2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Overview

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 sacrifices practicality in the name of beauty, and the mid-size luxury sedan certainly looks pretty. Within its shapely shell is a decadent interior and luscious atmosphere, well, at least for those sitting in the front two seats. The sedan's coupe-like roofline contributes to the aforementioned compromises regarding passenger space, and its lilliputian trunk is another flaw owners won't find on the Audi A7 hatchback. Still, Mercedes outfits the CLS450 with an electrically-enhanced 362-hp six-cylinder powertrain that's as smooth as it is responsive. Every model also comes with all-wheel drive, a dazzling digital dashboard with a feature-laden infotainment system, and myriad driver assists. The 2022 CLS450 isn't as well-rounded as the Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan, but it definitely commands more curbside attention.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, Mercedes is dropping the rear-drive version of the CLS450 as well as the 429-hp AMG-tuned CLS53. That leaves the all-wheel-drive, 362-hp CLS450 4Matic, which also adopts subtle cosmetic changes inside and out for the new model year. Along with a new front bumper and grille design, the previously optional AMG Line appearance package is now standard. It includes some high-gloss black accents and either 19- or 20-inch wheels. Inside, there's a wider variety of leather and trim combinations as well as a new three-spoke steering with capacitive-touch functions.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The CLS450 is the only model offered and it comes standard with Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel drive system. We'd suggest the Warmth and Comfort package (heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rapid heating for the front seats) as well as the Driver Assistance package, which adds a host of tech features including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CLS450 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt hybrid-assist system called EQ Boost. The setup provides an output of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant got the CLS450 to 60 mph in a crisp 4.6 seconds and executed the run from 50 to 70 mph in 3.8 ticks. Both numbers are nearly identical to the 335-hp Audi A7. A nine-speed automatic transmission handles gearchanges for the Benz. Five driving modes are standard—Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual—and this allows you to customize the car's performance to suit your preferences. With the CLS450, the feel from behind the wheel is smooth and calm, never frenetic.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

To get an idea of its real-world mpg, we drove a CLS450 4Matic on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. This exercise revealed an impressive 36 mpg on the highway, which also matched the result of an Audi A7 we tested. For more information about the CLS450's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The polished planes and sloping lines of the CLS-class's exterior are reflected in its cabin design. The dash encircles front-seat passengers with a graceful swirl, and a quartet of circular air vents dominates the center stack. With its nappa leather upholstery, the overall look of the cabin is premium and undeniably glamorous. There's seating for five, but the car's swooping roofline takes a toll on headroom for those perched in the back. The CLS-class provides 35 inches of rear-seat legroom. That's two inches less than you'll get with the A7. Despite this Benz's sizable footprint, there's not a whole lot of room in the trunk. Cargo capacity measures in at a paltry 12 cubic feet, which is enough for just five carry-on suitcases. In comparison, the A7 serves up 25 cubic feet of space that swallows seven carry-ons.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The CLS450's 12.3-inch infotainment display shares a giant glass panel on the dashboard with the sedan's 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Among the standard connectivity features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with a touchpad controller mounted on the center console, Mercedes' MBUX operating system includes robust voice-recognition software. The list of optional equipment includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, a head-up display, and wireless device charging.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Mercedes sedan comes with a plethora of driver-assistance technology, including standard blind-spot monitoring and For more information about the CLS450's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Warranty coverage provided by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class is competitive with that offered by many segment rivals. However, know that the Genesis G90 offers longer coverage.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications:

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 4Matic

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ESTIMATED PRICE AS TESTED: $99,000 (estimated base price: $74,000)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 362 hp, 369 lb-ft + AC motor, 21 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined system, 362 hp, 369 lb-ft; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery)

TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS:
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.2-in vented, cross-drilled disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat, F: 245/40R-19 98Y MOE ★ R: 275/35R-19 100Y MOE ★

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 115.7 in
Length: 196.4 in
Width: 74.4 in Height: 55.3 in
Passenger volume: 93 cu ft
Trunk volume: 12 cu ft
Curb weight: 4405 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.5 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 17.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.2 sec @ 107 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 21 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway (C/D est): 25/22/29 mpg

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