The 2022 Mercedes-benz Cls-class stands out as a unique offering in the luxury sedan market, blending the prestigious engineering of Mercedes-Benz with a distinctive, coupe-like design. For those seeking to deviate from the traditional sedan silhouette without sacrificing luxury or performance, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class presents a compelling option. It builds upon the robust foundation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class but distinguishes itself with a gracefully sloping roofline, creating a sportier and more visually striking profile. This emphasis on style does come with certain trade-offs, primarily in rear passenger space and cargo capacity, but for many, the aesthetic appeal and driving experience of the CLS-Class more than compensate.
2022 CLS-Class: What’s New and Why It Matters
For the 2022 model year, Mercedes-Benz has streamlined the CLS-Class lineup. The rear-wheel-drive CLS 450 and the high-performance AMG CLS 53 models have been discontinued, making the all-wheel-drive CLS 450 4Matic the sole configuration available. This simplification focuses the range on a well-rounded model that balances power, luxury, and all-weather capability. Subtle yet noticeable styling enhancements have also been introduced, including updates to the grille and front bumper, along with a redesigned steering wheel and expanded choices for interior trim materials. These refinements ensure the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class remains a contemporary and desirable choice in a competitive segment that includes the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7 and S7, and Porsche Panamera. While these competitors may offer a sharper, more overtly sporty edge, the CLS-Class prioritizes a refined and comfortable driving experience, as highlighted by expert reviews.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Deep Dive into the CLS-Class Experience
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team, renowned for their comprehensive and objective vehicle evaluations, has provided an in-depth assessment of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Their expert rating, based on rigorous testing and real-world driving, positions the CLS-Class as a “Great” vehicle, scoring an impressive 8.1 out of 10. This rating underscores the CLS-Class’s strengths in key areas crucial to luxury car buyers.
Performance: Potent and Polished (8/10)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic delivers robust performance thanks to its turbocharged inline-six engine. Edmunds testing recorded a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds, demonstrating brisk and decisive power delivery. The engine’s responsiveness is seamless, with no noticeable lag, contributing to a refined and enjoyable driving experience in various conditions. While the handling is described as capable and secure, the Edmunds team noted some body roll during aggressive cornering, suggesting the CLS-Class leans more towards comfortable cruising than outright sports car agility. For drivers prioritizing smooth power and confident handling in everyday driving, the CLS 450 excels.
Comfort: Supreme Relaxation on the Road (9/10)
Comfort is a standout attribute of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, earning a near-perfect 9 out of 10 from Edmunds. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, effectively isolating occupants from road and wind noise, creating a serene environment for both short commutes and long journeys. The seats are praised for their excellent design, combining supple leather with supportive padding, ensuring comfort even on extended drives. The climate control system is also highlighted for its effectiveness in maintaining a pleasant cabin temperature. While the adaptive suspension generally provides a smooth ride, it can transmit sharper impacts from particularly rough pavement, a minor point in an otherwise remarkably comfortable vehicle.
Interior: Luxurious and User-Friendly (8/10)
The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reflects Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury and intuitive design. The controls are logically laid out and easy to operate, featuring crisp graphics and user-friendly interfaces. The touchpad, while requiring a slight acclimation period, complements the touchscreen functionality. Interior space is generous in the front, offering ample elbow and legroom. However, the sloping roofline does impact rear headroom, and ingress and egress for rear passengers, particularly taller individuals, can be slightly more challenging compared to the more traditionally shaped E-Class sedan. Despite these minor spatial compromises, the overall ambiance and material quality of the CLS-Class interior are undeniably luxurious.
Technology: Cutting-Edge and Seamlessly Integrated (9/10)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is equipped with a suite of advanced technology features, earning another impressive 9 out of 10 rating from Edmunds. The large central display screen is visually stunning and highly functional. The Burmester sound system, with its 13 speakers, delivers exceptional audio quality, characterized by clear highs and rich, well-defined bass. The driver assistance systems are particularly noteworthy, with adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist working harmoniously to provide near-autonomous driving capabilities in certain situations. The systems are well-calibrated, minimizing false positives and enhancing driver confidence.
Storage: Practicality with a Stylish Twist (7/10)
Storage in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is rated at 7 out of 10, reflecting the trade-off for its sleek design. The trunk offers 11.9 cubic feet of space, less than the E-Class sedan and some competitors. However, it remains sufficient for everyday needs, accommodating weekend luggage or golf equipment. Interior small-item storage is adequate, with sizable door pockets and a useful center console. The 40/20/40-split rear seats add versatility for carrying longer items. Families with young children might find the lower roofline and tighter rear access slightly less convenient when installing child seats.
Fuel Economy: Efficient Performance (8/10)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic achieves commendable fuel economy for its class, rated at 8 out of 10 by Edmunds. The EPA estimates are 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway). Edmunds’ real-world testing largely corroborated these figures, indicating that the CLS-Class delivers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency for a luxury sedan with all-wheel drive.
Value: A Premium Proposition (8/10)
The value proposition of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is rated at 8 out of 10. While not inexpensive, the CLS-Class justifies its price with impeccable build quality, a luxurious feel, and a distinctive design. However, the Edmunds review points out the inherent question of whether the CLS-Class offers enough differentiation from the less expensive and more spacious E-Class sedan to warrant the price premium. Competitors like the Audi S7 also present compelling alternatives. Ultimately, the value is subjective and depends on individual priorities, with the CLS-Class appealing strongly to those who prioritize style and a unique presence.
Wildcard: Style and Refinement with a Subtle Edge (8/10)
The “Wildcard” rating of 8 out of 10 encapsulates the overall appeal of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. It offers a potent and refined driving experience, combined with a stylish design that sets it apart from more conventional sedans. However, it may not possess the overt visual drama of some coupe-like sedans, and some might find its resemblance to the entry-level CLA-Class too close for comfort. The CLS-Class occupies a unique space, offering a blend of understated elegance and fashionable design, appealing to buyers who seek to prioritize style without making an overly ostentatious statement.
The Recommended Choice: CLS 450 4Matic and Key Options
With the streamlined 2022 lineup, the CLS 450 4Matic stands as the sole and highly recommended model. To enhance the driving experience and safety, the Driver Assistance package is a worthwhile addition, providing features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. For audiophiles, the Premium package, which includes the Burmester surround-sound audio system, is also a desirable upgrade.
2022 CLS-Class Models and Standard Features Highlights
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is offered in a single, well-equipped trim: the CLS 450 4Matic. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Standard feature highlights include:
- 19-inch wheels
- LED exterior lighting
- Power-folding mirrors
- Sunroof
- Power trunklid
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather seat upholstery
- Simulated leather interior trim
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats
- Interior ambient lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated windshield
Standard driver-assistance features are also comprehensive, including blind-spot assist, forward collision mitigation, Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound, driver attention warning, Car-to-X communication, and automatic high beams.
Optional packages offer further customization:
- Driver Assistance Package: Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, emergency stop assist.
- Premium Package: Burmester audio system, satellite radio, parking system, surround-view camera.
- Warmth and Comfort Package: Rapid seat heating, heated front armrests, heated steering wheel.
Stand-alone options include ventilated front seats, multicontour front seats with massage, head-up display, power rear window shade, wireless charging, and soft-close doors.
Conclusion: The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class – A Stylish Statement
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class successfully merges luxury and style in a distinctive sedan form. While it may concede some practicality to its E-Class sibling and face competition from overtly sporty rivals, the CLS-Class carves its own niche with its elegant design, refined driving dynamics, and opulent interior. For buyers who prioritize sophisticated style and a comfortable, technology-rich driving experience in a luxury sedan, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class remains a highly compelling choice.
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