2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS: the Original Four-door Luxury Coupé
I clearly remember my first encounter with the CLS-Class. I was at the 2004 New York Auto Show, same year the retro-modern Ford Mustang first broke cover, and my breath was taken away. I couldn’t wrap my brain and senses around the CLS’ sleek body, sensual curves and out-worldly beauty.
I drove it a year later and became further entranced by the magic spell the Mercedes put me under. The car was sporty, responsive, great to drive and dead sexy. I loved it. The second-generation CLS launched for the 2012 model year had the exact opposite impact on me… And this, despite driving a CLS 63 AMG, among others.
This time around, the new third-generation car feels like the first. I did a quadruple take at the Mercedes booth at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and even returned for one last glimpse before leaving at the end of press day.
I’m heading off to Barcelona, Spain, very shortly to find out if the all-new CLS will match what its body can do on the road. I’m expecting to test drive the Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC Coupe and Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Coupe. Now, if you’re thinking the numericals are not familiar to you, that’s because they’ve changed somewhat.
The 450 is the interesting one as it ushers in a new turbocharged, 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine mated to a 48-volt integrated starter/generator called EQ Boost. Otherwise known as a mild hybrid system, the EQ Boost not only improves fuel economy, but aptly and briefly boosts output by a further 21 horsepower and, get this, 184 lb.-ft. of torque. On its own, the 3.0-litre is good for 362 horsepower and 369 torques. The 53 also bears the 3.0-litre, but it’s a little more powerful, as it provides 435 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. It too features an identical EQ Boost power surge.
Watch this space as a full review with picture gallery is coming your way.