The 2022 Mercedes-benz Cls-class emerges as a compelling option for those seeking luxury with a dash of unconventional style. Stepping away from the traditional sedan silhouette, the CLS-Class, while rooted in the esteemed Mercedes-Benz E-Class, carves its own niche with a gracefully sloping roofline, exuding sporty elegance. This design choice, however, introduces a trade-off, subtly impacting rear passenger space and cargo capacity. For the 2022 model year, Mercedes-Benz refines the CLS-Class, streamlining the lineup and enhancing its visual appeal with subtle styling updates.
Pros
- Potent Engine: The turbocharged inline-six engine delivers robust and responsive acceleration, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.
- Balanced Dynamics: The CLS-Class strikes an admirable balance between engaging handling and serene ride comfort, making it suitable for both spirited drives and relaxed cruising.
- Advanced Safety Suite: A comprehensive array of cutting-edge safety and driver-assistance features are available, enhancing peace of mind and driving confidence.
- Exquisite Design: The CLS-Class boasts a sleek and sophisticated exterior coupled with an impeccably crafted and luxurious interior.
Cons
- Space Compromises: The stylish design curtails interior and trunk space compared to more traditionally shaped sedans.
- Premium Price: The CLS-Class commands a higher price point than the closely related Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.
What’s New for 2022
- Lineup Adjustment: The rear-wheel-drive CLS 450 and the high-performance AMG CLS 53 variants have been discontinued, making the all-wheel-drive CLS 450 4MATIC the sole model.
- Styling Refresh: Subtle yet effective styling revisions grace the exterior and interior, including a redesigned grille, front bumper, and a new steering wheel, along with expanded material options for interior customization.
- Third Generation Refinement: These updates further refine the third-generation CLS-Class, which was initially introduced in 2019.
Overview: Blending Style with Mercedes-Benz Luxury
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class distinguishes itself as a style-forward luxury sedan. It appeals to buyers who appreciate the inherent luxury of Mercedes-Benz but desire a design that deviates from the conventional sedan form. Based on the solid foundation of the E-Class, the CLS-Class adopts a “four-door coupe” aesthetic, characterized by its sweeping roofline that culminates in a sporty rear. This design philosophy prioritizes visual appeal, resulting in a vehicle that stands out with its graceful and athletic stance.
However, this focus on style does come with practical considerations. The sloping roofline naturally reduces headroom, particularly for rear passengers, and slightly diminishes trunk capacity when compared to the more boxy E-Class sedan. In a segment that includes competitors like the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7, and Porsche Panamera, the 2022 CLS-Class positions itself as a refined and comfortable choice, perhaps prioritizing elegance over outright sportiness compared to some of its rivals. As highlighted by эксперты Edmunds, the CLS-Class leans towards refinement and comfort, making it a superb long-distance cruiser rather than an outright sports sedan.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Detailed Look
Edmunds’ expert vehicle testing team rigorously evaluates vehicles, combining objective track testing with real-world driving assessments to generate comprehensive Expert Ratings. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class earns a “Great” rating of 8.1 out of 10, reflecting its strengths in key areas of automotive excellence.
Performance: 8/10
The 2022 CLS-Class delivers a compelling driving experience, characterized by its potent engine and refined dynamics. The turbocharged inline-six engine provides smooth and assertive power delivery across the rev range, ensuring brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The now-standard CLS 450 4MATIC, the sole variant available, achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in a swift 4.6 seconds in Edmunds’ testing. This performance is only marginally behind the discontinued AMG CLS 53, demonstrating the inherent power of the CLS 450’s engine.
Handling is secure and predictable, instilling confidence in various driving situations. However, during aggressive cornering, noticeable body roll becomes apparent. While typical CLS-Class drivers may not frequently engage in such spirited driving, it does indicate that the CLS-Class prioritizes comfort over razor-sharp спортивность. For those seeking a true sports sedan experience, the CLS 450 might not fully satisfy the most demanding enthusiasts.
Comfort: 9/10
The CLS-Class truly excels in providing exceptional comfort, particularly on extended journeys. The cabin is remarkably quiet, effectively isolating occupants from road and wind noise. The seats, upholstered in supple leather with firm padding, offer excellent support and comfort, even on long drives. The climate control system is highly effective, maintaining a pleasant cabin temperature regardless of external conditions.
The engine operates with remarkable smoothness, contributing to the overall sense of refinement. At highway speeds, the CLS-Class delivers exceptional isolation from the outside world, with minimal engine noise intrusion, save for a muted growl during spirited acceleration. While the adaptive suspension adeptly absorbs most road imperfections, it can feel slightly less composed over severely broken pavement, occasionally transmitting a bit of jarring to the cabin.
Interior: 8/10
The interior of the CLS-Class is characterized by intuitive controls and a visually appealing design. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring crisp graphics and logical menu structures. The touchpad interface, while functional, can be prone to accidental inputs. The large central display screen is responsive to both touch and touchpad inputs, offering flexibility in control.
Front occupants enjoy ample elbow and legroom. However, the sloping roofline does impact headroom, especially in the rear seats, when compared to the more upright E-Class. Rear seat access can also be slightly more challenging due to the lower roofline and narrower door openings, particularly for taller passengers and when front seats are positioned further back.
Technology: 9/10
The 2022 CLS-Class is equipped with a suite of advanced technology features. The centerpiece is the expansive and visually stunning central display screen, providing crisp and clear visuals for navigation, infotainment, and vehicle settings. The Burmester surround-sound audio system, featuring 13 speakers, delivers exceptional sound quality, with rich bass and clear highs, creating an immersive audio experience.
The CLS-Class also offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist work harmoniously to provide near-autonomous driving capabilities in certain conditions. The new capacitive-touch steering wheel enhances the lane-centering assist, requiring only a hand resting on the wheel to maintain activation. These systems are well-calibrated and operate smoothly, minimizing false alerts.
Storage: 7/10
Practicality takes a slight backseat to style in the CLS-Class. The trunk offers 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the E-Class sedan and many other midsize luxury sedans. However, it still provides sufficient room for weekend luggage or a golf bag. Interior small-item storage is adequate, with generously sized door pockets and a divided center console.
The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback enhances versatility, allowing for transport of longer items. However, the lower roofline and tighter rear quarters can pose challenges for parents installing child safety seats or loading and unloading children.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
The 2022 CLS 450 4MATIC demonstrates commendable fuel efficiency for a performance-oriented luxury sedan with all-wheel drive. EPA estimates stand at 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway). In Edmunds’ real-world testing, the CLS 450 achieved 23.5 mpg on a mixed-driving route, suggesting that the EPA estimates are realistic and achievable in typical driving conditions.
Value: 8/10
The CLS-Class exudes quality and craftsmanship, feeling special and well-worth its price. While not inexpensive, owners are likely to appreciate the level of luxury and refinement offered. However, the value proposition is debatable when considering the E-Class sedan. The E-Class offers more rear passenger and trunk space at a lower price point. The Audi S7 presents another compelling alternative, and the CLS-Class may not possess a distinctive “wow” factor to unequivocally stand out in this competitive segment. The basic warranty coverage is standard for the luxury class, at four years or 50,000 miles.
Wildcard/Styling: 8/10
The CLS-Class’s appeal is underscored by its potent performance and refined driving dynamics. Stylistically, it differentiates itself from conventional sedans. However, it might lack the visual drama of some coupe-like sedans, including the Audi S7 and Mercedes-Benz’s own AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Furthermore, some may perceive a visual similarity to the entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA, which could be a concern for buyers in this price range. On the positive side, the CLS-Class offers a blend of understated elegance and fashion-forward design, appealing to those who prioritize style without seeking excessive attention. However, buyers in the near-$100,000 luxury car segment might desire a more pronounced visual statement.
Edmunds Recommendation: The Optimal CLS-Class Choice
With the discontinuation of the base and AMG models, the CLS 450 4MATIC becomes the singular choice for the 2022 model year. Edmunds recommends adding the Driver Assistance package to equip the CLS-Class with adaptive cruise control and other crucial safety features. Audiophiles might also consider the Premium package, which includes the Burmester surround-sound audio system for an enhanced auditory experience.
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Models and Features
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is exclusively offered as a four-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline, accommodating five passengers. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It is available in a single CLS 450 4MATIC trim level, offering a comprehensive list of standard features:
- 19-inch wheels
- LED exterior lighting for enhanced visibility and aesthetics
- Power-folding mirrors for convenience in tight spaces
- Sunroof to bring natural light into the cabin
- Power trunklid for effortless access to the cargo area
- Dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort
- Leather seat upholstery for a luxurious feel
- Simulated leather interior trim accents
- Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app for vehicle management
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch touchscreen for a modern and informative interface
- Navigation system to guide you on your journeys
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration for seamless connectivity
- Heated front seats for enhanced comfort in colder climates
- Interior ambient lighting to create a personalized cabin atmosphere
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers for automated convenience
- Heated windshield for improved visibility in winter conditions
The CLS-Class also comes standard with a robust suite of driver-assistance features:
- Blind-spot assist to warn of vehicles in your blind spots
- Forward collision mitigation to help prevent frontal collisions
- Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound systems to prepare occupants for a potential collision
- Driver attention warning to detect and alert fatigued driving
- Car-to-X communication for real-time hazard information sharing
- Automatic high beams for optimized nighttime visibility
Optional bundled packages offer further customization:
Driver Assistance package:
- Adaptive cruise control for maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead
- Lane keeping assist to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane
- Evasive steering assist to enhance collision avoidance capabilities
- Emergency stop assist to bring the vehicle to a safe stop in emergencies
Premium package:
- 13-speaker Burmester audio system for audiophile-grade sound
- Satellite radio for expanded entertainment options
- Semi-automated parking system for simplified parking maneuvers
- Surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility during parking
Warmth and Comfort package:
- Rapid seat heating for quick warming of front seats
- Heated front armrests for added comfort
- Heated steering wheel for warmth on cold days
Stand-alone options include:
- Ventilated front seats for cooling comfort
- Multicontour front seats with massage functions for ultimate relaxation
- Head-up display for projecting essential information onto the windshield
- Power rear window shade for rear passenger privacy and sun protection
- Wireless charging pad for convenient device charging
- Soft-close doors for a refined closing experience
