2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

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Rating8.0

Ranked #2 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$72,950 - $74,000
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 14, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Cohesive unification of performance and luxury

Constricted rear seat space

Updated exterior design elements

Tantalizing exterior design

Underwhelming cargo space

The RWD version of the CLS 450 has been ditched and only the 4Matic version is available

Aplomb Handling Qualities

Updated MBUX infotainment system.

A wider range of leather and trim combinations for the interior

Specs & Features

$74,000

price

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

369 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

9-Speed Automatic

transmission

3.0L 6cyl AWD 9A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The CLS-Class from Mercedes-Benz might not look much different in its skin for the year 2022 as compared to the previous 2021 model year, but it has received some major updates when it comes to the variants and the powertrain options available. The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been a strong contender to the likes of theAudi A7 and even the Porsche Panamera throughout the years for all the right reasons. 

Buying Advice

With the recent overhaul of the legendary CLS-Class, Mercedes-Benz has certainly got an edge over its competitors. The new 2022 CLS-Class boasts a sharp look and offers various safety aids that can easily attract lots of buyers. Features like Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed seats, and more make it a value for money deal.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class brings in some tough competition to the segment with its time-tested and efficient powertrain and the luscious interior and exterior design cues that make you want to stare back at it every time you park it. With the dynamic ride quality thatMercedes-Benz offers through the CLS-Class, it is really hard to not own the car given a choice.

Features

With some minor tweaks, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class looks sharp and cool. The 2022 model is likely to get pricier and cost around $74,000. Under the hood lies a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The car comes with standard all-wheel drive, ensuring better handling and ride quality. Improvements for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS include a revised steering wheel, a new grille, and an array of customization options.

Trim

2022 Mercedes Benz CLS 450

MSRP

$74,000

Key Features

LED Daytime Running Lamps and headlamps

 

Premium Leather upholstery

 

12.3 infotainment system with equal-sized digital drivers display

 

19-inch twin-multi spoke wheels

 

Dual-zone automatic climate control

 

Leather-trimmed steering wheel

 

ECO Start/Stop system

 

13 speaker Burmester premium audio

 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

We Recommend

With the recent overhaul of the legendary CLS-Class, Mercedes-Benz has certainly got an edge over its competitors. The new 2022 CLS-Class boasts a sharp look and offers various safety aids that can easily attract lots of buyers. Features like Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed seats, and more make it a value for money deal.

Fuel Economy
7.3/10

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, just like the previous model year, is set to deliver the best fuel economy figures in the segment. It will provide a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg while delivering 23 and 30 mpg in the city and highway, respectively. These fuel economy figures are made possible by the EQ Boost hybrid power assist. The 2022 CLS-Class will come with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank, which will help the car provide a city and highway range of 485.3 and 633 miles, respectively.

Models

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic

2022 Audi A7 e Quattro

2022 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

2021 Porsche Panamera

MPG (city)

23

NA

22

18

MPG (highway)

30

NA

29

24

MPG (combined)

26

29

25

20

Fuel tank capacity (gallons)

21.1

13.7

18

23.7

Range (city/highway) (miles)

485.3 / 633

NA

396 / 522

426.6 / 568.8

When compared to its rivals, the CLS-Class mileage truly outshines the rest of the rivals in the segment, while the Audi A7 seems to have a better-combined fuel economy as it has a hybrid powertrain option as well. When comparing the overall range of the sedans in the competition, the best-in-class fuel tank capacity of Merc helps in securing the top position with 633 miles combined.

Interior
7.3/10

As usual, Mercedes has proved that it doesn’t compromise when it comes to the interior quality, feel, and features inside its cars. The CLS-Class interior comes with a plethora of features. The front seats are plush bucket seats with 8-way power adjustability and are ventilated. They offer great lumbar support and confidence and suit the driving conditions whether it be in comfort mode or sport mode. The seats are upholstered in rich Nappa leather, which further enhances the aesthetics and comfort of the interior.

The rear seats are also pretty comfortable ones and come in a 40-20-40 split configuration. They have the ability to fold forward, thereby increasing the storage space. The only drawback of the CLS-Class interior seems to be the fact that the sloping roofline, although attractive, takes away some headroom. The interior also hosts various features such as a dual-zone automatic climate control unit, a sunroof, leather upholstery & wood trim finishes, and 12 V DC power outlets for added convenience.

Models

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic

2022 Audi A7 e Quattro

2022 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

2021 Porsche Panamera

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

36.9 / 57.8 / 41.9

37 / 57.2 / 41.3

39.1 / 57.2/ 42.1

N / A

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

35.9 / 56.5 / 35

37.1 / 55.9 / 37

37 / 54.6 / 36.6

N / A

Cargo Capacity (ft cu)

11.9

21.6

15.5

17.6

Interior space is a criterion where the 2022 CLS-Class takes a hit as it doesn’t offer the amount of interior space or trunk space as good as any of its rivals. Audi comes out to be the most practical option by offering a best-in-class cargo capacity of 21.6 cubic feet, whereas the Merc sits at the very back with a cargo capacity of just 11.9 cubic feet. Standout interior features include:

  • Nappa leather upholstery
  • 8-way Power-adjustable seats
  • Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Optional wood trim inlays
  • Sunroof

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Infotainment and Connectivity

The attractive and interactive MBUX infotainment system of the 2022 CLS-Class will come in its latest and best-updated version. It comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display unit, which is similar to the driver’s display on the left but isn’t touch-sensitive. The infotainment features can also be controlled via the steering wheel controls.

The vehicle gets a 13 speaker Burmester surround sound unit with a 590W amplifier as standard. When it comes to connectivity features, the vehicle also gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth audio & phone connectivity as standard. Standout infotainment features include:

  • Latest MBUX infotainment system.
  • 13 speaker Burmester surround sound system with a 590W amplifier.
  • SiriusXM satellite radio and SatNav.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bluetooth audio & phone connectivity

Exterior
7.3/10

As far as the exterior design goes, the 2022 CLS-Class will resemble the 2021 model year apart from a few refreshed design cues here and there. The noticeable difference between the two model year cars can be seen in the front grille and bumper as the 2022 CLS-Class is set to get Tristar-inspired grille elements and an AMG-inspired front bumper, which does help it look a bit more beefy and noticeable.

The side profile and the rear portion won’t go through such changes. It would certainly have the signature sloping roofline of the CLS-Class, which does add to the aesthetics but certainly reduces the headroom inside.

Models

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic

2022 Audi A7 e Quattro

2022 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

2021 Porsche Panamera

Curb Weight (lbs.)

4134

4773

4262

4222

Length (in.)

196.4

195.9

200.2

198.8

Width (in.)

73.8

75.1

76.1

78.2

Height (in.)

56.3

55.9

55.2

56

Ground Clearance (in.)

3.7

N / A

4.8

N / A

Wheelbase (in.)

115.7

115.2

119

116.1

Track Width (in.) F/R

63.8 / 64.1

65.1 / 64.4

64.1 / 65.8

65.8 / 65

Considering the fact that it has a lower width and length when compared to most of its rivals, the CLS-Class seems to be a tad bit compact. The lesser curb weight certainly would help to get an improved ride quality as well, but the ground clearance certainly could have been better as the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers more than an inch of ground clearance when compared to the Merc. Standout exterior features include:

  • AMG Body Styling
  • 19-inch light-alloy wheels
  • Black A-wing air intakes
  • All-LED exterior lighting

Safety
9.0/10

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has been known for its safety offerings since its inception. The predecessors have scored a 5-star crash rating in NHTSA. We expect the 2022 CLS-Class to offer the same safety ratings. Some of the notable safety aids of Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class are:

  • LED Daytime Running Lamps 
  • Crosswind Assist 
  • Blind Spot Assist and Rear View camera
  • Front and rear ventilated discs
  • Seven airbags 
  • Pre and Post-collision safety system
  • Anti Lock Braking System 
  • Electronic Stability Program 

Final Verdict

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is certainly on the way to becoming the best choice in the segment as it costs less than most of its rivals. It also strives to offer the best in class power and fuel economy figures while offering top-class ride quality. The CLS-Class with its hybrid powertrain is certainly on the way to make a statement and set an example as the rest of its rivals might follow its path to offer a hybrid powertrain as standard in the near future.

Trims

    CLS 450
    $72,950 onwards
    • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
    • 19-Inch alloy wheels
    • Blind-Spot assist

Compare to similar cars

Price

$103,700- $142,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.51

Horsepower

600 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

553 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$54,200- $62,250

Gasoline

9.1

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$102,600

Gasoline

5.83

429 hp @ 6100 rpm

384 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$74,800- $81,500

Gasoline

7.99

444 hp @ 5900 rpm

442 lb.-ft. @ 2700 rpm

5

Read Review

$118,500

Gasoline

8.51

591 hp @ 6000 rpm

590 lb.-ft. @ 2050 rpm

5

Read Review

$45,300- $51,000

Gasoline

8.02

296 hp @ 5500 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$76,200- $110,600

Gasoline

7.17

345 hp @ 5500 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$52,850- $55,950

Gasoline

7.48

295 hp @ 5400 rpm

310 lb.-ft. @ 2100 rpm

5

Read Review

$55,900- $69,500

Gasoline

7.96

261 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$72,950- $74,000

Gasoline

8

362 hp @ 5500 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    4.7 sec--
    2022 BMW M5

    Ranked #1

    2.8 sec10.9 sec163 mph
    3.5 sec11.9 sec174 mph
    3.6 sec--
    4.1 sec--
    2022 Audi S6

    Ranked #5

    4.4 sec12.7 sec155 mph

    2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg30 mpg25 mpg21.1 gal.-
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg18 gal.450/594 mi.
      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg15.9 gal.365.7/492.9 mi.
      2022 Audi A6

      Ranked #2

      23 mpg32 mpg26 mpg19.3 gal.443.9/617.6 mi.
      2022 Audi S6

      Ranked #4

      18 mpg28 mpg22 mpg19.3 gal.347.4/540.4 mi.
      19 mpg25 mpg21 mpg21.1 gal.400.9/527.5 mi.

      2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        200.4 in.74.6 in.57.1 in.5.9 in.120.5 in. -

        2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43

        Ranked #2

        199.2 in.76.9 in.57.3 in.-116.2 in. -
        199.2 in.76.9 in.57.3 in.-116.2 in.
        197.2 in.76.8 in.56.1 in.4.3 in.115.3 in. -
        2022 BMW M5

        Ranked #4

        196.4 in.74.9 in.58 in.5.2 in.117.4 in. -
        195.8 in.73.5 in.58.2 in.5.5 in.117.1 in. -

        2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          12.5 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.12.5 cu.ft.
          12.7 cu.ft.-12.7 cu.ft.
          14 cu.ft.98.8 cu.ft.18 cu.ft.
          2022 Audi A6

          Ranked #2

          13.7 cu.ft.109.1 cu.ft.15.2 cu.ft.
          14 cu.ft.98.8 cu.ft.15.2 cu.ft.
          32.3 cu.ft.108.4 cu.ft.68.6 cu.ft.

          2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            83.1 cu.ft.12.5 cu.ft.12.5 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.18 cu.ft.281 ft.
            2022 Audi S6

            Ranked #3

            27.8 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.27.8 cu.ft.-
            -24.6 cu.ft.--
            -17.7 cu.ft.--
            2022 BMW M5

            Ranked #6

            -14 cu.ft.--

            2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.950 lbs.4232 lbs.
              -928 lbs.4275 lbs.
              -1124 lbs.4553 lbs.
              2022 Audi A6

              Ranked #2

              -1102 lbs.4101 lbs.
              -970 lbs.4938 lbs.
              -800 lbs.3765 lbs.

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