2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Is an Excellent Car, but Will it Sell?

With a stylish new E-Class and AMG GT sedan in the works, does the Mercedes-Benz ‘four-door coupe’ still have a place in this world?

Since the Mercedes-Benz CLS first hit the market back in 2006, it’s been the benchmark for stylish sedans. With swoopy, coupe-like styling, it apologetically prioritizes form over function. But it also single-handedly made sedans cool again. And now, 13 years after its introduction, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class might just be the best one yet, according to automotive reviewer extraordinaire Doug DeMuro.

“It’s gorgeous,” DeMuro says. “It’s also a more thrilling, more exciting, less predictable alternative to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.” That jaw-dropping external styling continues inside, especially on this Edition 1-equipped model with a host of visual upgrades. “It includes a gorgeous seating package that is absolutely beautiful,” DeMuro notes.

But he’s especially smitten with the design of the center console, in particular. “I love how the center console in this car opens. You push one button and then both flaps of the center console open together at the same time. Like the Secret Service opening a double door for the president. ‘Mr. President, your center console is ready.'”

So the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is obviously nice to look at and sit in. But what’s it like to drive? “Acceleration is good,” DeMuro says. “Real strong, actually. For the base model, it’s especially good. The ride is very, very smooth. The car is very quiet, very composed. They haven’t shedded so much luxury that the car becomes untenable.”

Overall, DeMuro calls the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS an “excellent car.” But he also wonders what effect the new, stylish E-Class and forthcoming AMG GT sedan will have on its sales. But for now, at least, the original “four-door coupe” still has a place in this world.

“I’m happy the CLS is still around,” DeMuro concludes. “And I’m happy that Mercedes-Benz saw fit to redesign it. While its buyer base may be increasingly small, I’m sure many shoppers are happy to see the new CLS as well. They’ll be even happier after they drive it.”

Join the MB World forums now!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.