2019 Mercedes Benz CLS Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When people think of a luxury car, Mercedes often comes to mind. The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class has a lot to love and may be the right vehicle for many different consumers. It also has a few drawbacks, which may or may not have buyers looking elsewhere. This guide is designed to look at what sets the CLS Class apart and how it looks when compared to similar vehicles.

What's New for 2019?

Pretty much everything is new for the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class. This vehicle was redesigned inside and out. It also has a new engine option under the hood. For the first time ever, there will be room for five in the CLS Class. New semi-autonomous driver-assist packages will also be available in 2019.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Mercedes Benz CLS Class – The Pros

1. Powerful New Engine

Experts and consumers alike are thrilled with the new inline-six turbocharged engine with EQ boost found in the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class. This engine will provide drivers with 362-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CLS 450 Coupe can do 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds, while the CLS 450 4MATIC Coupe can do it in 4.8 seconds. This engine includes a mild-hybrid system. This means there is an electric machine under the hood that allows the engine to turn off when the car is braking, coasting, or stopped and then turns it back on quickly when it is time to move. Due to the highly innovative mild-hybrid system, drivers of the CLS450 trim can expect to get 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

2. Engaging 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drivers will enjoy driving this vehicle thanks to its advanced 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class features fingertip shift paddles. It also has DYNAMIC SELECT which features multiple different drive modes, allowing drivers to customize their experience behind the wheel. This transmission shifts so smoothly that it is practically imperceptible.

3. Sleek Looking Exterior

One of the things that sets a Mercedes apart from its competitors is exterior styling. The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class does not disappoint with its lean and toned look. Consumers will get standard 19-inch wheels as well as LED lighting. This vehicle was the first "four-door coupe" and maintains the arched roof that it is famous for. The new CLS Class has a wide and low grille in the front and a smooth tail in the back.

4. Beautiful and Comfortable Interior

High-class materials are used throughout the cabin in the new CLS Class. Consumers will find an attractive mix of wood, satin aluminum, and leather. The rear cabin is now roomier and claims to be large enough to seat three adults for the first time. In the front of the vehicle, buyers will find deeply contoured power seats for the driver and passenger. The ambient lighting is highly impressive, with 64 different colors for consumers to choose from.

5. Standard and Available Advanced Safety Features

Mercedes prides itself on being one of the first manufacturers to incorporate active-safety features and semi-autonomous technology. There are plenty of standard safety features, like Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and an Attention Monitor. Another unique standard feature is Pre-Safe Sound. In the event of a crash, this feature will emit a sound that is designed to protect the hearing of those inside the vehicle. Consumers who add the Driver Assistance Package will get even more impressive technology that can do things like change lanes with the touch of a button and follow the vehicle ahead of it at a certain distance. Yet another upgrade available is the Parking Assist Package which adds a 360° camera and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

6. Cutting Edge Technology

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard on the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class. A wireless charging pad and seat-massage are available to consumers as well. This luxurious vehicle gives drivers navigation standard on all trim levels. Other standard tech features include HD radio, an auxiliary audio input, premium sound system, and MP3 player. Consumers worried about charging their devices will be happy to know that there are three USB ports up front and one in the back. Rear passengers can also take advantage of the 12-volt outlet and two-pronged plug that the CLS Class features on the back of its center console.

7. Available 4Matic All-Wheel-Drive

Drivers are sure to have fun with the rear-wheel-drive versions of the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class but for unbeatable handling, they should consider the 4Matic all-wheel drive. This system is designed to continuously send torque to the wheels that need it most. Not only does that make this vehicle safer on slippery roads, but it also makes it more fun when cornering on dry ones. This system even improves how quickly the CLS Class can takeoff.

8. Convenience at Your Fingertips

The steering wheel-mounted controls are intuitive and designed to behave like the buttons on a smartphone. With their left thumb, drivers are able to control their audio, navigation, and instrumentation screen. The right thumb controls all of the features found on the center screen.

9. Large and Easy to Read Display

Consumers will not have to squint to see the 12.3" touchscreen that comes standard on the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class. Using touch technology that is similar to what is on the steering wheel, drivers can control their audio, navigation, and much more. This is where smartphone integration and the 4G WiFi HotSpot can be controlled. There is also an available 12.3" digital instrument cluster.

10. Advanced Ultra Wide Beam LED Headlights

Mercedes was the first car company to offer drivers adaptive LED headlights. The 2019 Mercedes CLS Class makes these headlights even more impressive. They are ultra wide and can help drivers see around upcoming corners. These headlights can adapt to other vehicles and will illuminate more of the roadside than ever.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Mercedes Benz CLS Class – The Cons

1. Limited Rear Headroom  

Although they added a third seat to the backseat of the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class, consumers may not feel comfortable putting three adults back there. The sloping of the roof greatly limits headroom, potentially making rear passengers feel cramped. Getting into the backseat can also be awkward because the roof makes the doors odd shaped. It is large enough for three children to sit in and get in and out of easily, however. Those looking for a family vehicle or who do not anticipate having that many passengers will likely not be bothered by this factor.

2. Limited Rear Visibility

Once again, the sloped roof causes potential issues for buyers. While front visibility is great, it is only adequate out of the back windshield. Luckily, the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class has many standard and available active safety features, such as the blind spot monitor, that help with this issue.

3. Lacking MBUX  

Although there is a lot of great standard tech inside the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class, it is missing the new MBUX system. This is Mercedes new top-of-the-line multimedia system. Consumers who are considering the new CLS Class may feel a little shortchanged by its lack of Mercedes' most recent technology. That being said, there are plenty of high-tech features that will keep many buyers satisfied.

4. Booming Resonance in Certain Situations

Although this is relatively subjective, some drivers find the CLS Class to be a bit loud, particularly on certain road surfaces. While this could be a deal breaker for some buyers, many others will not even notice it.

How it stacks up against the competition:

When researching a new vehicle, consumers have many luxury options to choose from. Those considering the new CLS Class may also consider the BMW 6-Series, Porsche Panorama, or Audi A7. All of these vehicles have similar styles but the CLS Class pulls ahead in a few important ways. It gets better fuel efficiency than the others, something that is important to almost every consumer. It also has more horsepower than the Audi A7, BMW 6 series, and even the Porsche Panorama.

Those who have their hearts set on a Mercedes but need more room should consider the E-Class. It lacks some of the flair when it comes to styling, but it definitely provides more room for rear passengers. Those who do not typically have many passengers and want to make a statement with their vehicle, however, will likely prefer the CLS Class.

Conclusion

With a long list of pros and very few cons, it is easy to see how the 2019 Mercedes CLS Class can be the right choice for a wide variety of consumers. It manages to have both better fuel efficiency and more power than its competitors, something that is not easy to accomplish. This vehicle also has an eye-catching exterior, luxurious interior, and enough tech and safety features to satisfy most people's needs.