The Original Four-Door Luxury Coupe is About to Retire
Mercedes-Benz continues to rearrange its vehicle portfolio and the latest victim is the CLS. Production will end on August 31, the German automaker confirmed yesterday.
The 2023 model year will be the last, with no direct replacement planned.
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Originally launched in 2004 (2005 in North America), the Mercedes-Benz CLS is widely regarded as the car that started the four-door coupe revolution. It has spawned three generations over two decades, the current one having debuted for 2019. Last year, designers gave it a substantial update including a new-look grille and bumpers.
Customers can turn to the base CLS 450 4Matic, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, or the sportier and more upscale AMG 53 4MATIC+, which increases output from 362 horsepower to 429 horsepower. As the names imply, all-wheel drive is standard in both cases. Pricing ranges from $85,900-$99,900.
Mercedes-Benz prefers to focus on the sportier AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, as well as the freshly redesigned 2024 E-Class sedan. The company also hopes that CLS fans will turn to its new EQE and EQS electric sedans, which feature sleek and aerodynamic styling, too.
Additionally, a brand new model called CLE is expected to debut soon as a replacement for the C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles.
The elimination of the CLS comes one year after Mercedes-Benz dropped the small and affordable A-Class, which was available in sedan and hatchback body styles.