Mercedes-Benz CLS range cut back again
Four-door luxury coupe range whittled down to solitary AMG-tweaked variant with latest faceliftPricing and specification details for the trimmed-back 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS range have been released ahead of the large luxury four-door coupe’s local arrival in the final quarter of this year.
Offered in a solitary Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 grade following the axing of the CLS 450 and the discontinuation of the entry CLS 350 in 2020, the facelifted model is now priced from $183,600 plus on-road costs.
That marks a $5000 decrease in pricing compared with the outgoing Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 equivalent, yet raises the price of entry by nearly $20,000 with the axing of the CLS 450.
A Limited Edition version of the new CLS 53 will also be available, from $197,600.
Just three years ago, Mercedes-Benz Australia offered six different variants of the CLS locally – a model that has amassed nearly half a million global sales since 2004 but more recently has weathered constant sales pressure from crowd-pleasing SUVs.
The sportier-bodied version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class undergoes a raft of subtle updates and cosmetic tweaks for 2022, including the adoption of the Panamericana grille, a diffuser-like insert in the rear apron and new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, there are new trim finishes that extend to the centre console and steering wheel and fresh leather upholstery combinations.
Standard equipment on the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ comprises 20-inch alloy wheels, electric front seats with heating function, Nappa leather seats/steering wheel, a head-up display and keyless entry/start.
The infotainment suite includes dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless phone charging and a Burmester sound system, while the safety suite is equally comprehensive.
Like the updated E-Class range, the steering wheel on the CLS now features a two-zone sensor pad that can detect the driver’s hands, meaning no steering input is required to inform the vehicle’s systems that the driver is in control when using semi-autonomous driving modes.
The AMG-fettled variant also ensures a healthy 50kW/20Nm bump in base performance for the CLS range locally, courtesy of a 320kW/520Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol six-cylinder engine that is augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system capable of adding 16kW/250Nm.
Matched standard to a nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG performance exhaust, air suspension and all-wheel drive underpinnings, the CLS 53 offers a claimed nought to 100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.
In addition, Mercedes-Benz will offer 20 examples of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Limited Edition locally – out of a total global allocation of 299 vehicles.
Adding a $14,000 premium, the LE adds an AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG Dynamic Plus package including RACE software program with Drift mode, power-closing doors, AMG Nappa leather upholstery and an AMG indoor car cover.
The LE is also differentiated by AMG carbon-fibre interior trim, designo Red seat belts, red brake callipers, extended AMG Night Package, AMG-specific darkened radiator grille, 20-inch matte black AMG alloy wheels, high-gloss black exterior badging and Cashmere White Magno or Selenite Grey Magno paintwork.
By the car-maker’s own admission <>, the Mercedes-AMG CLS range isn’t supposed to be a big seller in Australia.
In fact, anything north of 100 annual sales would fulfil the local arm’s fundamental volume requirement set in 2018.
How much does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class cost?
CLS 53 4MATIC+ – $183,600
CLS 53 4MATIC+ Limited Edition – $197,600
*Prices exclude on-road costs
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