2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53

Trims and feature

Mercedes offers the 2020 AMG CLS 53 in a single trim and this configuration comes standard with a 3.0L inline-6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that churns out 429 horses and 384 pound feet of torque. The powertrain is further helped via an electric motor the manufacturer calls EQ Boost that delivers 21 horsepower and 189 pound feet of torque.

Driving all the wheels via the marque's 4MATIC system, the Silver Arrow comes with a host of luxurious features and safety tech. Although it lacks a tad bit in the use of modern technological features, the stylish CLS 53 brings out a great driving experience with a mix of sport and plush.

Trims	AMG CLS 53
MSRP	$79,900
Features	LED headlights
	ECO Start/Stop System
	EQ Boost Integrated Starter-Generator
	64-Colour LED ambient lighting with illuminated vents
	12.3 COMAND infotainment system
	AMG Sport steering wheel

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Invest in the Driver Assistance Package priced at $2,250 and youd get a horde of active safety features like Steering Assist, Distance Assist, Lane Change and Keeping Assist, and more.

It's not just a pretty face. The 2020 Mercedes CLS-Class is a responsive and comfortable cruiser. -thecarconnection

Engine and Transmission

Fitted underneath the AMG CLS 53 is a monstrous 3.0L inline-6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that churns out 429 horses and 384 pulling forces. Producing an extra 21 horses and 189 lb.-ft. of torque, the Silver Arrow is kitted with an electric motor, EQ Boost, that is powered by a 48-volt generator system.

The down-graded engine still charms and persuades with its readily-available power and smooth driving experience. Driving all the wheels of the coupe, the transmission produces accurate and responsive gear shifts. A brisk performer with power readily available, the CLS 53 is suited for both, the track, and city driving.

Amongst its rivals, the Audi RS7 is the most powerful in the competition, followed by the AMG CLS and E-Class and then in the bottom rests the Silver Arrow's youngest sibling, the AMG CLA 45.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
MSRP	$79,900	$114,875	$72,550	$53,100
Engine	3.0L inline-6 cylinders	4.0L V8	3.0L Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-6	2.0L inline-4 turbo
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	8 Speed automatic	9-Speed Automatic	SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch
Power	429 @ 6100	560 hp@ 5700rpm	429 @ 6100	375 hp @6000 rpm
Torque	384 lb.-ft. @ 1800	516 ft-lbs@	384 @ 1800	350 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm

Acceleration

Zipping the Merc is the mighty inline-6 fitted under its hood, and this powerful machine powers the AMG CLS 53 from 0-60 MPH in 4.1s while racing the quarter mile in 12.7s. Despite being super quick with these figures proving to impressive, the German is beaten by its rival, the Audi obliterates the Silver Arrows fair and square.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
0-60 MPH	4.1 sec	3.6 sec	4.4 seconds	4.1 sec
Quarter mile	12.7 sec	11.6 sec	12.8seconds	12.3 @ 113 mph
Engine	3.0L	4.0L V8	3.0L	2.0 Liters
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)		10.4	N/A	TBD

Braking and Handling

The luxurious and nimble AMG CLS 53 drives keeping in mind comfort and athleticism. This sports coupe offers an all-wheel drive system via its in-house 4MATIC system that balances the ride quality with optimal performance and plush driving experience. The coupe has commendable grip and positive steering feedback. Suffice to say, the Silver Arrow is a fun four-door coupe to drive.

Equipped with 14 disc brakes in the front and back, the Mercedes comes to a standstill in a panic brake test from 60-0 MPH in 115ft., that is similar to the distance its rivals take. Undulated and precise, the brake pedals don't feel mushy and provide good feedback when pressed.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Brake Front(in)	14.2	15.4	14.6	13.8
Brake Rear(in)	14.2	14	14.2	13
Curb weight(lbs.)	4420	4497	N/A	3450
60-0 MPH (ft.)	115	N/A	115	150

In terms of fuel economy, the Silver Arrows perform similarly where the AMG CLA 45 delivers the most in the field but that is thanks to its smaller displacement engine. The AMG E 53 drinks lesser fuel as compared to the similarly equipped AMG CLS 53. The Audi RS is the worst of the lot with mediocre fuel efficiency.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
MPG (city)	21	14	21	23
MPG (highway)	27	21	28	26
MPG (combined)	23	17	24	30

 

For 2020, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-door coupe is as distinctive as ever. Its signature roofline and shapely greenhouse give the car a flowing, uninterrupted form that extends rearward to a new, more muscular fastback profile. -KBB

Seating and Comfort

Inside the AMG CLS 53, the cabin is flourished with luxury and opulence along with plush quality materials brushed across the trim. Sports interior design and opulent aesthetic finds itself in the AMG CLS interior along with athletic sports steering wheel with quality stitched seats as well.

The interior of the Mercedes comes with comfort and is equipped with the marque's sports division features. Seating 5 with stitched MB/Tex/DINAMICA upholstery, comfort with is found in the front seats with good levels of legroom and but limited headspace but constricted space in the rear for adults is a disappointment.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Passenger capacity	5	4	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.9/57.8/41.9	36.9/57.2/41.3	37.9/57.8/41.3	38.2/56/40.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	35.9/56.5/35	36.6/55.9/37.0	38.2/56.9/35.8	35.4/53.2/27.1

Interior Features

Some of the standard features include-

• Power Front seats with memory
• 3-passenger rear seat
• Dual-Zone automatic climate control
• MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery

Infotainment System

The AMG CLS comes equipped with an 12.3-inch COMAND infotainment system with a controller knob. Included in the infotainment system are some of the following features -

• Satellite Radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Audio 20 CD system
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• COMAND Navigation
• FrontBass System
• No-Charge online Navigation Map with update for 3 years

Cargo volume

A big cargo space is an added incentive to luxurious coupes. However in the the AMG CLS 53, it is able to only hold 11.9 cubic feet of storage space, making it the worst of the lot amongst its competition whereas the Audi RS7 takes home 24.5 cubic feet, leading the field by a mile. Following the CLS footsteps, its younger siblings bring home their coupes with 13.1 cubic feet of space.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
Volume (ft. cube)	11.9	24.5	13.1	13.1

 

For 2020, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-door coupe is as distinctive as ever. Its signature roofline and shapely greenhouse give the car a flowing, uninterrupted form that extends rearward to a new, more muscular fastback profile. -kbb

Design and Measurements

A restyled Silver Arrow, the new 2020 Mercedes AMG CLS 53 still looks gorgeous. Its long-hooded front fascia incorporates the large Mercedes chrome-accented insignia atop dual-slit front air intakes on either sides of the front bumper. The sleek ever-sloping roofline falling gracefully still charms with the new design while the side profile shows how abruptly the front get cut short, maintaining a long hood.

Driving on 19 AMG wheels and clearing merely 3.7 from the ground, the arched roofline showcase how the rear passengers may have issues with the headroom, especially when considering the tall adults. A 199 long and handsome design abound, the rear houses attractive taillamps and two mono-exhaust pipes on either sides.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53	Audi RS7 4.0 quattro sedan	Mercedes Benz AMG E 53	Mercedes-AMG CLA-45
curb weight (lbs.)	4447	4497	4134	3450
Length (in)	199.1	197.3	195.4	184.7
Width (in)	74.4	75.2	73.2	88.0
Height (in)	56	55.8	57	55.7
Ground clearance (in)	3.7	N/A	4.5	3.7
Wheelbase (in)	115.7	114.8	113.1	106.3
Track width (in) F/R	64.8/64.5	64.3/64	64.1/62.9	61.3/61.5

Exterior features

The Mercedes AMG CLS 53 boats some impressive standard features with the likes of -

• AMG body styling
• Unique styling elements
• LED headlights
• 19 AMG twin 5-spoke wheels w/black accents
• Shark-fin antenna

2020 Mercedes AMG CLS 53 Safety and Ratings

With plenty of tech, luxury, and power offered in the coupe, the marque has not forgotten to beef it up with safety features that should prevent from crashes and any sort of damage. While the IIHS and NHTSA are yet to rate the 2020 Mercedes AMG CLS 53, the Silver Arrow however packs a punch in features offered of which some of them include -

• PRE-SAFE
• Rearview Camera
• Blind Spot Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Active Brake Assist
• Car-to-X Communication
• Brake Assist (BAS)
• Adaptive Braking Technology
• 7 air bags
• Crosswind Assist

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53 vs Audi RS7

Where performance matters, it's the Audi that takes the lead over the Mercedes AMG CLS. The 4-ringed coupe also houses a better quality interior alongside features but the Silver Arrow proudly exclaims the monstrosity and a tire shredding performance on track. What the purchase depends on is your selection of which brand youd prefer under your control.

Mercedes Benz CLS 450 vs Mercedes Benz E-Class

Differentiated between almost $10,000, the AMG E53 is equally powerful with similar performance. In terms of opulence, it is the AMG CLS 53 all the way that also features a more gorgeous exterior styling and luxurious interiors. Leaving aside a spacious rear seat in the E-Class, the sedan and the coupe are quite similar otherwise. Having said that, the CLS is a unique class in itself and if youre an enthusiast, you should know the CLS should be the one to opt for here.

The refreshed 2020 Mercedes AMG CLS 53 is luxurious sports coupe with a sporty and fashionable aesthetic. It has commendable performance and driving dynamics in mix with a host of opulent and sporty features, the Silver Arrow manages stands out when compared to the other sedans in the market.

However at $79,900, this sedan is definitely not for the price-sensitive buyers; rather, if you want the finest car with the aforementioned niceties including a powerful engine and ride, you have it here at a huge cost. Nonetheless, this sedan packs less technology of the modern age, can seat comfortably only 4 in the back albeit advertised as 5, and houses an abysmal trunk volume. But as time goes, the AMG CLS 53 will still go down as a legacy of the Mercedes lineup.