Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and groundbreaking design, and the 2019 Cls Mercedes stands as a testament to this legacy. This third-generation model carries forward the pioneering spirit of the original CLS, a vehicle that single-handedly created the four-door coupe segment back in 2003. The 2019 iteration not only refines the iconic silhouette but also integrates cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements, making it a compelling choice for discerning drivers.
The 2019 CLS Mercedes showcases the evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s “Sensual Purity” design philosophy. It’s a visual statement characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a distinct reduction in sharp edges, resulting in a form that is both modern and timeless. The design DNA of the CLS is unmistakable, retaining its signature arching waistline, sleek side windows, and low-slung profile. However, the 2019 model year introduces a bolder and more assertive front fascia and a refined rear, further solidifying its position within the Mercedes-Benz coupe family.
Exterior Design: A Masterclass in Sensual Purity
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, aptly describes the new CLS as a “design icon” and the “archetype of the four-door coupe.” The exterior embodies the “hot & cool” design philosophy, stripping away unnecessary elements to reveal a puristic yet emotionally resonant beauty.
The front end is particularly striking, featuring the diamond grille synonymous with Mercedes-Benz coupes, now with a single louver for a more pronounced sporty stance. The grille’s contour broadens towards the base, a design cue reminiscent of the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT, lending an aggressive edge to the CLS’s elegant demeanor. The hood seamlessly integrates into the body surfaces, creating a smooth and uninterrupted flow. The headlamps, notably flat and wide, with inward-slanting edges, dynamically trace the grille’s outline, enhancing the vehicle’s wide and planted appearance.
The side profile is defined by the high, arching waistline and the low greenhouse, creating a coupe-like silhouette further emphasized by frameless side windows. The forward-leaning front end, likened to a shark’s nose, combined with the fully inset hood, elongates the car visually, contributing to its dynamic and forward-moving aesthetic. The surfaces are generously curved, with lines and edges minimized, adhering to the sensual purity design ethos.
The rear of the 2019 CLS Mercedes is equally distinctive. The muscular rear shoulder line flows seamlessly into the flat rear section. Signature coupe elements include the two-section taillamps and the license plate positioned on the bumper, along with the iconic Mercedes star centrally placed on the trunk lid. The LED taillamps, mirroring the headlamps, have a crystalline appearance and generate a three-dimensional depth effect. Their low positioning visually widens the vehicle, reinforcing its stable and sporty stance.
Interior Elegance: A Fusion of Sportiness and Spaciousness
Stepping inside the 2019 CLS reveals a luxurious cabin that mirrors the sensual contours of the exterior. The interior design prioritizes clear lines and high-grade materials, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The overall ambiance is one of sophisticated sportiness, accentuated by a width-focused cockpit design and carefully chosen color combinations that enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
The wave-like flow of the interior design extends seamlessly from the front to the rear doors, creating a cohesive and enveloping environment. A striking highlight is the illuminated air vents, inspired by jet aircraft turbines, adding a touch of modernistic flair to the cabin. The seats, with their hand-finished appearance, further contribute to the sporty yet luxurious feel.
The 2019 CLS 450 comes standard with a high-resolution 12.3-inch central display. An optional upgrade features dual 12.3-inch displays that merge under a single glass cover, creating a panoramic widescreen cockpit. This digital instrument cluster allows drivers to customize the displayed information based on their preferences and driving needs. Three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – offer further personalization to match mood or interior trim. The center console, available in open-pore or high-gloss wood, appears to float, thanks to its surface trim, adding to the interior’s modern and airy feel.
Ambient lighting is a key feature, offering 64 individually adjustable colors, extending to the illuminated air vents. A unique touch is the color-changing air vents, which briefly illuminate red or blue to indicate warmer or cooler temperature adjustments, respectively. The seats are newly designed specifically for this model, featuring high-quality piping. The rear outer seats mirror the design of the front seats, creating a sporty, individual-seat impression, even though the 2019 CLS Coupe now accommodates five passengers for the first time. The rear seat backrests offer practical versatility with a 40/20/40 split-folding configuration.
Performance and Innovation: The Heart of the 2019 CLS
Under the hood, the 2019 CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC models are powered by a completely new in-line six-cylinder engine, a technological marvel boasting 362 horsepower. This engine is further enhanced by EQ Boost, an integrated starter-generator system that provides an additional 21 horsepower boost, improving both efficiency and performance.
The EQ Boost system is a 48-volt technology that not only enhances power delivery but also enables features like “sailing” (driving with the combustion engine off) and high-efficiency energy recuperation, contributing to fuel savings previously achievable only with high-voltage hybrid systems. This innovative in-line six-cylinder engine delivers the performance expected of a traditional eight-cylinder engine but with significantly improved fuel economy. The CLS 450 also comes standard with a particulate filter, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
| CLS450 / CLS450 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders/ arrangement | 6/in-line |
| Displacement (cc) | 2,999 |
| Rated output (hp) | 362 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm |
| Add. output from EQ Boost (hp) | 21 hp |
| Rated torque (lb-ft) | 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.1 / 4.8 |
Beyond the powertrain, the 2019 CLS Mercedes offers a suite of advanced technologies designed to enhance comfort and driving dynamics. The AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, an optional feature, provides adjustable and adaptive damping, allowing drivers to tailor the ride from comfortable to sporty via the driving mode selector. ENERGIZING Comfort, another notable feature, links various vehicle comfort systems, including climate control, seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage), surface and steering wheel heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres to create customized wellness programs tailored to the driver’s mood and needs.
Intelligent Drive: S-Class Technology in the CLS
The 2019 CLS Mercedes benefits from technology derived from the flagship S-Class, including the latest generation of driving assistance systems. The Driver Assistance Package offers route-based speed adaptation and comprehensive driver support. Standard safety features include Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, and PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system. New standard features also include PRE-SAFE® Sound, which prepares occupants’ hearing for potential accident noise.
The optional Driver Assistance Package further enhances safety and convenience with features such as 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 provide enhanced support for maintaining safe distances and steering, even proactively adjusting speed for bends and junctions. Active Lane Change Assist has also been significantly improved.
Improved camera and radar systems provide the 2019 CLS with a more comprehensive view of its surroundings, utilizing map and navigation data to anticipate driving behavior. The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument cluster provides drivers with clear visual feedback on the active assistance systems and their responses. All assistance functions are conveniently controlled from the steering wheel. In stop-and-go traffic, the system allows for extended stops of up to 3 seconds, automatically resuming movement with the flow of traffic.
The optional LED Intelligent Light System includes advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams, significantly enhancing road illumination. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, part of this system, allows for continuous main beam operation without dazzling other road users, dynamically adjusting light distribution based on traffic conditions.
Edition 1: Exclusive Launch Model
For those seeking an even higher level of exclusivity, the 2019 CLS Mercedes is available as an Edition 1 model. This special edition boasts numerous luxurious features, including the COPPER ART interior concept with black pearl nappa leather seats featuring diamond-design center sections and copper-colored accents. Copper-colored contrasting topstitching adorns the center console, seats, armrests, dashboard, and door linings. A unique diamond grille with matt chrome pins and a copper-colored shimmer on the louver further distinguishes the Edition 1.
The exterior is based on the AMG Line and includes standard LED Intelligent Light headlamps and 19-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in black with a high-sheen rim flange. “Edition 1” lettering on the front fenders clearly identifies this special model. Interior highlights include a dashboard support lined in black nappa leather, natural grain black ash wood trim, an IWC analogue clock with an exclusive dial face, a high-gloss black vehicle key with chrome surround, “Edition 1” floor mats, and special “Edition 1” lettering and display elements.
Conclusion: The 2019 CLS Mercedes – A Benchmark of Automotive Excellence
The 2019 CLS Mercedes is more than just a car; it’s a statement of refined taste, a celebration of innovative engineering, and a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to automotive excellence. It successfully blends the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan, offering a unique proposition in the luxury automotive landscape. From its captivating “Sensual Purity” design to its powerful and efficient in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, and its suite of intelligent driving technologies, the 2019 CLS Mercedes redefines the four-door coupe segment and solidifies its place as an automotive icon. For those seeking a vehicle that embodies both luxury and performance in a uniquely stylish package, the 2019 CLS Mercedes remains an unparalleled choice.
