Mercedes-Benz has consistently redefined automotive elegance and performance, and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class marks another significant leap forward. As the third generation of the model that pioneered the four-door coupe segment in 2003, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class builds upon its iconic heritage while embracing cutting-edge technology and a refined design philosophy. This new iteration is not just a car; it’s a statement of self-assured sportiness, unparalleled comfort, and thrilling innovation, all wrapped in a package that comfortably accommodates five passengers for the first time. Set to captivate audiences at its World Premiere at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and hit the US market in late 2018, the 2019 CLS is poised to continue its legacy as a design and technological icon.
Pioneering Design: The Evolution of Sensual Purity in the 2019 CLS
The Mercedes-benz Cls-class 2019 showcases the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s “Sensual Purity” design idiom, characterized by clear contours and reduced lines. This design philosophy is not about stark minimalism, but rather about emotionally charging beauty through puristic forms. The 2019 CLS retains the timeless aura of its predecessors while seamlessly integrating into the current Mercedes-Benz coupe family, boasting design features that are both familiar and refreshingly new.
Exterior Elegance: Sporty and Iconic Lines
The exterior of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class exudes self-assured sportiness, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes. Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, aptly describes the new CLS as a “design icon” and the “archetype of the four-door coupe,” emphasizing the reduction of its DNA to an “extremely puristic level.”
The front end is particularly striking, featuring the diamond grille synonymous with Mercedes-Benz coupes, now with a single louver. The grille contour uniquely widens towards the base, a design cue reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG GT, lending a powerful stance. The hood, seamlessly integrated into the body surfaces, flows into very flat and wide headlamps that dynamically follow the grille’s contour, slanting inwards for an aggressive yet elegant look.
The side profile of the mercedes-benz cls-class 2019 is defined by a high, arching waistline and a sporty, low greenhouse with frameless side windows, classic CLS genes that immediately identify it as part of this iconic lineage. The forward-slanting front end, likened to a shark’s nose, and the fully inset hood create an elongated and dynamic appearance. The design philosophy of sensual purity is evident in the generously arched surfaces and the significant reduction of sharp lines and edges, resulting in a fluid and harmonious silhouette.
Moving to the rear, the muscular shoulder line smoothly transitions into the flat rear end, another signature CLS design element. Coupe characteristics are further emphasized by the two-section taillamps, reflectors integrated into the rear bumper, the license plate positioned in the bumper, and the iconic Mercedes star centrally placed on the trunk lid. The LED taillamps, mirroring the headlamps, feature a crystalline appearance and a three-dimensional effect, their low positioning accentuating the vehicle’s width and planted stance.
Interior Luxury: A Blend of Space and Sophistication in the 2019 CLS
Stepping inside the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reveals a luxurious interior that mirrors the sensual and flowing contours of the exterior. The cabin impresses with its clear basic lines and the high-grade choice of materials, reflecting an exceptional level of finish.
The sporty, width-accentuated cockpit and carefully chosen color combinations create an immediate impression of spaciousness. The wave-like design that flows from the front to the rear doors, opening up at the B-pillars, contributes to a seamless and expansive feel. A novel highlight is the illuminated air vents, reminiscent of jet aircraft turbines, adding a touch of modern sophistication to the ambient lighting. The hand-finished appearance of the seats further reinforces the sporty yet luxurious ambiance.
The mercedes-benz cls-class 2019 CLS 450 comes standard with a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display. Optionally, dual 12.3-inch displays can be selected, merging under a shared, continuous glass cover to form a striking widescreen cockpit. The center console, available in open-pored or high-gloss wood trim, appears to float, enhancing the sense of airiness and modern design.
In this fully digital cockpit, drivers can customize the information content according to their needs and driving situation. Three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – can be chosen to match personal preference, mood, or interior appointments. The ambient lighting system, adjustable in 64 colors and extending to the air vents, adds another layer of personalization. A unique feature is the color change of the illuminated air vents when adjusting the climate control temperature, briefly showing red for warmer and blue for cooler settings.
The seats, exclusively designed for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, feature high-quality piping and are newly crafted for this model series. The outer rear seats mirror the appearance of the front seats, creating a sporty individual-seat impression, even though the CLS is now a five-seater for the first time. For added practicality, the rear seat backrests can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split, expanding cargo space as needed.
Performance and Innovation: Under the Hood of the CLS 450 2019
The mercedes-benz cls-class 2019 doesn’t just impress with its aesthetics; it also delivers groundbreaking performance and technological innovation. At the heart of the CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC lies a completely new in-line six-cylinder engine, a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing engineering boundaries.
New In-line Six-Cylinder Engine with EQ Boost
The CLS 450 models are powered by a systematically electrified in-line six-cylinder engine featuring EQ Boost (integrated starter/generator) and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. This advanced powertrain delivers 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, further boosted by an additional 21 horsepower and substantial torque available via EQ Boost for short bursts.
The integrated electric motor, known as EQ Boost, acts as an assistant to the combustion engine, providing support during acceleration, enabling “sailing” (driving without the combustion engine), and efficiently recuperating energy to charge the battery. This innovative system achieves fuel savings previously exclusive to high-voltage hybrid technology. The result is the performance of an eight-cylinder engine with significantly reduced fuel consumption. The CLS 450 also comes standard with a particulate filter, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The CLS450 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, while the CLS450 achieves it in 5.1 seconds, showcasing the impressive performance capabilities of this new engine.
Smooth Ride and Handling: Suspension and Comfort
Complementing the powerful engine, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class offers a comfortable and dynamically engaging driving experience. The sporty CLS also prioritizes comfort, with features like optional AIR BODY CONTROL suspension and ENERGIZING Comfort enhancing the overall journey.
The CLS features a four-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension, providing a foundation for both comfort and agile handling. A dynamically tuned steel comfort suspension is standard, while the optionally available AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension elevates ride quality to new heights. This improved air suspension system includes adjustable and adaptive damping, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s characteristics from comfortable cruising to sporty driving via the driving mode switch.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Enhanced Driving Experience in the 2019 CLS
The mercedes-benz cls-class 2019 is not just about luxury and performance; it’s also a technological tour-de-force, incorporating features from the flagship S-Class. The latest generation of driving assistance systems, ENERGIZING Comfort, and state-of-the-art infotainment technology with Inductive Wireless Phone Charging and NFC pairing all contribute to an enhanced and intuitive driving experience.
ENERGIZING Comfort: Wellness on the Go
The optional ENERGIZING Comfort system in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a unique feature that links various comfort systems within the vehicle to enhance driver well-being and performance. It systematically utilizes the climate control system (including fragrancing), seats (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres to create specific wellness setups tailored to the driver’s mood and needs.
Six pre-configured programs are available: Refresh/Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort/Well-Being, and Training (with three modes: muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance, each with various exercises). By harmonizing these systems, ENERGIZING Comfort aims to enhance the driver’s physical comfort and mental state, particularly beneficial on long journeys.
Intelligent Drive: S-Class Technology for Safety and Assistance
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class benefits from the advanced technology found in the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan. It is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, offering route-based speed adaptation and comprehensive driver support through the optional Driver Assistance Package.
Standard safety features include Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. New as standard is PRE-SAFE® Sound, which prepares human hearing for anticipated accident noise when a collision risk is detected.
The optional Driver Assistance Package further elevates safety and convenience, comprising Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now offer even more refined support for maintaining safe distances and steering, with automatic speed adjustment ahead of bends and junctions. Active Lane Change Assist has also been significantly enhanced.
Improved camera and radar systems give the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class an even better understanding of its surroundings, and for the first time, map and navigation data are used to anticipate driving behavior. The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument cluster provides drivers with a clear overview of selected assistance functions and system responses, using intuitive icons on both the screen and the head-up display. All assistance functions are conveniently controlled from the steering wheel. In stop & go traffic, the CLS can now automatically restart and follow traffic after stops of up to 3 seconds.
The optional LED Intelligent Light System with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams further enhances visibility. Ultra Wide Beam high beams provide significantly wider road and surrounding area illumination, improving nighttime driving safety. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, also part of the LED Intelligent Light System, allows for continuous main beam usage without dazzling other road users by selectively dimming LEDs in response to oncoming or preceding vehicles.
The Exclusive 2019 CLS-Class Edition 1
For those seeking an even higher level of exclusivity, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Edition 1 offers a uniquely luxurious and distinctive launch model. This special edition boasts numerous standard luxurious features, including the COPPER ART interior concept.
The interior features seats in black pearl nappa leather with diamond-design center sections and striking copper-colored accents, copper-colored contrasting topstitching throughout the cabin (center console, seats, armrests, dashboard, door linings), and a unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and a copper-colored shimmer on the louver.
The exterior of the Edition 1 is based on the AMG Line and includes standard LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels finished in black with a high-sheen rim flange. “Edition 1” lettering on the front fenders uniquely identifies this special model.
Interior highlights further include a dashboard support lined in black nappa leather, trim in Natural grain black ash wood for the center console and dashboard support, an exclusive IWC analogue clock dial, a high-gloss black vehicle key with high-sheen chrome surround, floor mats with “Edition 1” badging and copper-colored piping, and chrome “Edition 1” lettering on the center console and welcome screen display.
Conclusion: The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class – A New Standard in Luxury Coupes
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class represents a significant evolution of the four-door coupe, blending iconic design with pioneering technology and luxurious comfort. From its striking exterior and opulent interior to its powerful and efficient new engine and cutting-edge assistance systems, the CLS continues to set the standard in its segment. With the addition of five-passenger seating and the exclusive Edition 1 model, the mercedes-benz cls-class 2019 is poised to captivate a new generation of drivers who demand both style and substance in their luxury vehicles. It is more than just a car; it is a statement of innovation, elegance, and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence that defines Mercedes-Benz.
