Driving the eloquently designed and sporty 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Coupe is like something out of the future. The 3rd generation 2019 CLS recaptures the stylish beauty of the 1st generation CLS that was first introduced in 2004. Externally, it’s more aggressive and wider than the previous generation CLS. Internally, it employs electric energy to increase power and save fuel.
Tucked inside the new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine sits an EQ boost system, an electric generator that adds extra horsepower when needed.The new aluminum engine has two overhead camshafts, and four vales per cylinder, which produces 362 horsepower with 369 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with ECO start/stop and 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
During take-off, the EQ Boost’s 48-volt electrical system saves fuel by starting the engine and shutting it down during stops. It’s one of the smoothest I’ve experienced so far. It’s housed inside the inline-6 engine and adds an extra 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque when needed. The system also saves fuel during highway driving by shutting the engine down and coasting whenever I took my foot off the throttle. The engine restarted when I stepped back on the gas.
Today’s cars and trucks come with many fuel saving technologies, but the CLS450 goes a step further by eliminating the traditional engine belts in the 2019 CLS. The air conditioner, power steering and water pump are all powered by electric, thus saving more fuel.
Mercedes also added a half-inch of extra leg room for backseat passengers. This four-door coupe holds five people, or more accurately four adults and one child in the middle back seat. The seats have large side bolsters and optional massaging for long hours of driving comfort.
The spacious interior was fully equipped and decorated with luxurious wood grain, metallic and leather trimming. A 12.3-inch high resolution touchscreen display serves as the control center for audio, navigation, apps and more. Our test vehicle included the optional 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel, which served as a tachometer and speedometer.
The base MSRP starts at $69,200, with an extensive list of options that can drive the price up to $99,000, which can include drive safety features like active cruise control, steering assist, speed lane assist, active brake assist and active blind-spot and lane-keeping assistance. In case of a front or side collision, there’s a unique protection system that automatically inflates the side seat bolsters and moves the driver or front passenger up to 2.75 inches away from the impact.
An optional warmth and comfort package includes high-tech environmental features that promote wellness and adjust your mood by giving you 64 choices of ambient light colors, a selection of fragrances, climate controls and healthy ventilation .
Others options can include heads-up display, body control air suspension, power and heated rear seats, soft-close doors, high performance tires with 19-inch AMG twin 5 spoke wheels and illuminated door panels.
