2019 Mercedes Benz AMG CLS53
For this week’s review we’ve gotten our hands on the 2019 Mercedes AMG CLS53 which replaces the old V8 with an advanced 6 cylinder inline engine accompanied with an electric motor that goes in between the engine and transmission. It is the first time AMG builds a mild hybrid powertrain.
Disclosure: Mercedes Canada provided me with the 2019 Mercedes Benz AMG CLS53 for a week to test drive, and photograph. All photos in this blog post was taken by me. #MercedesBenzAMGCLS53
ACCELERATION: 10/10
3.0L I6 Turbo with electric auxiliary compressor. Linear and responsive.
429 HP accompanied by a 21 HP electric motor
389 lb-ft
AMG Speedshift TCT 9 speed de;livers rapid shift speed especially in Sport+ Mode
4.5 seconds 0-100 km
Speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr but if you get the AMG Driver’s Package the electronic limit is upgraded to 270 km/hr
Thanks to its electric motor the car goes really fast in a straight line.
BRAKING: 7/10
Is a pretty heavy car, so it will affect its braking score if you’re looking for AMG that’s track ready but for daily city driving the brakes are more than enough.
HANDLING: 8/10
Handling feels good for a big heavy car. The independent air suspensions on each wheel help keep the car balanced.
RIDE: 8.5/10
While the suspensions are stiffer than the regular CLS, I still found it really comfortable.
ECONOMY: 8.5/10
21/28/24- City/Highway/Combined
Engine-off coasting / “sailing” function in ECO mode contribute to fuel economy thanks to its mild hybrid system’s high-efficiency recuperation.
CABIN NOISE: 7.5/10
Speakers output engine and exhaust sounds
Other than fake audio,
EXTERIOR: 9/10
Looks modern and classy.
New nose shows off Mercedes design direction.
In North America, the rear bumper looks a bit chunky compared to the European version. I find this makes it look less elegant but I assume this is sticked out
INTERIOR FOR DRIVER: 10/10
There are so many first time experiences for me when getting into the CLS53 AMG!
The dynamic bolsters of the seat to hold you in tight when going into corners triggers quickly
The smoothest implementation of start and go I’ve ever experienced. It’s almost not noticeable.
Speed sensitive steering. The steering gets heavier at higher speeds!
Technology is very well integrated making for a good user experience
Although the engine and exhaust sound is being outputted via the speakers it sounds good!
Huge fan of the dual 12.3 inch wide display. Big WOW factor for someone experiencing it for the first time
Massaging seats with multiple modes make it a treat for longer drives.
INTERIOR FOR PASSENGERS: 7.5/10
Front passenger receives massaging seats too!
Because of the coupe profile with the sloping roof design, rear passengers will experienced reduced head room. If you’re using the sedan as a family car, and transport taller people that might be a con.
INTERIOR STORAGE: 8/10
The lever to open the trunk is cleverly integrated into the logo creating clean lines for the exterior body.
Has two hooks to hang grocery bags
I haven’t tested enough sedans in this price range but there seems to be adequate cargo space for daily life.
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: 10/10
The most modern looking infotainment of any brand I’ve tested. Graphics and interface matches the times.
I find other brands, their graphics look like it’s from the 90s in terms of design style.Very easy to use with the touch swipe pad on the steering wheel
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE 2019 Mercedes Benz amg cls53:
Mercedes Benz’s 2019 AMG CLS53 successfully combines mild hybrid technology and AMG performance with a sleek and classy looking 4-door coupe. While it doesn’t have a hand built V8 engine, and purist may not say it’s a real AMG, I can say the team did a great job with mimicking the feeling of a V8 with the new powertrain system. If you’re in the market for a sedan, and looking for something that stands out from the crowd, the CLS is a great choice. I look forward to the future of AMG cars and seeing the mild hybrid powertrain paired with a V8 or V12 engine one day!