This is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS and you’ll miss what’s new!
This formula works for Mercedes, unlike BMW.
To date, more than 450,000 CLS models have been sold since its launch back in 2004. The reason most frequently cited by customers for buying the CLS is its design. Sportiness is the true luxury in this customer segment. Mercedes’ words, not ours. But, I get why it sold so much. It has always been one gorgeous looking vehicle.
The CLS has been a worth-every-penny model for the German carmaker and so, the formula works for it. So much so that the 2022 gen of the CLS sports minor changes on the outside and inside because, it doesn’t need to look vastly different to its predecessor.
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS
The entry-level model with AVANTGARDE Exterior as standard has a new front apron with striking air intakes, two louvres at the sides, and a front splitter finished in silver chrome. At the back, the rear apron has a black diffuser-look insert and a silver-chrome trim strip. Two all-new designs for the 19-inchers include 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Should you want the AMG-like feel without opting for the AMG spec, Mercedes has got you covered with the AMG Line – has an AMG-specific front apron with A-wing in black, front splitter in silver chrome, sporty air intakes, and an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid. You could even choose the 20-inchers, high-gloss AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in two new colors: tremolite grey or high-gloss black.
Be it AVANTGARDE Exterior or the AMG Line spec, the 2022 CLS comes with a new radiator grille featuring the Mercedes-Benz pattern (a three-dimensional star pattern with chrome-gloss surfaces), a louvre in high-gloss black with chrome inlay, and the integrated Mercedes star.
Switch to the inside, you will find the latest-gen of the MBUX along with two new trim finishes: open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood. Neva grey/magma grey and sienna brown/black are the two new colour combinations for the now-extended range of the leather upholstery.
As part of the upgrade, the CLS now receives a redesigned multifunction steering wheel finished in Nappa leather. Spokes are done in high-gloss black with silver chrome edging, whereas the paddle shifters are completed in silver chrome.
Perhaps the most clever function can be accessed with the help of the steering wheel: using Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist, along with Driving Assistance Package (optional extra), the steering detects the driver’s hands with help from the capacitive principles which enhances the usability when in the semi-autonomous mode.
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+
A sporty top-of-the-line model, now sportier – includes a redesigned front-end with a sporty AMG bumper as well as the AMG signature grille. In terms of making your CLS 53 4MATIC+ even more sporty, you can have either of the four packages: AMG Night Package, AMG Exterior II Carbon Package, AMG Night Package II, and AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package.
Should you floor it, you will have full access to the 435 horses lying inside the in-line-6 + the 22hp from an integrated starter motor. To make the driving experience dynamic, Mercedes-AMG’s fast-shifting AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension take over the responsibilities of providing you with all the fun you need.
There is even a Limited Edition variant planned for the CLS 53 4MATIC+. Well, 300 of those. It will have two paintschemes to choose from, AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package II, and the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, too.
On the interior, you get two-tone AMG Nappa leather in black/silver grey pearl, AMG trim elements in carbon, steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and DINAMICA with red contrasting topstitching, as well as AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG lettering on the centre console. Phew, a long-list of extras.
Six models to choose from, one tough decision to make
On the Diesel side of things, you have CLS 220d, CLS 300d 4MATIC, and CLS 400d 4MATIC. The first two variants come with in-line-4 and 194hp and 265hp (plus 22hp from the ISG), respectively. The 400d guise has an in-line-6 that churns out 330hp.
On Petrol’s corner, you have CLS 350, CLS 450 4MATIC, and CLS 53 4MATIC+. The former is an in-line-4 unit with 299hp, while the remaining two are in-line-6 with 367hp and 435hp, respectively.
The CLS was, is, and always will be, a beauty to rest our eyes on. Think the same?
