2020 Mercedes Benz CLS Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you really want to rev up your 'cool' factor, then check out the super chic 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. This year, the CLS has a new feature that will alert you if your car gets damaged while it is parked. Also, more once-optional features have become standardized, giving the vehicle even more value.

MB is basically synonymous with luxury, and this is no entry-level stuff here. The CLS steps it up a bit. The available engine choices both deliver mind-blowing amounts of power and will help the vehicle get up to speed in almost no time at all. There are also so many standard safety features that it is hard to list them all. Overall, this vehicle provides an excellent balance between comfort, class, and raw power.

There are a few nitpicky downsides to the CLS though. You only get 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space (with the seats left in place), which is not going to feel terribly roomy for a vehicle in this class. That is due to how the vehicle is styled, and it is style over utility in this case. And, of course, there is the price tag. But, let's face it, if you are buying a MB, you probably have a little bit of money to throw around. (If you don't, the entry-level CLA might be more your speed and is a great alternative.)

So, is the CLS the right vehicle for you? If so, which of its trim levels suits your needs the most? Will it be the base 450 Coupe, or is the AMG CLS 53 Coupe going to be a better fit? Stick with us through this trim level comparison review. At the end of it, we will declare our pick for the best trim level on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class line-up.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 450 vs AMG CLS 53. What is the difference?

There are only two trim levels to choose from on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: the base 450 Coupe (which can come with rear-wheel drive or the all-wheel drive 4MATIC) or the line-topping AMG CLS 53 Coupe (which is strictly a 4MATIC). These two trims differ a lot, starting with their price tags. There is about an $11,000 difference between their starting MSRPs, which is something you will need to consider going ahead in your decision-making process.

But let's get right into the mechanical features and how they differ. The 450 Coupe is powered by a 3.0-L inline-6 turbocharged engine with EQ Boost. Paired smartly with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain musters up 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle can make it from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and gets a respectable 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It sits atop 19-inch twin multi-spoke wheels and features ECO start/stop, DYNAMIC SELECT, a sport exhaust, and ESP Dynamic Cornering. You can opt to add air body control for improved ride quality.

Note: The 4MATIC variant is powered by the same powertrain and, overall, has the same features. The only difference is that it gets from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway - respectable numbers for an all-wheel drive.

The AMG CLS 53 Coupe is a whole different breed of monster. This vehicle gets its power from a 3.0-L inline-6 cylinder turbocharged, AMG-enhanced engine with features that boost its efficiency - an electric auxiliary compressor and EQ Boost. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission helps it get to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with its 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. With the 4MATIC all-wheel drive drivetrain equipped, fuel efficiency dips down to 21 mpg while doing city driving, and, on the highway, the number decreases to 27 mpg. This trim gets 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels that have black accents. Other standard mechanical features include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, an AMG sport-tuned suspension that is based on the air body control system, AMG performance brakes, and an AMG sport exhaust. You can opt to equip the AMG DRIVE and AMG performance exhaust.

The CLS is beautiful inside and out. On the outside, the CLS 450 Coupe has a sleek, aerodynamic build with an arching roof. The front grille pushes gently upward, and the rear has widened taillights. There is a power tilting and sliding sunroof, AMG body styling elements, gorgeous chrome diamond-block styling on the grille, and a full array of exterior LED lights. The AMG CLS 53 Coupe has AMG body styling with side sills that flare out and massive air intakes up front.

On the inside, the CLS 450 Coupe includes turbine-style elements and is lit up by multi-color LED lights for excellent visibility inside of the cabin. The leather-trimmed steering wheel looks chic and has numerous controls mounted onto it. The AMG CLS 53 Coupe, however, really spices things up with standard AMG Nappa leather on the performance steering wheel and bold AMG illumination on the front door sills.

Design options on the CLS 450 Coupe include AMG interior styling, gloss black exterior accents, two 19-inch and two 20-inch wheel designs, a steering wheel done in sport style, a leather dash trim done in Nappa fabric, and a beautiful wooden trim done in designo black piano lacquer with unique flowing lines. Upgrades for the AMG CLS 53 Coupe include deleting the front fender engine badges, the AMG Night Package, six 20-inch wheel options, metal weave trim, black or red seat belts, and an AMG Trace Package.

Safety features abound in both trim levels and, for the most part, are the same. The CLS 450 Coupe offers a feature called Car-to-X Communication, which automatically alerts a central notification system of certain hazards, such as wheel-spin. This is truly next-gen technology, but it's totally current! You also get a ton of 'assist' features, such as Attention Assist, one-touch calling, crosswind, and blind spot. You are also given PRE-SAFE technology, adaptive braking, an anti-theft system, and Smart Key with keyless start. Options are available for active assist features like steering and blind spot. You also can equip congestion emergency braking. On the AMG CLS 53 Coupe, you get a standard heated windshield washer system. You can opt for things like the extended restart function that works in stop-and-go traffic.

When it comes to creature comforts, there is no shortage of standard features on either trim. The CLS 450 Coupe gets front seats with standard heating and 4-way power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, the Mercedes me connect Assist Services, and brake HOLD. The rear seats are 40/20/40-split folding, and there is gorgeous leather upholstery abounding. You also get HomeLink as a standard feature, which allows you to control your garage door and connected home electrical features while you're on the go. There are options for active multi-contoured massaging front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and ENERGIZING Comfort. This package bundles together creature comforts like climate control, a cabin fragrance system that improves the cabin's scent, relaxing ambient lighting, audio controls, settings for the seats' heating and ventilation, settings for the massaging seats, and settings for the heated armrests into a series of programs to choose from.

Want even more luxury? Go for the AMG CLS 53 Coupe. It has standard MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery and an electronic trunk closer. There are also options for NAPPA leather upholstery, an Acoustic Comfort package, designo Nappa leather, designo black DINAMICA, and soft-close doors.

What about multimedia features? Well, you will find no shortage of those either. The CLS 450 Coupe gets a 12.3-inch central display and analog gauges with a high-resolution multi-functional display. The COMAND system has a touchpad controller and built-in navigation, and there will not be a charge for navigation map updates for the first three years. The FrontBass system comes standard, which puts a subwoofer into the rigid front frame areas where the structures make for incredible resonance chambers. Smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as are enhanced voice control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, two USB audio ports, HD Radio, and an SD card reader.

You can opt for the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster if analog isn't your thing. Other options include a head-up display, a Burmester surround sound system, a Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system, and in-vehicle WiFi.

The AMG CLS 53 Coupe steps things up by standardizing the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and Burmester surround sound. You also get near-field communication (NFC) technology and inductive wireless charging with NFC pairing. Another USB audio port gets tacked on, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a 6-month all-access trial comes standard. You also get three years of live traffic service. Options include an AMG head-up display, the Burmester high-end 3D sound system, TuneIn, in-vehicle WiFi, and pre-wiring for a rear seat entertainment system and comfort adapter.

Before we conclude, we need to discuss packages. MB offers a lot in the way of packages on both trim levels, but quite a few of them do get incorporated as standard features into the AMG CLS 53 Coupe. Packages include the AMG Line (which has 19-inch AMG wheels, AMG interior styling, and a black headliner), the AMG with Night Package, Exterior Lighting (which includes adaptive high-beam assist), and Warmth and Comfort. The Premium Package is a popular choice for the CLS 450 Coupe since it adds the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, SiriusXM, and the Burmester sound system. Parking Assistance and Driver Assistance (which has a ton of active driver aids like active steering and active lane change) are also smart choices for the base trim. Both trims get a one-year trial of Mercedes me Concierge, which will direct you to the area's finest restaurants and hotels, among other things.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Which Trim to Choose?

There you have it. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class might not have a ton of trim levels to choose from, but it lets you customize your vehicle nonetheless. There are a lot of things to love about both trim levels, but we still have to choose which one has the most overall value for the typical MB customer.

While the AMG CLS 53 Coupe is extremely cool, it is best reserved for those who have a ton of money to shell out and want strictly the most top-notch trim. However, we think that the CLS 450 Coupe should suit everyone else just fine. The 4MATIC variant is a good choice for those who live in areas where inclement weather is common.

The CLS 450 Coupe offers a massive list of standard features for a really reasonable price given that it is a luxury sedan. Some of the packages are reasonable as well. The Premium Package is a 'must' for most drivers, and the Parking and Driver Assistance Packages are also recommended add-ons. If you travel a lot, you should consider getting in-vehicle WiFi tacked on.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one classy sedan, so whichever one you choose, you are bound to enjoy driving.