2019 Mercedes CLS Debuts With High-Tech New Powertrain
As the car that essentially invented the “four-door coupe,” the 2019 Mercedes CLS has debuted with an entirely new look that will continue to keep the somewhat paradoxical car segment hot.
The first CLS came out in 2005 and this third-gen model has modernized the design of the four-door, making it much more aggressive all while keeping its signature proportions and sloping roofline intact. The new Benz debuts Mercedes’ new design language that is sure to influence the style of other cars in the German automaker’s future lineup.
The CLS gets an all-new inline six-cylinder engine, which is the first time this configuration has been used in a Mercedes decades. The CLS450 and CLS450 4Matic will be the only variants available for now, but an AMG model is sure to debut after the car’s launch. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder outputs 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which is augmented by a new 48-volt electric starter/generator that allows for a 21-hp and 84 lb-ft boost in short bursts. This EQBoost system helps the CLS get to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Both the inline six and the EQBoost system will eventually make their way to other cars in the Mercedes lineup, and EQBoost will also be paired with four-cylinder models in the future as well and allows for a better stop/start system where the air condition can continue to run even when the engine is off.
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For the first time ever, the CLS now seats five people and the rear seat bench splits 40/20/40. Of course, the new CLS will have the swankiest interior and will be available with Mercedes’ adaptive air suspension and all the tech like wireless smartphone charging, the latest widescreen infotainment setup, a fully digital gauge display, car-to-x communication, massaging seats, customizable ambient lighting with 64 different color options, and NFC pairing capability. All the driver assistance features like emergency braking, active collision avoidance, lane-change assistance, and adaptive cruise control are also available.
The 2019 Mercedes CLS will be available in the fall of 2018 and pricing will be announced closer to its launch.
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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Just not that exciting. Interiors of MB always terrific and this is no exception, but seems like they could have done something that looked a little different from the last model. Oh well, evolution ain't all bad. Don't get why this has to have a fire-breathing 350 plus engine as the base at start. MB has plenty of 4's to mate with the 48 volt system. Most people don't see this as a real 'sports' sedan, just a 'sporty' looking sedan, so what's up with the 362 HP gas eaters? I have this in a MB wagon and it eats gas around town like mad. Lucky to get 18 MPG real world with that.
Wow. For perspective, my 1993 E class had a 3--litre inline six that pumped out 177 hp (can't remember torque figures). This CLS will more than double those power figures. And the electric boost is a great idea for a little extra passing power.