Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 heralds a new generation of the CLS-Class. The original version (from 2004) was the one that introduced the then-novel “4-door coupe” idea. However, CLS cars are essentially sedans, only with more of a fastback roofline. That makes the new CLS450 a design aficionado’s choice over, say, the more conventional E-Class premium-midsize sedan (on which the CLS is based). As well as the high style, though, there’s also profound substance. For example, the 2019 CLS450 is propelled by a drivetrain that includes hybrid elements, while the climate control is linked to the navigation. When the car goes into a tunnel, the system will automatically click over to recirculated air. There are so many innovations and details that make the CLS much more than a car-show celebrity.

Forget about those two rear passenger doors for a while. The new CLS feels long, low and wide. Like a coupe. And its speed can be deceptive, because power delivery and gear changes are so effortlessly smooth. The electric motor provides a temporary boost of 21 horsepower and covers up any hint of turbocharger lag. This progressive application of energy is particularly welcome when accelerating out of corners and making the most of traction provided by the optional 4Matic (all-wheel drive) system. A quiet cabin complements the drivetrain’s refinement — most of the time. Except that the occasional pothole shudders through the suspension in a manner uncharacteristic for a Mercedes-Benz. On downhill stretches, a “coasting” feature enabled by the electric motor helps save some fuel.

Those rectangular screens fit into a bigger picture that also includes flowing lines, and circular turbine-style vents that change color. Turn down the heat and they’ll briefly glow with a blue hue, set it for warmer and they’ll go red for a moment. Whereas previous generations have only provided two seats in the back, the all-new 2019 CLS450 now adds a smaller middle seat. Like its counterparts in other midsize sedans, this one is most suitable for a younger, smaller person. The front seats are excellent, comfortable and supportive in all the right places. The optional active multi-contour front seats include a massage function and are approved by a German campaign for spinal health. Trunk volume is 11.9 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic’s.

Just like those two generations of CLS before it, the all-new 2019 CLS attempts to bring some coupe sleekness to a 4-door car. It pretty much succeeds, even if the impact is not as strong as when the first generation debuted. Creases and character lines are deliberately few. The grille has the diamond effect that Mercedes-Benz gives to its 2-door cars. And the elegant frameless side windows are another cue taken from the company’s coupes. Don’t worry about insulation from wind and road noise, though. Mercedes-Benz, unsurprisingly, has that covered. Aerodynamic efficiency is also enhanced by panels beneath the engine bay and a special design of alloy wheels.

48-VOLT POWERTRAIN
This really is an evolutionary step. The CLS450’s gasoline engine is augmented by an electric motor that dispenses with belt drives for ancillary components like water and fuel pumps (reducing parasitic losses), enables the almost-imperceptible engine stop/start feature (which saves some gas), adds a horsepower boost, and powers the optional active suspension.

DOUBLE 12.3-INCH SCREENS
The dashboard of the new CLS450 is dominated by these two screens linked together like a huge iPad set on the horizontal axis. The one that slots behind the steering wheel (which is optional) carries all the driver information, while the other is linked to the infotainment system and various car functions.

The 2019 CLS450 comes with many features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt/slide sunroof, power-adjustable/heated front seats with memory settings, 64-color ambient LED cabin lighting, leather upholstery, wood trim, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, electronic trunk closer, blind-spot monitoring, and Active Brake Assist (which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, brake drying and moving the pads closer to the discs if the driver lifts off the accelerator quickly).

A Driver Assistance package brings adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, extra side protection (moving front occupants closer to the center of the car if a collision is imminent) and various other aids. All-wheel drive is also on the options list, along with Air Body Control (an active suspension that transforms the chassis), digital driver’s display, tri-zone automatic climate control, power rear sunshade, soft-closing doors, head-up display, massaging front seats, cabin air-purification/fragrance system, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, intelligent headlights with adaptive high beams, active parking assistance, 360-degree camera, and rear cross-traffic alert. The audio system upgrade has a VIP mode, meaning it can be set up for one occupant’s optimum listening pleasure. There are even speakers in the roof.

The inline-6 engine in the new CLS450 is a relatively unusual configuration for Mercedes-Benz. The company has been using V6 engines for decades. This 3.0-liter unit develops a muscular 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (kicking in satisfyingly low in the powerband). An electric motor adds another 21 horses and 184 lb-ft when called upon. A 9-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles sends power to the rear wheels (RWD), or all four (AWD) if a 4Matic system is present. This setup isn’t a hybrid in the usual sense, but it does contribute to quite respectable average fuel economy of 26 mpg.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6/48-volt electric motor and lithium-ion battery
362 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg (RWD), 23/30 mpg (AWD)