The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic makes a compelling statement in the luxury car market. After spending a week immersed in this third-generation model, it becomes clear that Mercedes-Benz has crafted a vehicle that excels in aesthetics, technology integration, and driving dynamics. While it presents a few compromises, particularly for rear passengers, the CLS 450 emerges as a remarkable luxury cruiser, especially for those who prioritize style and front-seat experience.
Design and Practicality: Form Over Function?
The most striking aspect of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is undoubtedly its steeply raked roofline. This design choice, while contributing to its coupe-like silhouette and visual appeal, does impact rear-seat headroom. Sharing a platform with the more conventional E-Class, the CLS prioritizes style, which comes at a slight cost to rear passenger practicality. The sloping roofline and unique door openings can make ingress and egress a bit challenging for rear occupants. Despite being classified as a coupe by Mercedes-Benz, its four-door configuration naturally leads passengers to expect ample space for everyone.
However, stepping back and appreciating the overall design, the CLS 450 is undeniably a head-turner. It presents a more refined and mature aesthetic compared to its predecessors, featuring a front fascia that hints at the sporty AMG lineage, described as “AMG Lite”. While the front design is sharp and assertive, some might find the rear a tad understated in comparison, lacking the same level of aggressive styling.
Interior Elegance and Technological Sophistication
Moving inside the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 reveals a cabin that is nothing short of stunning. The test vehicle showcased a beautiful dual-tone stitched brown leather interior complemented by open-pore wood trim, creating an ambiance of premium luxury. Every surface feels meticulously crafted and high-quality, even extending to fabric-lined door panel pockets. The front seats are designed for optimal comfort, offering substantial bolstering and support, further enhanced by heated massage functions, making them the prime seating positions in the car.
Mercedes-Benz elevates the in-cabin experience with the Energizing Comfort system. This feature offers selectable mood settings that orchestrate climate control, fragrance diffusion, ambient lighting, music, and seat massage to create a desired atmosphere. While some may view it as a novelty, certain pre-programmed settings are genuinely enjoyable. The 64-color ambient lighting system is particularly impressive at night, illuminating a significant portion of the interior. A thoughtful touch includes illuminated air vents that subtly shift to blue or red depending on whether you’re cooling or heating the cabin.
Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity
Beyond the ambient features, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of infotainment technologies. The model tested featured dual 12.3-inch digital displays. The driver’s display functions as a customizable gauge cluster, while the central screen houses the COMAND infotainment system. Although the CLS 450 doesn’t feature the latest MBUX system found in newer Mercedes models like the A-Class, the COMAND system remains highly refined and effective. Years of development have resulted in a system that is responsive and intuitive to navigate using the center console dial and buttons or steering wheel-mounted thumb pads. The system is feature-rich, including a high-end 25-speaker Burmester sound system, navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
For device connectivity, the front cabin offers a wireless charging pad and three easily accessible USB ports. Rear passengers have access to a USB jack, a 12-volt outlet, and a two-prong plug located on the back of the center console, ensuring devices remain charged on the go. Similar to the S-Class, the CLS 450 can be equipped with various semi-autonomous driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist and lane change assist. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.
Mild Hybrid Drivetrain and Performance
One of the most impressive technological aspects of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is its mild hybrid drivetrain. It features a new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz integrates a 48-volt alternator and electric motor that contributes an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, aiding in initial acceleration and powering accessories when the engine is idle. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain propels the CLS 450 4Matic from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The mild hybrid system operates seamlessly, providing smooth and linear power delivery, complemented by the transmission’s quick and almost imperceptible gear changes.
The mild hybrid system also enhances fuel efficiency and enables a more refined stop-start system. Unlike many systems that can be jarring, the CLS 450’s inline-six restarts almost instantly and smoothly. The all-wheel-drive CLS 450 achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, a commendable balance of performance and efficiency.
Around town and on highways, the optional air suspension in Comfort mode delivers a plush ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. For a more dynamic driving experience, Sport Plus mode sharpens the engine response and firms up the suspension for improved cornering. The 19-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires provide substantial grip, enhancing handling capabilities. The only minor drawback in driving dynamics is a slightly numb on-center steering feel, even in Sport mode, resulting in less immediate turn-in response, although steering feel does improve with increased steering input.
Ideal Configuration and Value Proposition
For a personally configured CLS 450, opting for the standard rear-wheel-drive model, starting at $70,195 (including destination), presents a compelling value. Adding options like Lunar Blue Metallic paint and the AMG Line package enhances the visual appeal. Interior upgrades such as the Premium Package for the Burmester sound system and wireless charger, along with massage, rapid heating, and cooling front seats, elevate comfort. The Parking Assist Package adds practical features like a 360-degree camera and rear cross-traffic alert. These selected options bring the total to a more accessible price point compared to the fully-loaded 4Matic test vehicle.
Conclusion: A Stylish Statement
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 is a vehicle that prioritizes style and a luxurious front-seat experience. For those frequently transporting rear passengers, the E-Class might be a more practical choice. However, if you value distinctive styling, advanced technology, and a comfortable, high-quality cabin, particularly for front occupants, the CLS 450 is an exceptional choice. While it has four doors, it truly shines as a sophisticated Mercedes-Benz best enjoyed by one or two individuals, making a strong style statement on the road.
