2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

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.

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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.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is all set to carry the same hybrid powertrain unit that comes with the 2021 model year version. The hybrid unit comprises a 3.0 L turbocharged inline-6 motor and an AC motor with a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery unit, which in conjunction produce 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. of torque. The 2022 CLS-Class will only be available in a CLS 450 4Matic avatar, which conveys that the RWD option, as well as the AMG version, have been ditched. With the AMG version gone, this lineup won’t be affected much as the AMG version didn’t achieve major success in its run. The 2022 MY will get AMG-inspired exterior design cues though, which is impressive.

The powertrain is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, which has performed well in the 2021 CLS-Class. It adds sportiness to the ride dynamics depending on the drive mode, which are- Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. The 2022 CLS-Class is expected to hit 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds, which is rather impressive because it weighs over 4,000 lbs. When comparing the price range, Mercedes is the least expensive option in the competition.

It is rather surprising that despite being the cheapest, the 2022 CLS-Class gives a hard time to its rivals. When it comes to the power and torque figures, it seems to have more than what its rivals offer. Also in the 0-60MPH and quarter-mile timings, Merc seems to be the quickest. The CLS does stand shoulder to shoulder with the Audi A7 when it comes to the power figures, but looking at the price point of view, the Merc certainly looks like a bargain.

How does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class handle?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic comes with multi-link front and rear suspension units with automatic ride control. The CLS changes its handling persona depending on the driving mode that the driver chooses. For the Comfort mode, the overall suspension and powertrain unit along with the steering system gives you the best ride quality, while they stiffen up and become aggressive on choosing the Sport option. 

The individual mode allows the driver to configure the suspension, powertrain, and steering feel according to their taste to get the best out of it. The latest drive tech onboard ensures the best drive quality and feel to the driver be it on a highway or a mountain pass. All the comforting goodies inside the cabin further make the ride an enjoyable experience.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 

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.