The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class launches afresh with a sharper and sportier look than its predecessor. The front end features a new AMG-specific front bumper with a black A-wing, striking new air intakes, AMG sill trim on the side, and a front splitter in silver chrome. It also receives the new radiator grille with a three-pointed star pattern and chrome-gloss surfacing, signaling its aggressive appearance right from the start. In the rear, a black diffuser-look insert and silver-chrome trim complete the look, while the 19-inch light-alloy wheels are available with two new designs: 5-twin-spoke and multi-spoke. Additionally, the optional AMG 20-inch wheels come in two new colors: Tremolite Grey or High-Gloss Black.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt hybrid-assist system called EQ Boost. The setup provides output of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant got the CLS450 to 60 mph in a crisp 4.6 seconds and executed the run from 50 to 70 mph in 3.8 ticks. Both numbers are nearly identical to the 335-hp Audi A7. A nine-speed automatic transmission handles gearchanges for the Benz. Five driving modes are standard—Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual—and this allows you to customize the car’s performance to suit your preferences. With the CLS450, the feel from behind the wheel is smooth and calm, never frenetic.
ENERGY AND REAL WORLD-MPG
While not exactly a frugal choice, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class can brag about its 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined rating thanks to its 48-volt mild-hybrid tech. That’s enough for it to earn a 5 out of 10 on our scale. Premium fuel is required.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has excellent front bucket seats with power adjustments, lumbar support, heaters, and smoothed over with leather. Surprising given its coupe-like roof, the rear seats only lose an inch of head room, so comfy seating for four earns it a point front and back. We add another point for Mercedes’ gorgeous finish to an 8 here.
The front seats get even better with available cooling, massing, and upgraded nappa leather ranging from macchiato beige to red on black. A heated steering wheel costs $250o extra, and can be added as a standalone, which we appreciate and recommend.
Rear-seat riders have more space than the coupe-like silhouette would otherwise indicate, though tall riders may need to duck a bit on egress, but the 35 inches of rear leg room matches up with smaller crossovers.
Trunk space is not great, though, at just under 12 cubic feet, but the rear seats fold down for more versatility and space.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class‘s 12.3-inch infotainment display shares a giant glass panel on the dashboard with the sedan’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Among the standard connectivity features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with a touchpad controller mounted on the center console, Mercedes’ MBUX operating system includes robust voice-recognition software. The list of optional equipment includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, a head-up display, and wireless device charging.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
The Mercedes sedan comes with a plethora of driver-assistance technology, including standard blind-spot monitoring and For more information about the CLS450’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED PRICE AS TESTED: $99,000 (estimated base price: $74,000)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 362 hp, 369 lb-ft + AC motor, 21 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined system, 362 hp, 369 lb-ft; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery)
TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS:
The suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.2-in vented, cross-drilled disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat, F: 245/40R-19 98Y MOE ★ R: 275/35R-19 100Y MOE ★
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 115.7 in
Length: 196.4 in
Width: 74.4 in Height: 55.3 in
Passenger volume: 93 cu ft
Trunk volume: 12 cu ft
Curb weight: 4405 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.5 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 17.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.2 sec @ 107 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 21 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway (C/D est): 25/22/29 mpg
