2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS | PH Review
Third generation CLS brings in straight-six engines, more technology and a new electrified AMG - better then, no?
Despite still occupying a relatively niche position, 375,000 CLS sales since 2004 makes it a significant model for MB. For this third generation car, Mercedes says it "pioneers the new design idiom" of the company, while also delivering the "very latest infotainment generation" and all manner of active safety and assistance technology. Arguably of more interest is to PHey types are the extensive aero work (resulting in a 0.26Cd drag co-efficient), a new range of straight-six engine and the electrified AMG 53 flagship, too.
Of course this is a new and vastly more accommodating AMG, boasting four-wheel drive and all manner of technology to prevent your enthusiasm getting the better of you. So actually, with the benefit of winter tyres as well, the CLS53 AMG allows the driver to make generous use of its remarkable powertrain.
The straight six is just as smooth and sonorous as you'd hope, but of course enhanced in this application by Mercedes EQ Boost and electric compressor also. It's tremendously complex technology, the EQ starter alternator providing a temporary 22hp and 184lb ft as well as supporting the electric compressor, the apparently seamless integration and calibration of it all being arguably Mercedes' greatest achievement.
An on limit assessment will have to wait for another time, with as much of the test drive duration spent avoiding frozen slush as it is interpreting dynamic messages. For what it's worth the CLS53 rides beautifully, its plushness never entirely sacrificed regardless of the drive mode and the overriding impression one of extensive, thorough development and an adaptive set up that really should suit any situation.
That drag co-efficient helps it feel beautifully refined, the steering is good, the performance is strong... the CLS53 may not be the world's most exciting performance car, but it's a fantastic technical achievement and an entirely lovely product. One to return to in a less frozen UK soon, certainly.
The CLS350d, using the straight-six OM656 diesel launched in the S-Class, is also bloody fabulous, although it should be said that came as less of a shock. The refinement is genuinely impeccable, the diesel revving fantastically smoothly and settling to a near-silent cruise once up to speed. Even the stop-start doesn't disturb the hush too much, which is so often a letdown for diesels. In the driving, freezing rain, the CLS350d is a joyous place to spend time, tangibly more so than the old V6 equivalent; if there was an opportunity right there and then to drive back to the UK rather than wait for the flight, it would have been a sorely tempting offer.
With the mechanical advances of those new engines, plus the additional style of the coupe body, combined with all that's so very good about the E-Class, the CLS presents a formidably strong case for itself. The semi-autonomous drive tech still feels to need some work, but the richness of the materials, opulence of the interior design and incredible comfort make the car a compelling luxury package.
Mercedes-AMG CLS53 - Specifications | |
---|---|
Engine | 2,999cc, 6-cyl turbocharged |
Transmission | 9G-AMG Speedshift automatic, all-wheel drive |
Power (hp) | 435@6,100rpm |
Torque (lb ft) | 383@1,800-5,800rpm |
0-62mph | 4.5 sec |
Top speed | 155mph |
Weight | 1,980kg (EC) |
MPG | 32.4 |
CO2 | 200g/km |
Price | TBC (CLS350d from £57,560, CLS450 from £57,660 and CLS400d from £60,460) |
Any interior colour you like as long as it’s black.
I’m a serial CLS owner having had each of the previous generations.
I won’t be having this one unless MBUK realises buyers want a bit more choice. Other markets get it, why shouldn’t we?
Good looking from rear 3/4.
Probably inevitable - but a huuuuge gap between the rear tyre and the windowline. Makes it look anything but taut to me. Better than most but I'm not buying the marginal safety argument for a car that looks that ugly.
Quite frankly, I'm disappointed. With the benefit of almost twenty years, this should be better. Especially when you consider Lexus are such a conservative Japanese company and MB are supposedly pushing boundaries, along with such a prominent F1 effort.
I prefer the look of the new A7 dash as it is fully intergrated, even if the Merc dash is going to be easier to use as it has physical buttons for key things like climate:
Making it a five seater is a good idea as well, must have limited sales a little. Amazing how this version, not the most powerful still has well over 400 bhp.
Before anyone moans its ugly, its stunning in the flesh.
Any interior colour you like as long as it’s black.
I’m a serial CLS owner having had each of the previous generations.
I won’t be having this one unless MBUK realises buyers want a bit more choice. Other markets get it, why shouldn’t we?
I prefer the look of the new A7 dash as it is fully intergrated, even if the Merc dash is going to be easier to use as it has physical buttons for key things like climate:
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff