2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the third generation of the CLS sedan at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new model gets revised styling and a new range of in-line 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with mild-hybrid technologies.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS shares its platform with the new E-Class and comes in a four-door coupe body style. The car features a long bonnet with a forward-slanting front fascia consisting of a low-slung grille. The new, triangular LED headlamps are also placed low down. The shoulder line of the CLS is now less pronounced while the rear end gets a cleaner look. A set of LED wraparound taillights extends over the boot lid. The rear bumper features extractor vents on either side and now houses the license plate as well. The quad-exhausts area is also integrated into the rear bumper. It retains the pillar-less doors from the previous generation.

The interiors of the new CLS are identical to some of the other Mercedes models. The CLS borrows its dashboard from the new E-Class. Twin 12.3-inch displays form the cockpit of the new CLS. The circular air vents have been carried over from the E Class and so is the centre console. It also gets the latest iteration of Mercedes’ 3-spoke, multi-functional steering wheel. A 5-seat configuration is standard on the new model. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 ratio, which increases the total capacity of the 520-litre boot.

The new CLS comes equipped with newly developed in-line 6-cylinder, turbocharged engines paired with a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive system as standard across all variants. The CLS 450 4Matic is powered by a 3.0-litre, in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a mild hybrid system consisting of a 48-volt electrical system with EQ Boost. The engine delivers 362 BHP and 500 Nm of torque, while EQ Boost provides an additional 21 BHP and 250 Nm for short durations. Mercedes claims that this new 6-cylinder engine delivers more performance than an 8-cylinder unit.

In addition to the petrol engine, the new CLS is offered in CLS 350d and CLS 400d variants. A 2.9-litre, in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine powers both these variants each producing 282 BHP / 600 Nm and 335 BHP / 700 Nm of torque respectively.

Some of the features offered on the new CLS include lane keeping assist, active lane change assist, speed limit assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, attention assist, pre-safe, active distance control, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active blind spot assist, dynamic body control with optional air-suspension and selectable driving modes - Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer a CLS Edition 1 that comes with black pearl Nappa leather and copper interior accents, diamond grille, ambient lighting package, floor mats, memory and mirror package, 20-inch AMG alloys painted in black (standard car gets 18-inch alloys) and Edition 1 lettering among others.