The Mercedes CLS has always been quite a unique car. Ever since its launch in 2004, it has always been a revolutionary car. Why? Well because it’s a 4-door coupe according to Mercedes. It mixes the best worlds of a sedan and a coupe hence why it has four pillarless doors, a sloped roofline, and terrible practicality.
The CLS is now in its third generation and a lot has changed. It’s now more practical, it looks bigger and feels more like an elongated sedan. However, it still very much looks stylish, and it’s still priced at a premium. Underneath, the new CLS is basically an E-Class, inside it’s the same story too. In fact, all previous CLS models have been based on the humble E-Class sedan. The CLS shares the same engines as the E-Class, same gearbox, same driving dynamics, etc. Yet the E53 AMG coupe starts at $74,950 which is a lot cheaper than the CLS53 AMG despite having the same performance figures, etc.
So today we are going to discuss whether or not you should purchase a new Mercedes CLS53 AMG. Is it really worth the asking price? Or should you just walk on and buy something else?
What Is The CLS53 AMG?
The Mercedes CLS53 AMG is the AMG variant of the CLS. It’s one of the first-ever Hybrid AMG cars ever made. It features a combined performance figure of 429hp 384lb-ft of torque from an electric motor and an inline-6 turbo. The 0-60 takes place in 4.5 seconds with a flat out a top speed of 155 mph. It’s AWD too which means traction is pretty good.
The CLS53 AMG is a luxurious coupe/sedan with a very nice interior. It’s similar to the E-Class but depending on spec it does use better materials. It’s very fast, very smooth and it handles quite well too. Though, if you know your cars you would have realized that the AMG version of the CLS in the past had a great big V8 and lots and lots of power. Well, those days are gone. The reason why is because Mercedes now makes the AMG GT63 which is essentially the successor to the old CLS63 AMG. If Mercedes made a V8 version of the new CLS it would kill sales of the GT63.
Why is it So Expensive?
The new CLS53 is so expensive because it’s considered by Mercedes as a luxury car. It features the AMG badge too which carries some heavy presence. Also, the interior is pretty nice too. However, there is a catch.
Mercedes also make another version of the CLS with the same engine. It’s called the CLS450 and you can buy an AWD model for $71,700 which is $9,900 cheaper than the CLS53 AMG. It has 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It does a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. That too also has a 48-volt battery on board. The CLS450 shares the same engine as the 53 too so same sound, everything.
The only difference is the exterior looks like an ordinary CLS and it doesn’t have an AMG badge. It’s also a bit softer too. However, you could have a CLS 450 and $9,900 worth of options for the same price as a CLS53 AMG. That’s a lot of options for $9,900 and they include things like upgraded speakers, upgraded paint, bigger alloys, better leather, better interior, better interior finishes, etc. You could have a seriously luxurious car then for the price of a base model CLS53.
Though it must be mentioned that the base CLS 53 gets a better body kit, better alloys, more features as standard, more power, better brakes, better suspension, etc. However, in the real world is this all needed? The CLS450 is a lot more of a softer car however, you can upgrade to more firm suspension if need be which stiffens the car up. However, we also live in a world whereby things like tuned suspension, bigger brake upgrades, etc all exist.
Mercedes made the CLS53 more powerful by simply playing with its ECU (the brain of the car basically) and what happens there is that they can tune the engine and the motor to push a higher power output than before. Some hardware parts may have to be changed like the manifold, some turbo parts, etc but it’s nothing usually major. Therefore, you can get the same power figures as the CLS53 out of the CLS450 if you essentially play around with the ECU. The way to do this is via a remap. It’s not a DIY job though. You need a specialist to do this and it may void your Mercedes warranty since the new cars you have to physically remove the ECU where previously before you could just plug your laptop or so into the car. This is the same case with the CLS53 too.
So Should You Buy a CLS53 AMG?
The answer to that is quite simply, no. It’s just too expensive for what it is. If you want the same performance figures by the much cheaper E53 coupe which is just as stylish. If you want a CLS, buy the 450, it may be a bit softer but it’s still quick. The CLS53 just isn’t great value for money and it’s also a lot more expensive than the likes of the beefy Mercedes C63 AMG S coupe, and that has a proper AMG engine, a 40 Biturbo V8, and its faster.
The CLS53 AMG also does not use a traditional handbuilt AMG engine. It instead uses a mass-produced one made by Mercedes so it doesn’t feel as special. In our eyes, we see the CLS53 as a way to make more money. It’s not really a proper AMG and it just feels like it’s been put together last minute in all honesty in a half-hearted effort. It seems Mercedes has neglected the CLS AMG variant quite a bit since the launch of the GT sedan. In actual fact, we believe that this generation CLS may be the last as the GT sedan just does everything the CLS does but at a premium both in price and quality.
Save your money and look elsewhere is the answer. It’s a shame but it’s true. The CLS450 is a good shout if you still want a CLS though.
Featured Image credits via: carbuzz.com