Mercedes-AMG CLS Gets Improved MBUX Infotainment for ’21

With its predictive functions, MBUX is able to anticipate what the user would like next, giving the CLS a notable boost in luxury.

The CLS is entering the new model year with new exterior paint color options (Mojave silver and Cirrus silver) and an extensive technical update: the Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC, as well as the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, will now feature the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes- Benz User Experience) and the most enhanced driver assistance systems.

As standard, the CLS includes two large 12.3-inch screens, which are arranged side by side to give a widescreen effect. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. Superb graphics in high visual quality are used to provide appealing displays that help to reinforce the intuitive nature of the control structure, which is now also accessible via the touchscreen media display.

Artificial Intelligence

A unique feature of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is its learning capability, thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX is able to anticipate what the user would like next. For instance, anyone who often calls a specific person on Tuesdays during the drive home will receive their telephone number as a suggestion in the display on this day of the week. Another highlight is the use of optional augmented reality technology for the navigation display when the navigation function is active.

When this feature is in use, a video image of the surroundings is enhanced with helpful navigation information—for example, arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed directly onto the image in the media display. The system also assists the driver at traffic lights: if the vehicle is in appropriate proximity, the current traffic light status is superimposed. In this way, this new function is a particular help when there is an unfavorable line of sight to the traffic lights. The optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition.

The CLS also receives the latest driver assistance systems to provide cooperative support for the driver. This results in an especially high level of active safety: the car is able to react, even if the driver is unable to do so. The CLS comes as standard with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity.

Intelligent Braking

The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation. With the Cross-Traffic function, this is now also possible when turning across the oncoming lane. Additional Intelligent Drive functions include Active Speed Limit Assist, which uses map data and information from Traffic Sign Assist to respond to changes in the speed limit and route-based speed adaptation ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll stations and T-junctions, as well prior to exiting highways and expressways.

When the driver switches on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, the CLS is now even able to respond to data from Live Traffic Information. When driving in traffic, Active Stop-and-Go Assist is largely able to perform the tasks of keeping in lane and maintaining the safety distance with a high level of availability at speeds up to around 37 mph. The vehicle can also restart automatically up to one minute after coming to a stop.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG CLS will arrive in U.S. dealers by late 2020.

At a Glance

	CLS 450 Coupe / CLS 450 4MATIC Coupe	AMG CLS 53 Coupe
MSRP	$TBA / $TBA	$TBA
Length	196.4″	199.1″
Width w/ mirrors (w/o mirrors)	81.5″ (73.8″)	81.6″ (74.6″)
Height	56.3″	56.0″
Wheelbase	115.7″	115.7″
Curb Weight (lbs)	TBA	TBA
Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb)	TBA / 4MATIC: TBA	TBA
Engine	3.0L Inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost	AMG-enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 turbo with EQ boost and electric auxiliary compressor
Displacement	2,999 cc	2,999 cc
Drive Config.	Rear-Wheel Drive / 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive	AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable All-Wheel Drive system
Performance	Internal Combustion Engine: 362 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,500	Internal Combustion Engine: 429 hp @ 6,100 384 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 5,800
EQ Boost	Up to 21 hp	Up to 21 hp
Transmission	9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission
0-60 mph (sec)	5.1/ 4MATIC: 4.8	4.4 est.
Top speed (mph)	130 mph (electronically limited)	130 mph (electronically limited) (155 mph with optional summer tires)
Main Competitors	BMW 6 Gran Coupe Audi A7 Porsche Panamera	Audi S7