
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC Coupe
Vehicle Type: Midsize Gasoline
83
overall score
Category Ranking: 3
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$72,950
Price as Tested:
$94,630
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Premium
Fuel Capacity (gal): 21.1
EPA City mpg: 22
EPA Highway mpg: 30
EPA Combined mpg: 25
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
- Blind-Spot Warning [S]
- Driver Monitoring [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [O]
- Lane-Departure Warning [O]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
- Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
Overall Observations
The third-generation CLS 450 midsize sedan is - courtesy of a sloping
roofline and the word coupe - a streamlined, stylish variant of the
E-Class sedan on which it’s based.
The CLS 450 has a potent, super-smooth drivetrain and a
class-leading, sumptuous interior. Its inline-6 engine is paired with
EQ Boost, a 48-volt hybrid system; together, they deliver strong
acceleration and plenty of muscle across the power band. Ride
quality, steering feel, and handling strike an excellent balance
between sportiness and comfort, although the 20-inch rims and
firm suspension produce some harshness when the 450 encounters
road imperfections. Braking is strong and assured, and all-wheel
drive is standard.
The 450’s elegant interior features massaging front seats,
LED ambient lighting, dynamic seat bolsters, and a Burmeister
stereo system with exceptional sound. Front-seat passengers fare
somewhat better than those in the back, where the sloping roofline
restricts headroom and, along with tight legroom, makes entry and
exit a bit difficult. Visibility is good in all directions, however.
On the downside, the 450’s infotainment system is not intuitive
and has a steep learning curve, and the dash contains some lessthan-
classy piano-black paneling. Perhaps most vexing, though, are
charges for features you’d expect to be standard on a $73,000-baseprice
vehicle, e.g., $6,500 for a custom paint color and almost
$2,000 for an ADAS package. In fact, our test vehicle had nearly
$22,000 in options.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- • 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system produces ultra-smooth drivetrain, from acceleration to braking
- • Strong acceleration and braking
- • Excellent balance of comfort and sportiness (ride quality, handling, steering feel)
- • Exceptionally luxurious interior; first-rate exterior fit and finish
- • Stylish exterior and interior
Weak Points
- • Sloping roofline makes rear entry and exit somewhat difficult
- • 20-inch rims, firm suspension make for occasional ride harshness
- • Distracting, difficult-to-use infotainment system
- • Add-on ADAS and convenience features are pricey
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4340.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 196.4 / 73.9 / 56.3
Wheelbase (in): 115.7
Number of air bags: 11
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Pirelli P Zero
Front and rear tire size: 245/35 R20
Max towing capacity (lbs): 4,188
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 9-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 3.0L I6 turbo MHEV
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 362 @ 5,500
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
8.20Fuel Efficiency:
5.38EPA Emissions Score:
6.00Acceleration:
5.93Braking:
6.07
Handling:
7.92
Quality and Drivability:
8.59
Ride Quality:
8.29Interior Size:
3.98Easy of Entry and Exit:
6.35Visibility:
7.49Interior Noise:
8.26Cargo Capacity:
.74
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