2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$181/mo  for CLS-Class CLS 450

　　CLS-Class CLS 450

　　CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $70,300 MSRPCLS 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $72,800 MSRPAMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $81,550 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the CLS-Class drive? The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a well-rounded sport luxury sedan that stands out both for its power and its extreme refinement. There are no flat spots in the power delivery. We tested the AMG 53 version and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, which is impressive.

　　The CLS' handling is capable and secure, and overall it's a more rewarding car to drive than the lower-trim E-Class sedans. Precise steering gives you a clear sense of the on-center position. Even if you're just cruising around town, the CLS provides a sporty and refined driving experience.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CLS-Class? The CLS is extremely comfortable on long drives thanks to minimal noise, outstanding seat comfort and an excellent climate control system. The engine is impeccably smooth too. The front seat's combination of soft leather and firm padding provides great long-distance support and comfort.

　　At highway speeds, the CLS provides exceptional isolation from wind noise. There's little engine noise aside from a muted growl during hard acceleration. Engine vibration is nearly nonexistent. The only minor demerit is that tire noise over seamed or ridged pavement is more noticeable than we expect for a car like this.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The CLS' controls are easy to use thanks to intuitive and straightforward interfaces. The screen menus can seem overly complicated at first, but they are well organized. The many ways to interface with the infotainment screen (hard keys, knob, touchpad, steering wheel touch nubs, voice) make it easier to use.

　　As for interior space, the CLS provides plenty of elbow room and legroom in front. But headroom is compromised a bit compared to the related E-Class. That's especially true in the back seat because of the sloped roofline.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The CLS' display screen is large and impressive, and the infotainment interface has a lot of capability. Sound quality from optional Burmester premium audio is exceptional. Using the knob is natural and effective, or use the nubs on the steering wheel (they take a brief period to learn).

　　The driver aids constitute a long list and work quite well. Our test car was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package that includes every assist feature imaginable. All are extremely well calibrated, and false positives are rare.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The CLS' trunk has less storage space than the E-Class sedan's as well as the trunks of most other midsize luxury sedans. Still, there's enough room here to swallow a few weekend luggage bags. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback helps improve utility, so practicality remains decent for a sedan whose existence is predicated on style. In the cabin there's adequate small-item storage with huge door pockets and a divided center console.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The AMG CLS 53 we tested gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. This is above-average fuel economy for a performance-oriented luxury sedan.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the CLS-Class a good value? The CLS is impeccably built. It looks and feels special. This is not an inexpensive car, but owners will be satisfied that they got their money's worth every time they get in. That said, it's hard to justify buying a CLS over a regular E-Class sedan considering it costs thousands of dollars more and has less rear headroom.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　Plenty of power and a delightfully refined driving experience underscore this sedan's appeal. It's quite capable even on fast drives, though it stops short of hooliganism. Stylewise, the CLS stands out.

　　

Which CLS-Class does zzdcar 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?

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class models

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 lightingThe 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 upholsterySome 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

　　

2021 CLS-Class Highlights

Type: SedanAMG CLS 53Sedan

　　Trim: CLS 450CLS 450 4MATICAMG CLS 53CLS 450

　　

Base MSRP	$70,300
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles