Meet The New 2022 Mercedes CLS. The current Mercedes CLS has been around since 2018, and three years later it has finally had its mid-term refresh. The 2022 Mercedes CLS gains mild tweaks to its design including new lights, bumpers, alloys, and grilles. The mild tweaks on the 2022 Mercedes CLS, do refresh the car quite nicely and keep it competitive against cars such as the BMW 8-series Gran Coupe and the Audi A7. The 2022 Mercedes CLS the, could potentially be a very special car indeed.
The 2022 Mercedes CLS53 AMG also receives a new limited edition model. It features racing stripes, five-spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss black exterior parts, and the AMG Dynamic Plus package (this improves the cars handling and overall driving performance). Only 300 of those cars will be made. Those cars will only be available in white or grey and the alloys will have a polished lip on them to make the car look far more unique. Sadly, the 2022 CLS53 AMG has been axed in North America and is only available in Europe only.
The 2022 CLS450 model comes as a mild-hybrid with permanent AWD as standard now. Previously, the CLS450 was RWD with a 4matic option available. This means it will be a slightly faster car due to the fact it will have more grip. Inside, not much has changed either apart from a new steering wheel as well as new materials in some areas.
The new 2022 CLS will start at around $72,000 which is $13,000 less than a base BMW 8-series. However, it is slightly more than a new A7 Sportback.
The current base CLS model is the 450 RWD with 362hp, which is more than the base 8-series and the Audi A7. The only downside is, it is slower to 60 than the 840i and the Audi A7, two cars that have far less power than it. The current 4matic CLS450 hits 60 in 4.8 seconds. This will be the time of the new base CLS model which will be the CLS450 4matic.
So then, what are our views on the new 2022 CLS?
top picture via: autoevolution.com
A Needed Refresh For The 2022 Mercedes CLS
picture via; motor1.com
This was a needed refresh. The current CLS is nice but in a competitive world, you always have to do better. The 2022 CLS looks far more aggressive. The base “Avantgarde” model looks far classier thanks to the multi-spoke alloys. It actually looks far more expensive than it actually is, especially in the new metallic Spectral Blue Color.
Furthermore, the 2022 Mercedes CLS also features a nicer interior with better leather options and trim options which ultimately make the car feel so much nicer. In some areas, it is nicer than its rivals.
The interior is the same design as before, apart from the steering wheel. The new steering wheel features easier touch controls and on the AMG line and AMG models, the steering wheel is a lot thinner and easier to hold. Both steering wheels are featured on the new Mercedes S-Class. The screens remain the same size, both being just over 12 inches big. The new base 2022 CLS model, 100% feels far more luxurious now than even the highest spec E-Class models.
Another hige benefit, is that the 2022 Mercedes CLS53 now looks far more aggressive and less “sleeper” like. The new Panamericana grille sets the front off quite nicely and the bumper now looks more AMG-like with its inner curves. The side profile is near enough the same and the rear is finished off with new lights and a more aggressive spoiler. Overall, it looks much nicer but it doesn’t look like a full-fat AMG, mainly because it isn’t one.
Is it as nice as an 8-series Gran Coupe? Well, in all honesty, I think it looks as good. It isn’t as aggressive but it certainly gives off more “luxury” vibes. It has way more personality than the Audi A7, though that’s quite easy to beat. Inside, it’s just as nice as the A7 and the 8-series. I do believe it looks a tad more dated inside than the other two, but it is quite nice and some of the materials are far more prestigious than the other two cars.
Is The Price Justified For The 2022 Mercedes CLS?
picture via: driving.ca
For the base 2022 Mercedes CLS model, it will cost around $70,000 to $72,000. For that, you get five seats, a nice interior, a punchy engine, and a pretty fly-looking exterior. It’s not as grand as the new S-Class of course (check out our views on it) but it is nice.
The new 2022 Mercedes CLS isn’t just an E-Class in a nice body. The interior is nicer and obviously, it is far more stylish. The 2022 CLS feels more like a Grand Tourer than a sedan, and that’s probably the biggest change it has compared to the E-Class. It is 100% more of a coupe than a sedan since the rear seats are useless due to the sloping roofline. It can also be specced in a four-seat configuration to make it feel more special.
Is the 2022 Mercedes CLS is a car for the middle-class? It’s definitely a dentist’s car or a local restaurant owner. Maybe even a doctor. It is a classy car, and it takes a certain type of person to own one. It has everything you need really for a car at that price point, and the interior is from the old S-class so not all is bad.
A current 53 model starts at over $80,000 which is decent. It features a Biturbo V6 with a 48-volt battery. The power output is 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. It hits 60 in around 4.4 seconds and flat out does 155 mph. Both the CLS450 and CLS53 are mild hybrid vehicles. The mild-hybrid system definitely increases overall power and acceleration.
A decent spec Mercedes CLS53 will set you back just over $90,000. A high-spec car will cost you over $100,000 easily. At that point, I think things start to become a bit silly. If you want a performance sedan, then I recommend the M550i over the CLS53. It is faster by a mile and cheaper. However, for style purposes, the CLS53 is better and is more comfortable. Just one at over $100,000 is just too excessive. We did talk about the current CLS 53 in more depth to determine whether or not it was good value for money.
The 2022 Mercedes CLS53 though for the North American market has been dropped. Those in Europe can purchase it though. The big question is, the 2022 Mercedes CLS450 or the 2022 Mercedes CLS53? The Mercedes CLS450 does everything you need and it is fast enough. Hence why the 4matic 2022 Mercedes CLS450 model is the only 2022 CLS model available in North America.
In other markets, there will also be the 2.0 models too which will start at a lower price. Though, some of them are underpowered such as the 2022 Mercedes CLS 220d.
Would We Buy A 2022 CLS?
picture via: motor1.com
Would we buy one? Well, for over $70,000 it does exactly what it says on the tin. it’s luxurious, fast, stylish, and in some ways practical. It is a perfect everyday car and is a car that is perfect for most. The facelift makes it so much fresher, which is what this car needed. It now looks more luxurious and in some ways more aggressive.
It is a proper GT too. It has a powerful engine, a large trunk and it can go for miles and miles with no issues at all. It’s not an S-Class at all, but it is pretty comfortable and you can even get massage seats. The 2022 Mercedes CLS450 is a great choice and it is the one we would pick. It provides far better value, and it looks so much classier.
The 2022 Mercedes CLS53 is a great car, but we would rather an M550i for that money. It just lacks that needed power and, I feel the CLS53 isn’t powerful enough. It could have been an M850i rival, but it is just not fast enough. It instead sees itself lurking around with the Audi S7. Of course, the reason why the CLS does not get a V8 or more power is because of the AMG GT sedan series.
If you want that luxury and power, get the GT53 or GT63. In North America, your forced to get those cars though. You could have the M550i or maybe an Audi S7. If you desperately want a hybrid 6-cylinder AMG in North America, then there is always the E53 sedan, convertible, and coupe.
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