2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Pros: Dramatic styling; well-finished cabin; innovative safety and technology features

Cons: Rear-seat headroom; steep prices

CG Says: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has a new infotainment system, but is otherwise little changed. Mercedes-Benz’s style-focused midsize “coupe sedan” is based on the basic platform of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class sedan, but it has swoopier bodywork that’s highlighted by a rakish, coupe-like roofline. The CLS-Class was redesigned for 2019. The CLS’s powertrain is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. In base CLS 450 models, the engine develops 362 horsepower, but the high-performance AMG CLS 53 has 429 hp. All-wheel drive is available for the CLS 450 and is standard on the AMG CLS 53. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot alert, drowsiness alert, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and lane-keep assist. New technology features include “Car-to-X” communication, which uses cell-phone technology to exchange information about the road ahead and warn drivers of possible hazards. The CLS is priced above comparable E-Class models and sacrifices some of the E-Class sedan’s rear passenger room for style. For many luxury brand buyers, the dazzling styling is well worth the cost.