Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2021 Review

Are traditional luxury cars too staid and dull for your taste? A good remedy is to consider a coupe-like sedan with a sporty fastback roofline. The Mercedes-Benz CLS started the trend nearly two decades ago, and it remains an excellent alternative to more conventional sedans. Based on the Mercedes E-Class, the CLS puts a trendy twist on luxury vehicles. Yes, you sacrifice some rear headspace and overall practicality, but it'll be worth it if you find the CLS' look appealing.

The 2021 CLS is the last model year before a refreshed version arrives in 2022. To keep the current offering relevant, Mercedes-Benz has updated the CLS to include the company's excellent MBUX infotainment system as standard this year. It's now armed with an advantage in the tech department over competitors including the Audi A7, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Porsche Panamera. What else is there to like? Read our in-depth Expert Rating below to find out more.

Which CLS-Class does MatoCar recommend?

Go for the AMG CLS 53 to make the most of the stylish and powerful ethos of the CLS. This top-level version comes with a serious bump in horsepower over the base model, plus sporty upgrades and AMG interior trimmings to add an air of exclusivity. If you're already considering a luxury sedan big on personality, why not go all the way?

The CLS is a four-door luxury sedan with a fastback roofline. It comes in one of two trim levels: the CLS 450 or the AMG CLS 53. Both models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the CLS 450, with optional all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic). All-wheel drive is standard on the AMG CLS 53. Highlight features include:

CLS 450 Comes standard with:

• Six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque
• Nine-speed automatic transmission
• LED headlights and taillights
• 19-inch wheels
• Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system
• 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• 64-color ambient lighting

The CLS also comes standard with many driver aids such as:

• Blind-spot assist (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound (reduces hearing damage from an accident by emitting a specific noise that triggers an inner-ear muscle reflex to protect hearing)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Car-to-X communication (automatically transmits and receives safety updates to and from other appropriately equipped vehicles, then alerts drivers to hazards)

AMG CLS 53 The AMG version of the CLS sedan comes with more power and other performance upgrades:

• Six-cylinder engine with 429 hp, 384 lb-ft of torque
• Sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel-drive system
• Upgraded brakes
• AMG seat upholstery

Some optional CLS features you may want to consider include:

• Warmth & Comfort package
• Heated steering wheel
• Faster seat heating function
• Heated front armrests
• Driver Assist package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CLS and the car in front)
• Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
• Three-zone climate control
• Head-up display
• Burmester surround-sound system