More form than function, the 4-door 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 Coupe gets a slight freshening this year, with a new front end and a reduction in the total model count. Gone from the lineup are the rear-drive CLS 450 and the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG CLS53.
What remains is still an attractive offering, with more standard features this year. The sleek CLS 450 isn’t big on rear-seat passenger room, but it can accommodate two adults for short periods in relative comfort. Trunk space is even more confining, but so long as you’re one of the lucky front seat passengers, you will thoroughly enjoy everything this big coupe has to offer.
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic (starting around $74,000 estimated)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic is shown here in Cement Grey.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic is powered by a 362-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid that works in conjunction with the engine’s stop/start system. Unlike a standard hybrid, the CLS 450’s EQ Boost system doesn’t have a separate electric motor or battery pack. Instead, it uses an integrated starter/generator to assist the engine with quick starts, using less fuel and lowering the car’s carbon footprint.
Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive is now standard on the CLA 450, as is a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with manual shift modes.
Last year’s AMG Line package is now standard, meaning the CLA 450 rides on 19-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels, plus gets an AMG steering wheel, brushed stainless steel pedals, AMG interior styling, and a black headliner.
Adaptive high-beam headlights come standard, as do LED headlights, heated power-folding side mirrors, a sport exhaust, and a lowered suspension with adaptive damping shocks. Also included in the price are rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washers, adaptive braking, and a foot-activated power trunk with a power closing feature.
The CLS 450 comes packed with safety and driver-assist systems. The more notable are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, an attention monitor to detect inattentive or drowsy driving, a blind-spot monitor, and a rearview monitor. Crosswind Assist helps keep the car stable when encountering strong crosswinds, while torque vectoring helps keep the tires planted during high-speed cornering. Adaptive braking technology includes hill start assist, automatic brake drying, and predictive brake priming.
Other extraordinary safety and assist features include a collision monitor that will alert your cell phone if the car gets hit while parked. The Pre Safe Sound system is activated when the vehicle senses a collision is unavoidable. The system emits a pink noise from the car’s speakers that triggers your ears to block out loud or damaging noises that may occur at the time of impact.
The CLS 450 comes with heated power front seats with memory and 4-way power lumbar support, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a power sunroof on the luxury and convenience front.
You can remotely start your CLS 450 via the Mercedes Me app on your phone, unlock and start your car needing only the key fob somewhere on your person, and program the CLS 450 to illuminate its exterior lights when remotely unlocking the vehicle.
The CLS 450’s Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel gains capacitive touch controls for the audio, cruise, Bluetooth, and information screens. Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable, while the 65-color ambient lighting system with lighted dash vents keeps everyone entertained.
The CLS’ leather seats come in various colors, including black, Sienna Brown/Black, Neva Grey/Magma Grey, and multiple combinations of the aforementioned colors. There are just as many wood inlay choices at no extra cost.
Speaking of entertainment, the CLS 450’s standard infotainment and information setup includes a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch high-resolution color touch screen multimedia display, and a console-mounted central touchpad controller with gesture activation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is satellite navigation.
Mercedes MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) features casual voice recognition. All the user needs to do is speak the words “Hey Mercedes,” and the system responds with “how may help you.” You can say things like “find the nearest Starbucks” or “play my messages.” You can even ask to set the interior temperature, set route guidance home, and find 4-star restaurants.
Sound reproduction comes from the Mercedes-Benz FrontBass system that includes two small subwoofers under the dash for enhanced bass. The system includes multiple USB-C ports for smartphone integration.
The CLS 450 offers even more equipment from its extensive optional equipment list.
The Premium Package adds a 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio (6-month trial), Parktronic with active parallel and perpendicular parking assist, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and rear cross-traffic assist.
The Warmth and Comfort Package adds a heated steering wheel, heated front armrest, and rapid heating for the front seats, while the Air Balance Package brings an air purifier and cabin fragrance system.
The Driver Assistance Package adds Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind-Spot Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, and Extended Restart in Stop-and-Go Traffic.
There are also several designo interiors from which to choose.
Some of the more desirable stand-alone options include ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a power rear sunshade, rear side-impact airbags, power soft closing doors, heated rear seats, and 3-zone climate control. Multi-contour power front seats with massage are available, as is a wireless charging pad, MBUX augmented video for navigation, and a front camera.
The Interior Assistant option uses an overhead 3D camera to monitor and respond to the driver and front passenger arm and hand movements, preemptively activating the intended systems.
With the expected $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic will cost around $75,000. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment should come to $1,348. See 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic includes:
4Matic AWD – improves tractions on dry and wet pavement and provides better grip when encountering snow-covered roads.
Power sunroof – allows more light and air into the cabin.
12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster – looks fantastic and can be configured to suit the driver’s taste.
64-color ambient lighting – maybe the coolest part of the CLS’ interior, this custom light show allows you to set the interior mood with lights in the dash, doors, and vents.
