Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 2022 review

Mercedes-Benz loves to occupy a niche. After all, this is a company that has coupe versions of its GLC and GLE SUVs, four-door coupes ranging in size from the CLA to the 4-door AMG GT, and enough EVs to make Tesla jealous.

However, the most niche of all may be the CLS, which has been updated for the 2022 model year.

Positioned above the E-Class but below the S-Class in the lineup as a sports sedan for customers after combining style, technology and performance, the new CLS is now available with only one engine, while styling and equipment have also changed. was fixed in the update.

Can the CLS take its place in the Mercedes lineup or is it destined to become a minor player among the more popular models?

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2022: CLS53 4Matic+ (Hybrid)
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Hybrid with premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9.2l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$183,600

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

When the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class hit Australian showrooms in 2018, it was available in three variants, but a 2022 update has reduced the lineup to one, the AMG-tuned CLS 53.

The discontinuation of the entry-level CLS350 and mid-level CLS450 means the CLS-Class now costs $188,977 pre-travel, making it more expensive than rivals like the Audi S7 ($162,500) and Maserati Ghibli S GranSport ($175,000 XNUMX). XNUMX XNUMX dollars).

Sunroof included as standard. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

With BMW ditching the 6 Series, the Bavarian brand doesn't offer a direct competitor to the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, but its larger 8 Series is offered in Gran Coupe bodystyle starting at $179,900.

So what does Mercedes include in the asking price of the CLS?

Standard equipment includes interior lighting, head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power heated front seats, woodgrain interior trim, power tailgate, rear privacy glass, push-button start, keyless entry and sunroof.

As an AMG model, the 2022 CLS also features a unique steering wheel, sports seats, illuminated door sills, a drive mode selector, 20-inch wheels, a performance exhaust system, a trunk lid spoiler and a blacked-out exterior package.

As an AMG model, the 2022 CLS is fitted with 20-inch wheels. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

Multimedia functions are handled by a 12.3-inch MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) touchscreen with features such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, digital radio, wireless charger, satellite navigation and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system.

Of course, this is a long and full-featured list of equipment, and it's so extensive that there aren't really any options available.

Buyers can choose from the "AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package", automatic closing doors and various exterior paint, interior trim and seat upholstery options - that's it!

While it's nice to have everything you need included in the asking price, it's hard to ignore the fact that its Audi S7 rival is over $20,000 cheaper but also well-equipped.

The 12.3-inch MBUX touch screen is responsible for multimedia functions.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

Mercedes' unified styling is a double-edged sword, and while the CLS carries its style confidently, it's probably too similar to the cheaper and much smaller CLA for our liking.

Both are fast-paced four-door coupes from Mercedes-Benz, so of course there will be some similarities, but keen-eyed car enthusiasts will notice some differences.

While the proportions are similar, the longer wheelbase and bonnet line give the CLS a more mature look, while additional details in the headlights and taillights, as well as the front bumper, make it stand out.

Changes for the 2022 version also include an AMG "Panamericana" front grille that adds some welcome aggression to the front.

All four doors are frameless, which is always nice to see. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

From the side, the steeply sloping roof flows smoothly into the rear, and the 20-inch wheels fill the arches well.

All four doors are also frameless, which is always nice to see.

At the rear, four tailpipes hint at the sporty intent of the CLS, as well as a prominent rear diffuser and a subtle trunk lid spoiler.

Inside, the CLS's biggest change was the inclusion of the MBUX infotainment system, which keeps it on par with E-Class, C-Class and other Mercedes models.

Also fitted are AMG sport seats upholstered in Nappa leather and upholstered in Dinamica fabric for all benches.

At the rear, four tailpipes hint at the sporty intent of the CLS. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

Our test car was also fitted with red contrast stitching and seat belts, adding spice to the CLS interior.

Of note, however, is the new steering wheel that comes with the 2022 CLS, which mirrors the tiller offered in the new E-Class and is a step back in terms of functionality.

It looks premium enough with its chunky leather rim and glossy black dual-spoke design, but the buttons, especially when on the move, are difficult and unergonomic to use.

This design is definitely more important than form and it may need a few more tweaks to get it right.

All in all, we'd say the CLS is a beautiful car, but isn't it playing too hard with its styling?

Inside, the biggest change to the CLS was the inclusion of the MBUX infotainment system. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

At 4994mm long, 1896mm wide, 1425mm high, and 2939mm wheelbase, the CLS sits neatly between the E-Class and S-Class in terms of size and layout.

Up front, passengers have plenty of head, leg and shoulder room, and the electronically adjustable seats make it easy to find a comfortable position.

The steering wheel also has a telescoping feature - always a valuable feature - and the expansive glass roof keeps things open and airy.

The electronically adjustable front seats make it easy to find a comfortable position. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

Storage options include a deep door pocket, under-armrest compartment, two cup holders and a smartphone tray with wireless charging capability.

However, things are different in the second row, as the sloping roofline noticeably eats up headroom.

Don't get me wrong, a six foot (183 cm) adult can still slide down there, but the roof is dangerously close to the top of the head.

Our test car was fitted with red contrast stitching and seat belts, adding spice to the CLS interior. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

However, legroom and shoulder room are quite plentiful in the outboard seats, while the middle position is compromised by the intrusive transmission tunnel.

In the second row, passengers have access to a bottle holder in the door, a fold-down armrest with cup holders, rear seat map pockets and two air vents.

Opening the trunk reveals a 490-litre cavity, with an opening wide enough to hold golf clubs or weekend getaway luggage for four adults.

The rear seats also fold in a 40/20/40 split, but Mercedes-Benz has yet to specify how much space is offered with the rear seats folded down. And as a traditional sedan, the CLS is less practical than the Audi S7 liftback.

When the trunk is opened, a cavity with a volume of 490 liters opens up. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 320kW/520Nm to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and Merc's '4Matic+' all-wheel drive system.

Also fitted is a 48-volt mild hybrid system known as "EQ Boost" that delivers up to 16kW/250Nm of torque at takeoff.

As a result, the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.5 seconds, which corresponds to the performance of the Audi S331 with 600 kW/7 Nm (4.6 s) and the BMW 390i Gran Coupe with 750 kW/250 Nm and 500 kW/840 Nm (5.2 from).

While the inline-six isn't as rough as the AMG V-53, it strikes a great balance between speed and stability, perfect for a model like the CLS XNUMX.

The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Official fuel consumption figures for the CLS 53 are 9.2 liters per 100 km, while we managed an average of 12.0 l/100 km at launch.

However, all of our driving was relegated to country roads and high-traffic urban areas, with no constant freeway driving.

We will refrain from judging how accurate the fuel economy figures are until we have the car for longer, but the EQ Boost system is designed to reduce fuel consumption by allowing the engine to start in certain situations.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, which means there is no official crash test rating applicable to local market vehicles.

However, the standard list of safety equipment is extensive and includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), nine airbags, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, surround view camera, route-based speed recognition and traffic lanes. -change help.

The rear seats also have two ISOFIX child seat anchorage points.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

Like all new Mercedes-Benz models sold in 2021, the CLS 53 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance during that period.

This surpasses the warranty period offered by BMW, Porsche and Audi (three years/unlimited mileage) and is in line with the period available from Jaguar, Genesis and Lexus, which recently updated their offer.

Scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 25,000 km, whichever comes first.

The first three scheduled services will cost customers $3150, which can be divided into $700, $1100, and $1350 each.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

There are certain expectations from a car when it wears the Mercedes badge, namely that it should be comfortable to drive and also be equipped with the latest technology. Here again, the big four-door coupe is a treat.

Driving is smooth, easy and comfortable when in the default drive settings you can really dive into the CLS and just drive miles in comfort.

One of the best things about the CLS 53 is the sound when the exhaust system makes the right pops and crackles in Sport+ mode when accelerating.

There are minor niggles, such as the 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires (245/35 front and 275/30 rear) creating too much road noise in the cabin, but for the most part in the city, the CLS is serene, agile and eminently calming.

Switch to Sport or Sport+, though, and the steering is a little heavier, the throttle response is a little sharper, and the suspension is a little stiffer.

Does this make the CLS a sports car? Not exactly, but it certainly raises engagement to a level where you can actually have fun.

Switch it to Sport or Sport+ mode and the steering gets a little heavier.

While it's not a full AMG in the same vein as the E63 S, and it's not powered by the ubiquitous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the CLS 53's 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine is still plenty powerful.

Leaving the line feels particularly quick, likely due to the EQ Boost system adding a bit of punch, and even a smooth mid-corner ride provides a noticeable burst of urgency from the creamy straight-six.

However, in my opinion, the best thing about the CLS 53 is the sound, when the exhaust makes the right pops and crackles in Sport+ mode when accelerating.

Driving is smooth, easy and comfortable.

It's gross and obnoxious, but also downright amazing in terms of the automotive equivalent of a three-piece suit - and I love it!

The brakes also handle cleaning speed, but our relatively short time with the car was in very wet conditions, so the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system was much appreciated.

Verdict

Comfortable when you need it and sporty when you want it, the CLS 53 is a bit like Mercedes' Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - or maybe Bruce Banner and the Hulk is a better frame of reference for some.

While it doesn't stand out in any particular area, its breadth of use is commendable, but ultimately, its biggest disappointment may be its all-too-familiar aesthetic.

From the inside, it looks and feels like any other big Mercedes model (not necessarily a critique), while the exterior, in my opinion, makes it indistinguishable from a CLA.

After all, if you wanted a stylish and sporty sedan, shouldn't you feel special?