These days, there actually is an AMG for everybody. From compact sedans to full-size SUVs, Mercedes’ efficiency arm tunes all of them, with powertrain badassery and pumped-up appearances to set them other than lesser Benzes.This yr, AMG added a sequence of “53” automobiles to its lineup, all utilizing a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, straight-six engine with some mild-hybrid help. The Mercedes-AMG CLS53 was the primary such automobile to get this therapy, and after every week behind the wheel, I can inform you that simply because it is a hybrid does not make it any much less of an interesting efficiency sedan.Hello, beautiful.
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Swoopy sedanFirst, I’ve to qualify using “sedan” right here. Mercedes-Benz
calls the CLS-Class a coupe — a “four-door coupe,” particularly — and so far as I’m involved, it is a misnomer. But I can type of see the logic. After all, the third-generation CLS is one rakish, horny automobile, with a extremely slick roofline.
You can inform a CLS53 other than a extra staid CLS450 due to its flashier grille, small rear lip spoiler, quad-tip exhaust and bigger wheels — 20-inch rollers, within the case of this take a look at automobile. In AMG guise, the CLS is a stunner. I stored turning again to take a look at it each time I parked.Electrifying performanceNot that I parked typically, because the CLS is a automobile I simply wished to maintain driving. The 3.0-liter I6 engine places out 429 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, despatched by way of a 9-speed computerized transmission to all 4 wheels through Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. There’s sufficient energy on faucet to make the CLS a riot to drive, however not a lot that it will get me into hassle. Mercedes estimates an acceleration time to 60 miles per hour of 4.4 seconds.
The turbocharged engine has a trick up its sleeve: Mercedes’ mild-hybrid system, referred to as EQ Boost. It’s comprised of an built-in starter/generator sandwiched between the transmission and engine, and helps energy the automobile’s 48-volt electrical system, which powers the CLS’ equipment and smooths out the cease/begin tech. The CLS53’s cease/begin is so clean, in reality, that I by no means really feel the necessity to flip it off.The different profit to the EQ Boost system is, properly, increase. It gives an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of supplemental energy for acceleration, so you do not have to dig deep into the throttle for mid-range punch. Of course, this does not flip the AMG CLS53 right into a fuel-sipper. The EPA provides this sedan a gasoline economic system ranking of 21 miles per gallon metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed.
In Sport and Sport+ modes, the nine-speed computerized transmission fires off snappy shifts, and the properly weighted steering responds immediately to inputs. The CLS53 is tossable and straightforward to put on a winding again street, and regardless of its all-wheel-drive system holding issues cool, there’s sufficient rear-end shove to let the CLS shortly rotate by way of turns.
Like most fashionable Mercedes-Benz automobiles, the CLS53 is full of driver help tech. I actually just like the adaptive cruise management, which may deliver me to an entire cease behind a lead automobile and begin up once more by itself after a short pause. A lane-keeping system works with the adaptive cruise management to maintain the CLS53 centered in its lane. The CLS may even learn freeway indicators and sluggish itself down mechanically. In truth, it will even sluggish itself down as I strategy a bend within the freeway — that is actually some of the adaptive cruise management methods obtainable at this time. Older tech in an amazing cabinInterior tech is simply as equally strong, although the CLS53 doesn’t get the brand new MBUX system with its cool synthetic intelligence and augmented actuality navigation. Instead, you may discover the older COMAND system in right here, housed on a 12.3-inch display screen that may be managed from both the middle console or swipe-pads on the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each alongside for the journey.
As for consolation facilities, the CLS53 has one among my favorites: multicontour entrance seats with therapeutic massage. Every time I am going round a flip at pace, the aspect bolsters mechanically inflate for further assist. It’s a little bit of a gimmick, certain, however I like that the automobile provides me a little bit hug as we’re on a back-road drive. It makes me really feel cherished. The massaging seats too are a pleasure, though the operate stops after about 10 minutes. Don’t inform me when my therapeutic massage is over, AMG.Fine leather-based and impeccable match and end might be discovered all through the cabin.
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The CLS53 has room for 5 passengers, however that sloping roofline does a quantity on rear headroom. Taller people ought to name shotgun as quickly as attainable. Even at 5 ft, 9 inches tall, I discover I’ve to duck my head to get behind the wheel, although as soon as I’m there, entrance headroom is plentiful.All of the inside supplies are of the type of high quality you’d count on from a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz. The leather-based surfaces appear and feel nice, and general match and end is impeccable. My solely grievance is the AMG-specific steering wheel — the form and measurement is nice, however the Dinamica microfiber texture is not as grippy as I would like.Unlike its key competitor, the Audi S5 Sportback, the CLS53 has a standard trunk reasonably than a extra practical liftback design. That means you solely get 11.9 cubic ft of cargo area, in comparison with as a lot as 35 cubic ft within the Audi with its rear seats folded. The CLS has type, however not a whole lot of operate.Sexy and satisfying The 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 begins at $79,900, excluding $995 for vacation spot, however the automobile you see right here stickers for simply over $108,000. For my cash, I’d reasonably get a couple of key choices just like the multicontour seats ($1,310), AMG efficiency exhaust ($1,250) and the motive force help options ($2,250), for a extra affordable $85,705, all in.Coupe roofline with 4 doorways. Mercedes, you loopy.
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The CLS53 strikes an amazing stability between the usual CLS450 and the extra highly effective 63-badged automobiles (E63, S63, and so forth.). It’s bought all of the punch you may need, however is not so excessive that you will be in jeopardy of shedding your license on each commute.