:
- AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 9A) which starts at $81,550