Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG CLS

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ is a sporty 4-door “coupe” with a sleek and stylish appearance that complements its premium luxury objectives. Hidden beneath its sculpted body panels is one of the world’s most advanced, and innovative, powertrains — a silky-smooth turbocharged inline-6 boosted by an electric motor that Mercedes-AMG calls EQ Boost. The “coupe” nomenclature is a hint that the 5-passenger CLS 53 won’t have the most spacious interior or the most cavernous trunk. Instead, its primary mission is to effortlessly cover miles of open roads while pampering and protecting its occupants with premium appointments and advanced safety systems.

A robust chassis, innovative powerplant, and a capable permanent all-wheel-drive system make the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 a pleasure to drive.

The new turbocharged inline-6, with an integrated electric motor, has all but eliminated dreaded “turbo lag” off the line — launching with as much authority as its V8-powered predecessors. The 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT (Torque Converter Transmission) is impressively smooth through the gears, and it never appears to be caught off-guard.

Mercedes allows the driver to tailor driving dynamics via AMG Dynamic Select, a 5-mode toggle that includes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Each of those settings alters engine response, the speed and harshness of gear changes, suspension dampening, steering weight, and exhaust note — there are significant differences among them.

Despite aggressive low-profile tires, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has a compliant ride. The standard air suspension, known as AMG Ride Control+, boasts fully-supporting multi-chamber air springs at all four corners and continuously adjustable damping from ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System). The steering is perfectly weighted, and the multi-piston brakes (acting on cross-drilled and ventilated rotors) deliver confident stopping power.

Sport and luxury are the two prevailing themes within the cabin of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53. The designers have gone to great lengths to mix premium leather upholstery, genuine wood trim and real metals — the overall look is organized, modern and racy. A 12.3-inch multifunction display dominates the dashboard; it is well integrated and its high-resolution graphics are visually stunning.

Driver and front passenger are coddled in form-fitting front seats, but those in the second row will find accommodations far less appealing — the seats are fine, but the stylish sloping roof reduces valuable headroom. The trunk is also compromised, measuring smaller in capacity than the automaker’s own compact C-Class sedan. 

Instantly recognizable as a Mercedes with a performance mission, the CLS 53 is visually stunning from all angles.

The forward-slanting nose of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 features the AMG-signature twin-blade radiator grille with LED projector-beam headlights. The vehicle’s silhouette features a high arching waistline, a short greenhouse and frameless windows that emphasize sleekness. The rear end is noted by 2-section taillights, with reflectors set into the rear bumper, completed by quad exhaust openings. The overall appearance is cohesive and stylish.

EQ BOOST
While other automakers have used electric motors to assist their combustion engines, Mercedes-AMG has made the mechanical marriage of these two technologies nearly transparent. Credit goes to an innovative 48-volt starter-alternator that delivers an additional 184 lb-ft of torque on an as-needed basis. The result is quicker acceleration, a smoother power curve, more passing power, and better fuel economy — the driver feels nothing but abundant power when the accelerator is pressed.

AMG PERFORMANCE 4MATIC+
Most all-wheel-drive systems are engineered to send power to the rear wheels only if slippage is detected — those vehicles drive with a displeasing nose-heavy feel. The Mercedes-AMG systems, known as AMG Performance 4Matic+, use sensors and a computer to modulate torque split from 100-percent rear, to a 50/50 split. AMG Performance 4Matic+ effectively delivers enthusiast-tuned driving dynamics.

The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Coupe has a base price just below $80,000, so its standard-equipment list is befitting of its premium pricing. In addition to full power equipment, the leather upholstery (AMG-specific), COMAND Navigation infotainment, and a 12.3-inch screen instrument cluster are standard. Dynamic Select, Hands-Free access, electronic trunk closer, and Keyless-Start are also fitted at the base price. Standard safety equipment includes Blind Spot assist, Active Brake assist, Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound — technology that plays an audible note in the seconds before a crash to prepare, and protect, human eardrums for the loud noise.

While there are several stand-alone options available for the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Coupe, the automaker bundles most of its options into packages. The Driver Assistance package includes Distronic Adaptive Cruise control, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The Parking Assist Package bundles Active Parking Assist with the Surround View system and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

And, for those who want their vehicle to provide a unique scented ambience, Mercedes offers the Energizing Comfort Package with Energizing Comfort, Air Balance cabin-air purification and the Air Balance cabin fragrance system — the owner chooses from several different scents that are distributed though the vehicle’s heat/vent/AC system.

The 2019 AMG CLS 53 arrives with an all-new engine boasting impressive technology. The 3.0-liter inline-6, which is smoother and less complex than a V6, features EQ Boost, a mild hybrid system that places a small electric motor between the engine and transmission.

The engine is rated at 429 horsepower, but that figure doesn’t include the 21 additional horsepower (and 184 lb-ft of torque) that “boost” the engine off the line and during passing. That standard transmission is a silky-smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, which is mated to 4Matic, the permanent all-wheel-drive system. Premium fuel is required.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 + electric motor
429 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg