2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Overview
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a stylish and luxurious four-door coupe that blends the practicality of a sedan with the sleeker silhouette of a coupe. For the 2019 model year, the CLS was redesigned, bringing a fresh exterior and interior design, along with updated technology and powertrains. It continues to occupy a unique niche in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, offering a sportier and more fashion-forward alternative to the E-Class sedan.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2019 CLS was primarily offered with a potent and smooth 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. This engine featured the innovative EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which provided a temporary power boost and improved fuel efficiency.
- EQ Boost Explained: The EQ Boost system utilizes a 48-volt electric starter-generator that is integrated with the engine. It can provide an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts, assisting with acceleration from a standstill and during gear shifts. It also allows for smoother engine restarts and more efficient coasting.
- Safety Features: The CLS is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies.
- Active Brake Assist: This system can warn the driver of an impending collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react.
- Active Steering Assist: Designed to help the driver stay in their lane, this feature can actively steer the vehicle within clearly marked lanes, even on winding roads, by using cameras and sensors.
- PRE-SAFE® System: This is a proactive safety system that can detect potential accident situations and prepare the vehicle and its occupants for impact. This can include tightening seatbelts, adjusting seat positions, and closing windows.
- Blind Spot Assist: Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots through visual and audible alerts.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Can warn the driver if they drift out of their lane and can also provide steering assistance to keep the vehicle centered.
- Trims: The 2019 CLS was primarily offered in a single, well-appointed trim level, the CLS 450 4MATIC, which came standard with all-wheel drive. This approach meant that most of the desirable features were standard, simplifying the buying process and ensuring a luxurious experience out of the box.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Striking Design: The exterior boasts Mercedes-Benz's new "Sensual Purity" design language, characterized by smooth, flowing lines, a distinctive grille, and a low, wide stance.
- Luxurious Interior: The cabin is a showcase of modern luxury, featuring high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a minimalist yet driver-focused dashboard dominated by large digital displays.
- Car-like Ride: Despite its coupe-like styling, the CLS offers a comfortable and composed ride, making it suitable for long journeys.
- Advanced Infotainment: The COMAND® infotainment system, with its dual widescreen displays, provides access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, all controlled via a central touchpad or steering wheel buttons.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS generally means experiencing a blend of refined performance, sophisticated technology, and luxurious comfort. The driving experience is typically smooth and quiet, with ample power from the turbocharged inline-six. The cabin is a serene environment, well-insulated from road and wind noise.
Maintenance: As with most luxury vehicles, maintenance for a Mercedes-Benz CLS will likely be more expensive than for a mainstream car. Regular servicing, including oil changes, filter replacements, and brake checks, is crucial to keeping the vehicle in optimal condition. Expect to find Mercedes-Benz dealerships or reputable independent Mercedes-Benz specialists for servicing. Scheduled maintenance intervals are typically outlined in the owner's manual and are important to adhere to for longevity.
Insurance: Insurance costs for a 2019 CLS will likely be higher than average due to its luxury classification, powerful engine, and advanced technology. Factors such as your driving record, age, location, and the specific coverage you choose will significantly impact premiums. It's advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive rate.
Potential Considerations
- Rear Seat Space: While it's a four-door coupe, the sloping roofline can somewhat compromise rear headroom and legroom compared to a traditional sedan. This might be a consideration for buyers who frequently transport taller adults in the back.
- Infotainment Interface: While advanced, the COMAND® system's touchpad interface can have a learning curve for some users. It requires a degree of familiarity to navigate efficiently.
- Ride Comfort vs. Sportiness: While the CLS aims for a balance, some buyers seeking a purely plush ride might find it slightly firmer than a more comfort-oriented luxury sedan. Conversely, those prioritizing outright sportiness might look towards more performance-focused Mercedes-AMG models.
- Visibility: The sleek, coupe-like styling, particularly the thick C-pillars, can create some blind spots, making the use of the various driver-assistance systems even more beneficial.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish, technologically advanced, and luxurious four-door coupe. It successfully blends elegant design with sophisticated engineering and a comfortable driving experience, all while offering a suite of cutting-edge safety features. While its rear-seat space and infotainment interface may require some adjustment for certain buyers, the overall package represents a refined and desirable statement of automotive luxury.