Review by Veeno Dewan
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC is the esteemed brands performance version of the CLS and has been very popular amongst enthusiasts. The sedan is termed a 4-door coupe design with steeply curving roofline and tight, menacing, purposeful styling. It really is a good-looking car requisite AMG styling and parts options. There is the cool AMG Panamericana vertical slatted grille, the added side sill panels, and a rear diffuser. The Edition 429 package (As equipped on this tester.) added: jet-black accents to the skirts, mirror housings, and side window surrounds. It includes the car’s 20-inch black split five-spoke wheels and big twin exhaust tips also finished in black. There are updates to the driving assistance systems and to the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system.
The CLS 53 4MATIC+is powered by a powerful turbocharged 3.0L In- line six engine producing 429 horsepower output with 384 lb-ft of total torque. The integrated starter-generator can briefly deliver an additional 21 hp of power and 184 lb-ft of torque and supplies the 48-volt on-board network. This unit combines the starter and alternator in one electric motor and is integrated between the engine and transmission. The Transmission by the way is a quick -shifting AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT unit. This is a quick car with acceleration rated at 0 to 100Kph in a mere 4.5 seconds and a top Speed of 210 Kph.
Our tester was a gorgeous High-Tech Silver car with a contrasting interior upholstery in a fabulously daring Bengal red and black AMG Nappa Leather draped across the unique seats. There were a number of optional performance and luxury packages on our tester.
With a base price of $99,900, added to our tester were such extras as: AMG 5-Twin Spoke Aero wheels in matt black, AMG Driver’s Package, AMG Track Package, Edition 429 package, and the Intelligent Drive package. A Premium Package, Illuminated Door Sill Panels, and AMG Carbon Fibre interior trim were also included. The total price of our tester with all the options was a heady $118,750.
Interior wise, this Mercedes-AMG has a truly opulent cabin of generous proportions and features. The first thing that’s strikes you is that awesome combination of the AMG specific Bengal red leather seats, sleek carbon fibre trim, tasteful inserts of bright metal, piano black finishes, and selectable mood lighting all over the cabin. The wonderful multipurpose AMG Performance steering wheel that can do pretty much anything in term of functionality dominates, while the dash features two combined 12.3-inch screens featuring an upgraded new touchscreen and a responsive touchpad with haptic feedback. There is augmented reality with the navigation system, which overlays guidance and other real-time information onto a live video feed shown . The all-digital displays and driver gauges themselves are all customizable.
Front seat room is good, with excellent massage seats, occupant, and driver room. The rear seat is a little tight for those taller due to the sloping coupe roof. Rear trunk cargo capacity is 405 litres. Overall, the interior design, fit and finish is just what you would expect – exquisite.
On the road, performance is in the CLS 53. Acceleration is very quick with the addition of the Mercedes EQ Boost 48V starter-generator function that increases performance On acceleration there is a quicker delivery of boost and wonderfully fast throttle responses. The starter generator can add 21 hp of electric assist, along with 184 lb-ft of torque. That arrives immediately when you hammer the car.
The 3.0-litre turbo 6 cylinder with EQ Boost deliver a power output of: 429 hp @ 6,100 r.p.m.; Torque: 384 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,800 r.p.m.
Handling is composed and with no real drama through quick corner entry and exits. The AMG Ride Control+ suspension contributes to the minimal body roll on cornering weight transfers. It’s a multi-chamber air suspension with a firmer sports orientated springs and damper loading setup. However, the system is also adjustable for different driver preferences. Even with the big tires, the suspension can be dialled in for a more forgiving compliant ride. Fuel economy is rated at: (premium gasoline in L/100 km) 11.6 city; 8.8 highway.
Not much to complain about, rear headroom is compromised due to the coupe roof line, and options can be pricy, but the AMG spec is still the one to get in my opinion – price be damned!
To sum up the CLS 53 4MATIC+ is very desirable from the outside and comes with one of best interiors in this segment. You also gain proven performance with a great engine pairing. Let’s not forget that luxurious cabin and a slew of well- designed technology.
A winner all the way for lucky buyers who want that 3-star badge with a performance twist. Highly recommended.
2023 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+. Base priced from $99,999.
Price as tested with options: $118,750.
More info at www.mercedesbenz.ca
