2021 Mercedes-AMG CLS53

Overview

With a sleek and distinct design as well as a host of AMG-specific enhancements, the 2021 CLS53 is a four-door coupe that is as elegant as it is athletic. Power comes from a silken, turbocharged, 429-hp, straight-six engine that's mated to an astute automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CLS53 is nearly mechanically identical to the Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan, but due to its racier styling its back seat and trunk are less accommodating. Its cabin boasts cutting-edge technology that effortlessly mingles with the assortment of upscale materials and finishes. While the CLS53 is better at long-distance cruising than backroad thrills, it has the ability to engage you when you activate its sportiest performance settings. The Audi S7 is both more exciting and practical, but the CLS53 costs less and looks more upscale.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, Mercedes installs an entirely new infotainment system in the CLS53. Called MBUX (short for Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the upgraded unit brings a new touchscreen and a responsive touchpad with haptic feedback. It also features a voice-activated assistant—think Amazon Alexa or Apple's Siri—as well as innovative options. The latter includes navigation with augmented reality, which overlays guidance and other real-time information onto a live video feed of the road ahead that's showing on the screen. The CLS53 also now has more advanced driver assists that can react to live-traffic data and stop the car from turning left if it detects oncoming traffic. This year will be the last for the CLS53, as Mercedes-AMG has dropped the model from its lineup for 2022; buyers can still purchase the Benz-branded CLS450 model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Since there's only one model to choose from, our recommendation focuses on our favorite options. We'd upgrade the standard 19-inch rims to 20-inchers for a bolder appearance and add the Exterior Lighting package for its automatic high-beams and more luminous headlights. Inside, we'd increase the sedan's luxury quotient by selecting the nappa leathery upholstery, the Warmth and Comfort package (heated steering wheel, front armrests, and rapid heating for the front-seat cushions), and add the massaging front seats too. The head-up display, three-zone climate control, soft-close doors, ventilated front seats, and the Acoustic Comfort package (laminated glass that keeps the cabin cooler and quieter) are all individual options that maximize the CLS53's upscale aura. Finally, we'd select the AMG performance exhaust for its burlier soundtrack and take the Driver Assistance package for its suite of safety features that include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, among others.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every Mercedes-AMG CLS53 comes with a turbocharged and electrically supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid-assist system called EQ Boost, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The engine is rated at 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with EQ Boost adding up to 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. The CLS53 we tested hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 111 mph. The inline-six is characterful and eager to rev, and the nine-speed delivers quick upshifts and satisfying downshifts. The AMG CLS53 is equipped with an air suspension and adaptive dampers as standard. This setup provides surefooted handling and an acceptable ride on most roads, but the CLS loses composure over bumps and can feel brittle over rough pavement. The similar E53 has slightly softer tuning and offers a more compliant ride as a result. We have no complaints about the CLS53's electrically assisted steering, though. It's direct and surprisingly rich in feedback.

View Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the CLS53 is rated for 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In the real-world it appears to be more efficient than the government estimated, though as the CLS53 returned 30 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mercedes has a knack for integrating the latest technology into its interiors while preserving the old-world opulence that everyone expects in a luxury sedan from the brand. So it is with the CLS53. All the major displays are digital, including the instrument panel, which measures 12.3 inches, yet there's a warmth to this four-door coupe's cockpit that competitors can't quite match. In the rear, the CLS53 feels more like a sedan than a coupe, with three-across seating and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. The sloped roofline reduces headroom for adults, however. Trunk capacity is only 12 cubic feet.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2021 CLS53 features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which includes a voice-activated assistant and myriad input methods. Along with touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel as well as the center touchscreen, it can be manipulated through a large touchpad on the center console. MBUX comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, and three USB ports. Options include a head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. Another add-on is AMG Track Pace, which lets you store performance data from your vehicle in the infotainment interface when you're driving on a road course.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 CLS53 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every comes with standard safety features that include automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Additional driver-assistance aids are included in the Driver Assistance package, among them are Level 2 semi-autonomous features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and lane-change assist (which can steer into the next lane for you). Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring
• Available adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-AMG's limited and powertrain warranties are on par with its direct competitors. Instead of complimentary scheduled maintenance, however, there are prepaid maintenance plans available at extra cost when you purchase your CLS53.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 4Matic

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED
$103,850 (base price: $80,895)

ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 429 hp, 384 lb-ft + AC motor, 21 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output, 429 hp; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)

TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Run Flat F: 245/35R-20 95Y MOE ★ R: 275/30R-20 97Y MOE★ 

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.7 in
Length: 199.1 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 56.0 in
Passenger volume: 93 cu ft
Trunk volume: 12 cu ft
Curb weight: 4389 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 4.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.9 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 17.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.5 sec @ 111 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g

C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 30 mpg
Highway range: 630 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 23/21/27 mpg

DOWNLOAD TEST SHEET

More Features and Specs