2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 Coupe

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Mercedes-Benz USA

For 2019, the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Coupe offers a sporty design combined with performance and efficiency.

Exterior
The exterior of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Coupe has a unique and distinctive appearance. One distinguishing feature is the twin-blade radiator grille in silver chrome, which was previously reserved for the V8 Performance models. Instead of the diamond radiator grille with individual pins, the grille in front of the central radiator now features a black lattice pattern.

The front apron in an A-wing design is equipped with black flics and a front splitter in silver chrome. The outer air inlets have two horizontal fins in silver chrome. The additional Air Curtains at the sides are directly subjected to the airstream, this design improves aerodynamic efficiency at the front and lowers the Cd figure. The twin front splitter connects seamlessly with the Air Curtain and reduces lift at the front axle. The outer lines of the radiator grille widen towards the bottom and lend the CLS a powerful appearance. Also contributing here are the sharply cut, narrow headlamps.

When viewed from the rear, it is not just the rear apron that stands out, but also the classic, round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome. The design of the sides of the mud flaps improves the aerodynamics at the rear; As a result, this provides for better air flow around the wheel arches. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the body color but is optionally also available in carbon-fiber.

The two-section tail lights visually reinforce the sense of width of the rear and as an additional practical benefit allow for the large boot opening. The broader track width combines better cornering with a perfect look thanks to the wheels being positioned further out. As standard the CLS 53 comes with 19-inch aerodynamically optimized light-alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option.


Interior
The interior welcomes passengers with exclusive appointments, luxurious materials and significantly extended options. On top of this there is the innovative control and display concept with bright, high-resolution displays optionally with 12.3-inch screen diagonal in each case. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasize the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

By way of instrument cluster, the widescreen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver, as well as a central display above the center console. Because the cockpit is fully digital, the driver can choose the look from the three different display styles Classic, Sporty and Progressive, and configure the information and views relevant to them at will. Via the AMG menu, it is possible to display the engine and transmission oil temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine output and torque, boost, tire temperatures and pressures as well as the current vehicle set-up.

Touch-sensitive Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel respond to swiping movements. They enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

The infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad with controller in the center console and by LINGUATRONIC voice control. Voice control has been extended to include vehicle functions. Now the air conditioning and seat heating/ventilation, interior lights and the optional head-up display can also be controlled by voice commands.

In addition, the synthesis of exclusivity and sportiness is also emphasized by the sport seats with an AMG-specific upholstery pattern and AMG badge. The interior is rounded off with the standard-fit AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with individualization options such as wood inserts in piano lacquer or dinamica microfibre in the grip area.


Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter-alternator
The six-cylinder in-line engine is characterized by top-of-the-range performance and intelligent electrification. The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Supported by the EQ Boost starter-alternator when moving off, the electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high charge pressure without any delay, for a faster increase in torque for acceleration until the large exhaust gas turbocharger is deployed. As a result, the 3.0-litre engine reacts extremely spontaneously and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag. An additional bonus is the high level of refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine.

The 3.0-litre in-line engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which impresses with extremely short shift times, fast response to shift paddle commands, a double-declutching function and multiple downshifts. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the Sport+ and in manual driving modes, the transmission is very responsive.

With the five DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, the driver can tailor the characteristics of the CLS 53 to individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.


Summary
The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 offers a future-oriented combination of sporty design, performance and efficiency. The basis for this is a contemporary drive configuration in the form of a six-cylinder in-line engine with electric auxiliary compressor, EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48 V on-board electrical system. The very spontaneous response to accelerator pedal input, the precision and the design focusing on driving dynamics are hallmark features of AMG.

The Mercedes-AMG CLS53 MSRP starts at $79,900.00, the one I drove included, Lunar Blue Metallic Exterior Paint ($720.00), AMG Magma Grey/Expresso Brown Nappa Leather Interior ($2,900.00), Metal Weave ($600.00), RTY 20-Inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels ($750.00), High Performance Tires (N/C), AMG Performance Exhaust System ($1,250.00), 115V AC Power Outlet ($115.00), AMG Track Pace Application ($250.00), Heated and Ventilated Front Seats ($450.00), Active Multicontour Front Seat with Massage Feature ($1,320.00), Head-Up Display ($990.00), Power Rear Window Sunshade ($440.00), 3 Zone Climate Control ($760.00), Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System ($4,550.00), Heated Rear Seats ($500.00), Acoustic Comfort Package ($1,100.00), Exterior Lighting Package ($900.00), Warmth and Comfort Package ($1,050.00), Energizing Comfort Package ($550.00), Parking Assistant Package ($500.00), and the Driver Assistant Package ($2,250.00), and it came in at $103,010.00 including Destination and Delivery ($995.00).
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Mercedes Benz.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

Comments are closed.