Mercedes-AMG has updated the sporty top model of the model series with numerous visual highlights and attractive equipment packages. The standard innovations on the CLS53 4MATIC+ include the redesigned front end with the sporty AMG bumper in A-wing form with black flics and visible air curtains, as well as the AMG signature grille with vertical bars.
The surrounds of the windscreen frames are made of polished aluminium or, in combination with the Night Package, in high-gloss black. The exterior mirrors are painted in the colour of the vehicle. Here, too, models with the AMG Night Package or AMG Exterior II Carbon Package are an exception: The mirrors there are finished in high-gloss black or have a housing made of carbon fibre.
Mercedes-AMG drivers also steer the CLS with the latest-generation steering wheel, here in nappa leather finish and with the familiar AMG steering wheel buttons with display.
In terms of optional extras, two new packages allow the coupé to be even sportier: the AMG Night Package II, available in combination with the AMG Night Package, includes the radiator grille, Mercedes star at the rear and typography in darkened chrome.
The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package enhances dynamics in several respects. The red-painted brake callipers with black AMG lettering add a visual highlight to the exterior.
In the interior, the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre or alternatively in nappa leather rounds off the package with sporty elegance. Racetrack-fit performance with a sporty emphasis can be experienced in the additional “RACE” driving mode with the Drift mode.
The Mercedes-AMG CLS53 4MATIC+ combines a powerful 320 kW (435 hp) output with sporty style and high efficiency. The integrated starter-generator briefly delivers an additional 16 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque and supplies the 48-volt on-board network.
It unites the starter and alternator in one electric motor and is integrated between the engine and transmission. This, as well as the intelligent turbocharging with electric auxiliary compressor (eZV) and exhaust gas turbocharger, pursue the same goal: to offer the performance and driving dynamics characteristic of AMG, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The extremely fast-shifting AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension also contribute to the dynamic driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS also receives a new radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern (a three-dimensional star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces), a louver in high-gloss black with chrome inlay and the integrated Mercedes star. The CLS is also now available in a new Starling Blue Metallic paint color.
In addition to the more distinctive exterior, the interior has also been enhanced. Two new trim finishes, including for the center console, are available in Open Pore Brown Walnut and High-Gloss Grey Wood. The range of leather seat upholstery has also been expanded with two new color combinations: Neva Grey/Magma Grey and Sienna Brown/Black.
As part of the update, the Mercedes-Benz CLS receives a redesigned multifunction steering wheel in Nappa leather. The spokes are finished in high-gloss black with silver chrome edging and the paddle shifters in silver chrome. With the available Driver Assistance Package, the driver is supported by Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist. Here, the steering wheel uses the capacitive principle to detect the driver’s hands. There is a two-zone sensor pad in the steering wheel rim and the sensors on the front and reverse sides of the rim register whether the driver’s hands are on the wheel. No steering movement is now required to inform the assistance systems that the driver is in control, enhancing user-friendliness when driving in semi- automated mode.
Greater individualization possible with MANUFAKTUR
The 250 experts at Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR in Sindelfingen can transform the CLS into a very personal bespoke creation if desired. The selection has also been increased for these special options: new, for example, are the special lacquers Jupiter Red, Cashmere White Magno and Emerald Green.
The two-tone interior with exclusive Nappa leather is available in five new combinations: Classic Red/Black, Saddle Brown/Black, Tartufo Brown/Black, Deep White/Black and Yacht Blue/Black.
The powertrain of the CLS: powerful and efficient
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC has a mild hybrid powertrain. Its 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine comes with an integrated second-generation starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system with an output of up to 21 hp and up to 184 lb-ft electric boost. Energy recovery and the possibility to “glide” with the engine switched off make this powertrain very efficient. Electrification also allows the use of an electric refrigerant compressor for the air conditioning system.
Active Brake Assist
The Mercedes-Benz CLS features Active Brake Assist as standard, which can prevent a collision or reduce its severity in many situations with autonomous braking. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and can even prevent collisions, depending on the situation. With the Cross-Traffic function (part of the Driver Assistance Package), this is also possible when making a turn across the oncoming lane.
Active Speed Limit Assist
A range of further Intelligent Drive functions are also included with the available Driver Assistance Package. This includes Active Speed Limit Assist, which reacts to speed limit changes using map data as well as input from Traffic Sign Assist. A route-based speed adjustment can reduce the vehicle speed before detected curves, roundabouts and toll booths, as well as before turning or exiting the highway. If the driver switches on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with distance-based speed adaptation, the CLS can even respond to data from Live Traffic Information.
Active Stop-and-Go Assist
With the Driver Assistance Package Plus, Active Stop-and-Go Assist can take over the task of keeping the vehicle in the lane and maintaining distance up to approximately 37 mph to a large extent and with high availability in highway traffic jams when lane markings are detected. The vehicle can restart automatically up to one minute after coming to a stop. On highways, at speeds under 37 mph, the vehicle refers to detected lane markings and applies swarm intelligence to take its bearings from vehicles in the surrounding area.
Automatic parking and exiting a parking space
Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360° camera makes it possible to enter and leave parking spaces automatically. The system facilitates the search for and selection of a parking space as well as entering and leaving (if the vehicle was parked automatically) parallel and end-on parking spaces or garages. The CLS is now also able to recognize and use parking spaces that are, for example, only marked as areas of larger spaces. The 360° camera transmits an even more realistic image to the media display, which includes an expanded side view. When leaving a parking space, the system is able to warn of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and can apply the brakes.
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)
The infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) was also significantly upgraded in the CLS in 2020. As standard, the CLS has two large 12.3-inch screens arranged side by side for a widescreen look. The information for the driver and on the central touchscreen display is easy to read on the large, high- resolution screens.
Unique to MBUX is its ability to learn, thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX anticipates what the user would like next. For instance, anyone who often telephones a specific person on Tuesdays during their drive home will receive their telephone number as a suggestion in the display on this day of the week. Additional available highlights include MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation and MBUX Interior Assist, which allows for intuitive operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2022.
