PERFORMANCE, LUXURY ARE THE STARS
Next-gen Mercedes ready for close-up
Mercedes-Benz has been calling the CLS a coupe since it was introduced 15 years ago, and I say wait a minute, it has four doors, so it’s a sedan. I will concede that the third generation 2019 edition, which seats five and goes on sale later this fall, is more a coupe than a sedan as designers have combined elegant coupe-like styling with the comfort and functionality of a sedan.
Call it what you want, but either way, the 2019 CLS 4Matic combines thrilling driving performance with five-star luxury. While specific pricing and gas mileage figures are not yet available, estimates based on previous model years should put CLS 450 in the $75G range.
A high waistline combined with a shallow arching roof help to distinguish the CLS as a coupe. A forward-slanting front end that resembles a shark’s nose caps off Mercedes’ distinctive diamond grille with a single louver. Exterior lines and edges are diminished, allowing the CLS’s long hood, raked windshield and sloping tail to blend together seamlessly, providing additional coupelike cues. AMG-badged 19inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile summer tires hint at the CLS’s performance capabilities.
Until recently, it was
easy to understand an auto enthusiast’s disdain of 6-cylinder engines. Not the case with this turbocharged inline-six. The 3.0-liter engine rivals many V8s, cranking out 362 horsepower with an equal amount of torque. Mercedes eliminates turbo lag with a hybrid system that provides an additional 21 horsepower from an electric motor placed between the engine and transmission. The swift acceleration is highlighted by the engine’s growl and throaty exhaust notes.
The CLS is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission that was so incredibly smooth and quiet that it’s hardly noticeable. I did use the steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters in a few spirited driving situations after bypassing the Eco, and Comfort drive positions and locked in the Sport mode, that firms both steering and suspension response and ramps up the throttle. All-wheel-drive kept the Mercedes glued to the road. Eco and Comfort modes allowed the suspension system to adequately smooth out road perfections while Sport drive mode provided a more visceral connection to the road.
The car’s performance capabilities were equaled, if not exceeded, by the mid-sized luxury vehicle’s posh interior enhanced with advanced technology and features. Beige leather upholstery was contrasted by black wood trim inlays and a red leather dashboard. Power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and memory were heated and ventilated. The cabin’s mood was adjustable with 64 colors of ambient lighting.
Mercedes used an innovative approach to the instrument panel and infotainment system by incorporating a pair of 12.3-inch high-resolution displays side-by-side under a single glass screen. The dashboard and center console are built around the completely digital cockpit. Additionally, all functions can be controlled with steering wheel mounted switches, dials and mini touchpads.
After a week-long evaluation of highway commuting and taking three kids to school and soccer practices, I find it a real challenge to come up with any legitimate shortcomings with the 2019 CLS 450. However the offwhite upholstery, carpeting and floor mats took a beating, prominently displaying dirt and scuff marks.