2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS Gets a Nice Facelift
We haven’t covered the Mercedes-Benz CLS for a long time, but on Tuesday night the company revealed the facelifted 2022 model, adding more style and sophistication to the original four-door luxury coupe.
Since the reason most frequently cited by customers for buying the CLS is its design, Mercedes-Benz focused on exactly that. The front grille (with the three-pointed star motif) and bumpers have been redesigned to give the car a bit more character.
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In Canada, the CLS 450 4MATIC comes standard with the AMG Exterior Styling package, which includes an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, distinctive air intakes with vertical bars and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black, with AMG sill trim lining the side of the vehicle. The spectral blue metallic paint you see here is a new option for 2022.
Meanwhile, the sporty CLS 53 4MATIC+ stands out with the AMG signature grille with vertical bars, racier-looking wheels, and more. Various packages are available, most notably a new AMG Track Package adding red-painted brake callipers and a "RACE" driving mode with the Drift mode.
Classy Cabin
The interior of the 2022 CLS has not been overlooked, of course. Two new trims, including for the centre console, are available in Brown Open-Pore Walnut Wood and Grey High-Gloss Wood finishes. The range of Leather and Nappa Leather seat upholstery has also been expanded with two new colour cominbations: Neva Grey/Magma Grey and Nut Brown/Black.
Then there’s a redesigned Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel for an extra touch of refinement. With the available Intelligent Drive Package, sensors on the front and reverse sides of the rim detect whether the driver's hands are on the wheel, which is necessary for semi-autonomous driving.
Same Powertrain
The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine is back, producing 362 horsepower in base models and 429 horsepower in the CLS 53. As part of the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, it teams up with a 48V integrated starter-generator that briefly delivers an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, just like on a growing number of Mercedes cars. If you haven’t experienced it already, you’re in for a treat.
As mentioned earlier, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is standard on all CLS models. The AMG variant (4MATIC+) is more advanced and performance-oriented, though. It also partners with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift twin-clutch transmission and AMG Ride Control+ air suspension for sharper handling.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS will arrive in Canadian dealerships this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.