2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　There's probably no car company that embodies classic luxury quite like Mercedes-Benz. But what if you're looking to peek outside of convention and break free of the traditional stuffy sedan? Luckily, you don't have to look very far because the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS might have the styling flourish you're seeking. The CLS is based on the stately Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but the designers gave it a gracefully arching roofline for a sleek and sporty silhouette. Of course fashion has a price, and that penance comes in the way of reduced rear seat space and smaller cargo capacity.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (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

　　$185/mo  for CLS-Class CLS 450 4MATIC

　　CLS-Class CLS 450 4MATIC

　　CLS 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $72,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　For 2022, the base rear-wheel-drive CLS 450 and more powerful AMG CLS 53 have been pulled from the lineup, leaving the all-wheel-drive CLS 450 4Matic as the sole representative. This year also brings a very subtle styling update to the CLS' grille and front bumper, as well as a new steering wheel and additional choices for interior materials. These changes help the CLS maintain its position as the traditional luxury choice in a rather small field that includes the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7 or S7, and Porsche Panamera. As our test team's Expert Rating below points out, the CLS isn't as athletic as those alternatives, focusing more on refinement and comfort.

　　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

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CLS-Class drive? The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a well-rounded luxury sport sedan that stands out both for its acceleration and its extreme refinement. There are no flat spots in the turbocharged inline-six engine's power delivery. We tested the CLS 450 4Matic, which is now the only CLS variant available, and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, or just 0.3 second slower than the discontinued AMG CLS 53 we tested previously.

　　The CLS 450's handling is capable and secure, but there's big-time body roll during hard cornering. Will many CLS buyers take corners like that? Probably not, but it makes the CLS feel less sporty than it could be. If you're looking for a four-door sports car, the CLS 450 tilts too much to be a contender.

　　

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 seats' combination of supple leather and firm padding provides great long-distance support and comfort.

　　At highway speeds, the CLS provides exceptional isolation from the elements. There's little engine noise aside from a muted growl during hard acceleration. Engine vibration is nearly nonexistent. The adaptive suspension skillfully smothers moderate irregularities in most cases, but it isn't able to deal with broken pavement quite as well, delivering a ride that's, surprisingly, a bit jarring.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below