Certified 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 53 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is offered in two trims, a CLS 450 and a high-performance AMG CLS 53. The CLS' engine is a 3.0L inline-six cylinder combined with an internally integrated electric motor aids in acceleration by providing a temporary boost of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The system manages an impressive combined output of 383 horsepower and 553 lb-feet of torque under full load. Mercedes claims 0-60 mph times clock in at around 5.0 seconds for the CLS 450 models. The AMG CLS 53's tuning brings enhanced engine output to 429 horsepower and 384-pound feet of torque. All CLS models use an advanced 9-speed automatic transmission sending power where it's needed to all four wheels on demand.

The CLS comes very well equipped even in the base-level 450 trims. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, keyless ignition, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt/slide sunroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats, 64-color ambient LED cabin lighting, leather seat upholstery, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, an electronic trunk closer, blind-spot monitoring and Active Brake Assist which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The CLS 53 adds more than just that stellar 6-cylinder engine; it comes with driver-adjustable adaptive suspension, 19" AMG-specific wheels, COMAND navigation with 13 Burmester speakers and 12-way power-adjustable front seats.

As is typical for a Mercedes-Benz, the option list is long, offering 3-zone automatic climate control, a power rear sunshade, soft-closing doors, head-up display, massaging front seats, cabin air-purification/fragrance system, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, heated front armrests and console, intelligent headlights with adaptive high beams.

A Driver Assistance package brings adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, extra side protection and various other aids. Active parking assistance, 360-degree camera, and rear cross-traffic alert also are available as optional equipment.

Futuristic Interior

Sophisticated Exterior Styling

Powerful And Efficient Drivetrain

Optional All-wheel Drive

Luxurious Ride Quality

The Mercedes-Benz CLS rolls out its third generation of the CLS for 2019. Its revised body style is an evolution of the 4-door coupe the CLS pioneered. The roofline takes its time sloping into the trunk that the car looks longer than it is. More importantly, it minimizes the rear door, giving it fastback styling. Brand-new LED headlights and taillamps, a modernized diamond grille design, and optimized back end styling all do their part to make the CLS Class fit in with Mercedes-Benz' current styling architecture. The CLS is powered by an all-new inline 6-cylinder engine that incorporates an electric motor for a combined output of 362 horsepower and 369-pound feet of torque in the CLS 450 and 429 horsepower and 384 lb-feet of torque for the AMG CLS 53.

Mercedes-Benz does indeed call the CLS a coupe, but its four doors allow it to be compared to other full-size luxury sedans. The newest generation of the CLS incorporates the latest Mercedes-Benz' technology that includes Boost EQ, a system that offers seamless start/stop functionality and electric motor to maximize both fuel economy and output. Its starting price of around $80,000 puts it in the company of the BMW 6 series and the Audi A7. The Mercedes-Benz makes more power and gets better gas mileage and offers the most luxurious interior of the three and is definitely the choice for the performance enthusiast thanks to its excellent handling and road manners.