The New Mercedes-Benz CLS: Is It Worth the Hype?

Mercedes-Benz 2019 CLS Coupe
Image source: Mercedes-Benz

Ever looked up the term ‘four-door coupe’? If you did, an image of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class might have popped up. According to Mercedes, it was the first ever four-door coupe. Mercedes created a popular niche that is now contested by the likes of the Porsche Panamera, outgoing BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and the Audi A7.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS is in its third generation, and it is reinventing itself once more. This new coupe runs on hybrid tech and has an array of safety features derived from the S-Class. The Design of the 2019 CLS signals the future of the lineup – it’s an ingenious enhancement to the combustion engine, with the latest features in automotive intelligence. The 2019 Mercedes CLS has broken new boundaries when it comes to performance, style, and luxury.

It debuts with a 6 cylinder turbo engine with an EQ boost upgrade. Its integrated motor has a level of efficiency that can only be found in hybrid vehicles, which helps the combustion engine save fuel when accelerating.

In contrast with the Mercedes Benz E-Class sedan that shares the same platform, the CLS opts to win over performance-minded buyers. This particular coupe has two key selling points: an all-new inline 6-cylinder engine, and a sportier suspension. Mercedes has used the inline six-cylinder engine for more than 20 years, and the last Mercedes to use this engine was the S320. Don’t be fooled by its architecture, it might be medieval, but this engine is far from it.

The 2019 Mercedes CLS has a 3-liter inline 6 engine that produces 369 pound-feet of torque. For efficiency, the engine is aided by an electric motor that is nudged between the engine and its nine-speed transmission system. The 2019 CLS is technically a hybrid, however, Mercedes-Benz prefers to use the term EQ boost. The electric motor fitted in this vehicle eliminates turbo lag. The new CLS is extremely punchy once the Sport or Sports Plus mode is activated.

The CLS interior is excellent. Gone is the popular piano black, replaced by wood grain trim. Its quilted seats are another high note. They have an excellent finish, and while some drivers might find them a little stiff, they are quite comfortable. Its back seat isn’t any larger, and taller passengers might rub their heads on the roof, however, the rear seat sinks in deep and is comfortable.  A big selling point is the optional 12.3-inch twin color display. It also has tiny touchpads on the steering wheel with a centrally mounted dial on the center console; the controls are easy to use without looking. Its COMAND infotainment system is still cluttered, and going through the vehicle settings and navigation will yield some confusing outputs.