Mercedes CLS Class Comparisons: Ultimate Performance

For ultimate performance in your Mercedes CLS Class, understanding the nuances between models is key. Explore engine options, drivetrain features, and AMG enhancements to pinpoint the CLS that best matches your driving desires.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is a masterpiece of automotive design, often described as a four-door coupe. It perfectly blends luxury, style, and, crucially for many of us, exhilarating performance. But when you start looking at the different CLS models, the sheer variety of options, especially when it comes to performance, can feel a bit overwhelming. Which CLS offers the raw power you crave? Which one delivers the most balanced driving experience? This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll dive deep into the Mercedes CLS Class comparisons focusing on performance, helping you understand the distinct characteristics of each variant. Get ready to discover the CLS that truly speaks to your driving spirit, from its potent engines to its advanced dynamics.

Decoding the Heart of the CLS: Engine and Powertrain Comparisons

At the core of any performance comparison lies the engine and its associated powertrain. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class has historically offered a spectrum of engines, each designed to deliver a distinct flavor of performance. Understanding these differences is fundamental to appreciating what each CLS variant brings to the table.

Inline-6 with Mild-Hybrid: The CLS 450

Many recent CLS 450 models feature a sophisticated 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. What makes this powerplant particularly interesting is its integration with Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This system utilizes a small electric motor/generator (ISG) that works in tandem with the gasoline engine.

How it enhances performance:

• Instant Torque Boost: The ISG provides a brief burst of electric power, smoothing out initial acceleration and filling in torque gaps during gear shifts. This translates to more immediate responsiveness off the line and during spirited driving.
• Improved Efficiency: The mild-hybrid system allows for more aggressive energy recuperation during braking, powering ancillary functions, and enabling the engine to shut down more frequently for fuel savings.
• Smoother Operation: Engine starts and stops are virtually seamless, contributing to the overall refined driving experience that Mercedes-Benz is known for.

While the CLS 450 is not an AMG model, its performance is robust and well-suited for confident daily driving and enjoyable highway cruising. It offers a compelling blend of power, efficiency, and refinement.

AMG Performance Engines: The CLS 53

When we talk about the “Ultimate Performance” CLS, the AMG variants, specifically the CLS 53, often come to mind. These models represent a significant step up in power and driving dynamics, thanks to bespoke AMG engineering.

The CLS 53 typically employs a more potent version of the 3.0-liter inline-six, often paired with the EQ Boost system, but with significantly higher output figures. AMG engineers meticulously tune every aspect of the engine – from the turbocharger to the exhaust system – to maximize power and deliver a visceral driving experience.

Key AMG 53 Performance Enhancements:

• Higher Horsepower and Torque: Expect substantially more horsepower and torque compared to the standard CLS 450, leading to quicker acceleration and a more immediate surge of power when you press the accelerator.
• AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT Transmission: These models are fitted with AMG’s performance-tuned transmissions, offering faster shift times and more direct gear engagement for a sportier feel.
• AMG Sport Exhaust System: A retuned exhaust note adds to the auditory excitement, producing a deeper, more aggressive sound under acceleration.
• Enhanced Cooling: AMG vehicles often feature upgraded cooling systems to manage the increased heat generated by higher performance outputs during demanding driving conditions.

The CLS 53 is where the CLS Class truly blurs the lines between a luxury sedan and a high-performance sports car.

Older CLS Generations: V8 Power

For those looking at previous generations of the CLS, especially the AMG 550 or the full-blown AMG 63 models, you’ll find potent V8 engines. These powertrains delivered immense power and a characterful rumble that many enthusiasts associate with performance luxury cars.

The V8 engines (like the 4.7L biturbo in the CLS 550 or the 5.5L biturbo in earlier CLS 63 models) offered brute force and effortless torque delivery. While they may not have the sophisticated mild-hybrid technology of newer models, their raw displacement and forced induction provided thrilling acceleration and a distinct driving feel.

Key characteristics of older V8 CLS models:

• Massive Torque: V8 engines are known for their broad torque bands, making them feel incredibly strong at any speed.
• Distinctive V8 Sound: The exhaust note from a powerful V8 is often a significant part of the driving appeal.
• Higher Fuel Consumption: As expected, these larger, more powerful engines generally consume more fuel than their smaller, turbocharged counterparts.

When considering these older models, it’s crucial to look at their maintenance history, as V8 engines, especially high-performance ones, can be more costly to maintain.

Drivetrain and Chassis Dynamics for Performance

Beyond the engine, how a car puts its power down and how it handles is critical to its performance. The CLS Class excels in this regard, with Mercedes-Benz offering various drivetrain options and chassis technologies designed to enhance driving dynamics.

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): The Classic Sports Sedan Feel

Many CLS models come standard with rear-wheel drive. This traditional setup offers several benefits for keen drivers:

• Driving Purity: RWD often provides a more engaging and connected driving experience, as the front wheels are solely responsible for steering, and the rear wheels are for propulsion.
• Dynamic Balance: RWD vehicles can have a more balanced weight distribution, which can contribute to superior handling characteristics and a more neutral feel when cornering.
• Easier to Control Oversteer: For experienced drivers, RWD offers the ability to induce and control oversteer (the rear end sliding out), though this is typically managed by advanced electronic stability systems in modern cars.

While RWD is engaging, it can be less effective in low-traction conditions such as rain, snow, or ice.

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Enhanced Traction and Stability

Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is an option on many CLS models and becomes standard on some higher-performance variants. The 4MATIC system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear axles, and sometimes even between individual wheels, to maximize grip.

Benefits of 4MATIC:

• Superior Traction: Especially beneficial in slippery conditions, 4MATIC ensures that power is delivered to the wheels with the most grip, improving acceleration and stability.
• Confident Handling: It can significantly enhance confidence when cornering at speed, reducing the tendency for the car to understeer (plow wide) or oversteer.
• All-Weather Capability: 4MATIC makes the CLS a more capable vehicle year-round, providing peace of mind during inclement weather.

For those who prioritize security and all-weather confidence, 4MATIC is a highly desirable feature. For the absolute pinnacle of performance, AMG models often feature a rear-biased 4MATIC+ system that can, in some modes, even allow for controlled drift-like behavior.

AMG Sport Suspension and Adaptive Dampers

AMG models, and often optional packages on standard CLS variants, feature performance-tuned suspension systems. This can include stiffer springs, sportier sway bars, and, crucially, adaptive damping systems.

Adaptive Dampers: These advanced systems, often called ‘AIR BODY CONTROL’ or ‘AMG RIDE CONTROL+’, allow the vehicle’s suspension to automatically adjust the stiffness of the shock absorbers in real-time. The system reads road conditions and driver inputs to optimize ride comfort or enhance dynamic handling. You can usually select different driving modes, such as Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which alter the suspension’s firmness, steering response, and throttle mapping.

An example of cutting-edge suspension technology you might find is the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, which actively counteracts body roll, dips, and lifts for an exceptionally stable and composed ride even under hard cornering. While ABC was more prominent in older generations, its spirit lives on in modern adaptive systems.

These chassis enhancements mean that while a CLS 53 AMG might offer a firm ride in Sport+, it can transform into a remarkably comfortable cruiser when set to Comfort mode, showcasing the engineering prowess that allows for such versatility.

Comparing Performance Metrics by Model/Generations

To truly understand the performance differences, let’s look at some typical metrics. It’s important to note that exact figures can vary based on model year, specific options, and even regional specifications. These are general benchmarks to illustrate performance tiers.

General Performance Benchmarks

Model (Typical Generation)	Engine	Horsepower (Approx.)	Torque (Approx.)	0-60 mph (Approx.)	Drivetrain
CLS 450 (Current Gen)	3.0L Turbo I6 + EQ Boost	362 hp	369 lb-ft	4.3 – 4.5 seconds	RWD / Optional 4MATIC+
CLS 53 AMG (Current Gen)	3.0L Turbo I6 + EQ Boost (AMG Tuned)	429 hp	384 lb-ft	4.0 – 4.4 seconds	4MATIC+
CLS 550 (Previous Gen, e.g., W218)	4.7L Biturbo V8	402 hp	443 lb-ft	4.4 – 4.7 seconds	RWD / Optional 4MATIC
CLS 63 AMG (Previous Gen, e.g., W218)	5.5L Biturbo V8	550 hp	531 lb-ft	3.4 – 3.7 seconds	RWD
CLS 63 AMG S-Model (Previous Gen, e.g., W218)	5.5L Biturbo V8	577 hp	664 lb-ft	3.4 seconds	RWD

Key Observations from the Table:

• V8 Dominance in Older AMG: The V8 engines in the CLS 550 and CLS 63 AMG variants provided sheer brute force, evident in their torque figures and rapid acceleration, especially the S-Model.
• Modern Efficiency & Power: The CLS 450 showcases how modern inline-six engines with mild-hybrid technology can deliver impressive power and torque figures comparable to older V8s, while offering better fuel economy and smoother operation.
• AMG 53 Evolution: The CLS 53 AMG represents a modern approach to high performance, using a more powerful, refined inline-six with EQ Boost to achieve exhilarating speeds with greater efficiency and a distinct AMG character.
• 4MATIC+ Advantage: The prevalence of 4MATIC+ on AMG models indicates its importance in putting the power down effectively, particularly for achieving those blistering 0-60 mph times.

Factors Affecting Real-World Performance

While these numbers are impressive, real-world performance can be influenced by several factors:

• Tires: The type, condition, and pressure of your tires have a significant impact on grip and acceleration. Performance tires will yield better results.
• Fuel Quality: Using high-octane, premium fuel (as recommended by Mercedes-Benz) is crucial for engines designed for high performance.
• Driver Skill: Launching a performance car optimally requires technique, especially for RWD models.
• Environmental Conditions: Road surface temperature, humidity, and ambient temperature can all affect acceleration.
• Vehicle Maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle will always perform closer to its designed specifications than one with deferred maintenance. Regular servicing at a reputable Mercedes-Benz specialist is key. You can find general servicing guidelines on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, though your owner’s manual is the definitive source for your specific CLS.

Choosing Your CLS: Performance Profile for Every Driver

The Mercedes CLS Class truly offers a performance spectrum. Deciding which one is “ultimate” depends entirely on your personal priorities and driving style. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the CLS Class a performance-oriented car?

The CLS Class is designed with performance in mind through its powerful engine options, sophisticated suspension systems, and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. AMG variants take this a step further with significantly enhanced powertrains and chassis tuning.

Are all CLS models AMG?

No, not all CLS models are AMG. While AMG versions represent the pinnacle of performance within the CLS lineup, standard CLS models offer strong performance for their class, often with more emphasis on comfort and everyday usability.

What is the difference between CLS 450 and CLS 53 AMG performance?

The CLS 450 typically features a potent yet efficient inline-six engine, often with mild-hybrid technology for smoother power delivery. The CLS 53 AMG boasts a hand-built AMG engine, delivering significantly more horsepower, torque, and a more aggressive, sportier driving dynamic.

Does the CLS use rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?

Mercedes-Benz offers the CLS Class with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options depending on the specific model and trim level. The AWD system, often branded as 4MATIC, enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.

How can I maximize the performance of my CLS Class?

Maximizing performance can involve a combination of proper maintenance, ensuring tires are in good condition, using the correct fuel, and selecting the appropriate drive mode (like Sport or Sport+). For more advanced gains, you might consider performance tuning or upgrades from reputable specialists, but always consult professionals for such modifications.

Is the CLS more about luxury or performance?

The CLS Class is uniquely positioned to offer an exceptional balance of both luxury and performance. While it provides a refined and comfortable interior, its engineering and available powertrains are undeniably focused on delivering a thrilling driving experience, especially in its AMG iterations.

What does “4MATIC” mean in Mercedes-Benz CLS terminology?

4MATIC is Mercedes-Benz’s term for its all-wheel-drive system. It intelligently distributes power to all four wheels to optimize traction and stability, enhancing the car’s capability in various driving conditions.