Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS

German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz likes to call its CLS a “coupe,” but it’s actually a 4-door sedan with a sleek, fastback roofline. And it’s not just any old sedan: The CLS is based on the premium E-Class midsize sedan, so there’s good substance beneath all that style.

Whereas the E-Class executive sedan prioritizes practicality with its premium nature, the CLS emphasizes standout styling. While it has room for five passengers, the CLS is at its best deftly transporting driver and passenger.

Starting around $70,000, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS is also pricier than a base E-Class. One reason for that is its standard engine is one that’s optional in the E-Class: a turbocharged inline-6, a 362-horsepower 3.0-liter that’s supplemented by an electric motor that adds power, added refinement, and efficiency. Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 models are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

A higher-performance model is available in the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, which adds more power and standard AWD.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a niche car by design. It forgoes some of the practicality of a traditional midsize luxury sedan like the E-Class or BMW 5 Series and the usefulness of a sportback like the similarly prices Audi A7. Yet its distinctive and beautiful style is one of the CLS’s most appealing traits.

From the driver’s seat, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 feels long, low and wide, and vehicle speed is a bit deceptive because the power delivery and gear changes are so smooth. The integrated starter/generator and an auxiliary electric blower eliminate any sense of turbo lag. Acceleration out of corners is outstanding, particularly when the CLS is equipped with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The fuel-saving automatic start is the smoothest we’ve felt in a Mercedes, and a quiet cabin beautifully complements the drivetrain’s refinement.

Neat detail: In certain situations (in Eco mode, with stop/start not defeated), when the driver lifts off the throttle on a level or slightly downhill highway, the 6-cylinder engine will shut off and allow the CLS to coast or “sail” down the road under electric power to save fuel. But the moment the driver dips back into the throttle, the engine automatically restarts and resumes propelling the CLS 450 down the road.

With a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds for RWD 450 models or 4.8 with AWD, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is hardly a slouch. However, if you crave more power and performance, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 happily delivers. It drops that 0-to-60-mph benchmark to just 4.4 seconds.

Its turbocharged inline-6 feels more akin to a V8, and we also applaud its 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT (Torque Converter Transmission), which operates both smoothly and quickly and never seems off-guard amid gear changes.

Despite aggressive low-profile tires, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has a compliant but firm ride, even in Comfort mode. 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.

Although the CLS 450 technically is a 5-seater, you should reserve the middle back seat for small kids. That stated, the CLS interior is an attractive, high-quality cabin featuring attractive wood trim and sweeping shapes influenced by the exterior lines of the car.

As noted, the CLS dash has been updated for 2021, with all models now getting the formerly optional twin 12.3-in. high-resolution screens. With one acting as the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment, they seamlessly blend together to appear as one giant display.

While you might think glare would present a problem, given the large flat plane of glass that’s employed, a small hood covered in stitched synthetic leather (called MB-Tex by Mercedes) eliminates that potential problem.

Multiple other controls are integrated into the thumb panels on the CLS steering wheel, and the multipurpose COMAND controller is situated perfectly for the driver’s right hand. Moreover, the front seats, despite large side bolsters, provide long hours of comfort, with adjusters positioned for easy access on the door panels. The rear seat, divided 40/20/40, folds forward for improved cargo capacity, but the CLS trunk, at 11.9 square feet, is smaller than a Honda Civic’s.

Also notable: When the temperature of the CLS’s climate control is raised, its turbine-like dash vents briefly turn red. When cooler air is requested, they go blue. Fun. Just like the 64 colors of ambient lighting available inside the new CLS.

Like the two generations of CLS before it, this CLS brings some coupe sleekness to a 4-door sedan. It succeeds, even if the impact isn’t quite as strong as it was when the 1st-generation CLS made its debut. 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 wind and road noise, though. Mercedes-Benz, unsurprisingly, has that covered. Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by panels beneath the engine bay and special alloy wheels. Last year’s update brought power domes to the CLS 450’s hood, adding more muscle.

Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 models stand out with quad tailpipes and a slightly lower and wider stance.

MBUX TECHNOLOGY
With its tech upgrade for 2021, all Mercedes CLS models now include the automaker’s latest twin 12.3-inch display screens (one for the instrument cluster, the other for infotainment functions). Also at the ready is a voice command system that answers to, “Hey Mercedes.”

ROUTE-BASED SPEED ADAPTATION
With this system, which ties into the vehicle’s COMAND map data, the CLS 450 will slow automatically as it approaches corners, intersections, roundabouts, toll booths, or exit roads.

As you’d expect of a $70,000 Mercedes-Benz, the 2021 CLS 450 is packed with many standard features, including leather upholstery, navigation, AMG body styling, 19-inch alloy wheels, and LED exterior lighting. Other standard fare on the 2021 CLS includes the latest MBUX infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, a power tilt/slide sunroof, power-adjustable/heated front seats, ambient LED cabin lighting, wood trim, two USB ports, and an electronic trunk closer.

On the safety front, the CLS 450 has standard blind-spot monitoring in addition to Active Brake Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

In addition to its higher-powered engine and other performance upgrades, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 also adds a surround-view camera system and power-operated rear window shade.

Options on the Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 include all-wheel drive (4Matic), Air Body Control air suspension, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, 3-zone climate control, and four types of Nappa interior leather. Among the available option packages are a Driver Assistance Package (which has active cruise control), a Warmth & Comfort Package (with quick-heat seats), and another package with massaging front seats.

On the safety front, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera are available. The two optional audio options are highlighted by a 1,450-watt Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system with 23 speakers and five preset listening modes.

New for 2021 on all Mercedes CLS models slick augmented video, which overlays guides and other navigation aids over real-time video from a dashcam.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that is silky-smooth and makes a muscular 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Its EQ Boost mild-hybrid system includes an integral starter/generator that adds another 21 horses and 184 lb-ft of torque.

A 9-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles sends power to the rear wheels (RWD), or all four (AWD) wheels with 4Matic. This unique powertrain may not be a hybrid in the usual sense, but it does contribute to the CLA’s refinement and good fuel economy.

The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 also uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with EQ Boost but is tuned to make 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an AMG 9-speed transmission and AMG performance-based 4Matic AWD system.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6/48-volt electric motor & lithium-ion battery
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg (RWD), 22/29 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 + electric motor
429 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5.800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 21/27 mpg