2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS

In 2004, Mercedes-Benz came up with a novel concept: take the no-frills E-Class platform and transform it into a stylish, arc-shaped spinoff. Curiously, the German manufacturer historically known for precision named the four-door a “coupe,” a blatant subversion of conventional nomenclature. The contradictory term stuck, leading to countless other manufacturers, German and otherwise, to define any sleek, low-roofed sedans as a coupe. 

The 2020 model year presents a third generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-class, marking a whole new iteration of the surprisingly successful platform. The six-cylinder CLS starts at $69,950, a considerable premium compared with the most affordable four-cylinder E 350, which begins at $54,050. But the CLS is more than just pretty lines. The four-door’s modernist styling offers smooth, flat surfaces and a minimalist treatment that isn’t for everyone, not to mention a more advanced mild hybrid drivetrain. 

Those who prefer bold, expressive contours and muscular haunches will likely find the CLS’s silky skin a bit too understated. Similarly, those seeking a charismatic, engaging experience behind the wheel might find the entry level CLS’s driving dynamics a bit too polished. Compared with sedans that rouse heart-pounding movement, the CLS 450 is more of an exercise in subtlety.

Part of the credit (or the blame) comes from the sophisticated drivetrain, which uses a smooth inline-six cylinder engine that lacks the conventional belt systems found in typical engines. Instead, all accessories are driven by a 48-volt system rooted in what Mercedes calls an EQ Boost starter-alternator. Because only a quarter of the current is needed, wiring is thinner, lighter and more efficient.

More crucially, the hybrid setup adds 21 horsepower and an impressive 184 pound-feet of torque on top of the internal combustion engine’s output, which delivers smoother and more linear power. A small 1 kilowatt-hour battery powers the electric motor, and in turn is charged by regeneration. The CLS doesn’t feel like a conventional hybrid. Instead it’s a gas-powered car that runs quietly and innocuously, delivering strong waves of acceleration when summoned.  

The in-cabin experience is similarly subdued, with high-quality materials that feel slightly more premium than the already well-finished E-Class. While the CLS offers standard analog gauges, a $2,300 premium package adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a Burmester surround sound system, SiriusXM radio and wireless phone charging. The hi-tech and coordinated cockpit (especially with the premium package) does lack the newest iteration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system.

The active multi-contour front seats with massage are a tempting proposition for $1,320, as is the $1,900 air suspension system, which expands the generally controlled ride into a more flexible, compliant setting. By automatically softening on rough roads and tightening when aggressive driving calls for it, the system significantly expands the CLS’s roadgoing repertoire.

The CLS comes equipped with a handful of standard advanced driver-assistance safety technology, including blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, pre-safe (anticipates accident impact by pre-tensioning seatbelts, among other measures) and no fewer than seven airbags. The $2,250 Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, active and evasive steering assist and other expanded features such as Pre-Safe Plus, which takes further steps to reduce potential injury from accidents. The performance-oriented AMG CLS 53 ($81,200) makes the optional safety features standard. It’s also wrapped in a more purposeful package that includes more aggressively bolstered seats.

The star of the AMG variant is its powertrain, which, in this case, doesn’t go full nuclear like “63” models. It comes with all-wheel drive and is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that delivers 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Other AMG models have a more soulful V6 configuration, but this one uses the smoother inline-six configuration. It’s drive experience is similar to the entry-level CLS 450, but with more oomph and a sharper handling suspension setup.

Goodies like the performance exhaust system ($1,250) enable sharper engine sounds at the push of a button. The AMG drive unit ($400) adds steering wheel controls to manage a manual shift mode, damping settings, ESP intervention levels and overall drive modes.

While the CLS misses a few marks, among them the outdated multimedia system and the sometimes too-smooth calibration that can make it feel sedated, its engineering accomplishments make up for those shortcomings with an exceptionally well-insulated, refined drive.

The standard version might not be for everyone, and some might still find the AMG variants lack the usual edginess, but for all-day grand touring style driving or stop-and-go city commutes, the CLS’s advanced drivetrain and high-quality interior prove to be a pleasantly posh way to while away the miles.