- Highs: Potent and efficient inline-six engine, communicative steering, high-tech yet opulent interior.
- Lows: Occasionally harsh ride, many driver-assistance aids are optional, costs more than nearly identical E53.
- Verdict: The AMG-tuned CLS brings all the excellence of the E53 sedan under the more luscious roofline of a four-door coupe.
Overview
If you're wanting a higher-performance version of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 is the place to start. Tuned by the AMG division,
the all-wheel-drive CLS53 features a turbocharged and electrically
supercharged version of Benz's latest inline-six-cylinder engine with an
upgraded suspension and steering to go with the extra power. Of course,
it's much the same package you'd get with the E53 sedan—albeit
in a less stodgy four-door-coupe body style. There's no V-8 this time,
as that is now reserved for the more elite and vastly more expensive GT63.
Detractors will point out that this CLS isn't as distinctive as earlier
versions, and they won't be wrong. Nevertheless, the 2020 CLS53 is
attractive, quick, and a worthy rival to the Audi S7, BMW 8-series Gran Coupe, and Porsche Panamera.
Changes
are few on the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLS53. Graphite Grey is new to the
exterior color palette, and all-weather floor mats are now optional.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- CLS53: $82,195
The
2020 CLS53 comes with basics such as keyless access, a power-closing
trunklid, power-adjustable front seats with heating and memory, and
dual-zone climate control. At this price, you might also expect leather
seating, but the CLS comes standard with vinyl and simulated suede
upholstery. Of course, there are many different choices of leather on
the options list, along with an assortment of wood, metal, and
carbon-fiber trim. At a minimum, we'd add the Lighting package to get
adaptive headlights, the optional three-zone climate control to reduce
strife in the back seat, and the Driver Assistance package to get all
the available safety aids. Additionally, the optional AMG performance
exhaust is a must-have. When equipped, the CLS53 emits superb pops and
crackles that don't sound artificial.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 comes with a turbocharged and electrically supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine
with a 48-volt hybrid-assist system called EQ Boost, a nine-speed
automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The engine is rated at 429
horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with EQ Boost adding up to 21
horsepower and 184 lb-ft. In our testing,
the CLS53 hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in
12.5 seconds at 111 mph. The inline-six is characterful and eager to
rev, and the nine-speed delivers quick upshifts and satisfying
downshifts. The Mercedes CLS53 is equipped with air suspension and
adaptive dampers as standard. This setup provides surefooted handling
and an acceptable ride on most roads, but the CLS loses composure over
bumps and can feel brittle over rough pavement. The similar E53 has
slightly softer tuning and offers a more compliant ride as a result. We
have no complaints about the CLS53's electrically assisted steering,
though. It's direct and surprisingly rich in feedback.
The Mercedes-AMG CLS53 Is Fab
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLS53
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel
mileage is impressive for a luxury performance sedan. The EPA rates the
Mercedes-AMG CLS53 at 21/27 mpg city/highway ratings. The CLS53
returned 30 mpg on our 75-mph, 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Mercedes
has a knack for integrating the latest technology into its interiors
while preserving the old-world opulence that everyone expects in a
Mercedes-AMG luxury sedan. So it is with the CLS53. All the major
displays are digital, including the instrument panel, which measures
12.0 inches, yet there's a warmth to this four-door coupe's cockpit that
competitors can't quite match. In the rear, the CLS53 feels more like a
sedan than a coupe, with three-across seating and a 40/20/40-split
folding rear seat. The sloped roofline reduces headroom for adults,
however. Trunk capacity is only 12.0 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The
2020 Mercedes-AMG CLS63 features a standard 12.0-inch infotainment
interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, navigation,
three USB ports, and an SD card reader. Options include a head-up
display and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound audio system (in
place of the standard surround-sound system). You might want to consider
the optional AMG Drive Unit, which provides quick-access buttons on the
steering wheel to adjust the car's many drivetrain and chassis
settings. (Unfortunately, this feature is not available in combination
with the optional heated steering wheel.) Another add-on is AMG Track
Pace, which lets you store performance data from your vehicle in the
infotainment interface when you're driving on a road course.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Neither
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the Mercedes
CLS-class. Every CLS53 comes equipped with basic safety features such as
a forward-collision system and blind-spot monitoring. Additional driver-assistance aids are included in the optional Driver Assistance package, among them Level 2 semi-autonomous features
such as adaptive cruise control with automatic resume capability in
stop-and-go traffic and lane-change assist (which can steer into the
next lane for you). Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision system with automated braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and available blind-spot assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
- Available lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG's
limited and powertrain warranties are on par with rivals in this price
range. Instead of complimentary scheduled maintenance, however, there
are prepaid maintenance plans available at extra cost when you purchase
your 2020 CLS53.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance