2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS: even more style in the coming year

The Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan is an icon in the automotive industry. As the first four-door coupe, it started a trend that's still going strong and has now moved on to SUVs.

Still, the original is still on the menu, and for 2022, Mercedes-Benz is giving it a mid-cycle upgrade, with the current generation's debut coming in 2019.

Let's take a look at what's in store with this revised iteration.

Styling

First, the designers reworked the model's lines, mainly at the front, to give it a more up-to-date signature. The base CLS 450 4Matic model will benefit from a redesigned grille with a three-dimensional logo featuring the three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star; its presence is very strong. A new bumper with black accents, as well as stylized air intakes add to the presentation.

Incidentally, this AMG look has been the stuff of Canadian models for ages in the case of the base version. It also features a more aggressively styled bumper.

As for the CLS 53 AMG model, it also gets a redesigned AMG grille with vertical bars. Gloss black or carbon fiber mirrors can be found on models equipped with matching black or carbon fiber accent packages.

As you might have guessed, we'll still get the same two variants, the CLS 450 4Matic and the CLS 53 AMG 4Matic. The main difference between the two is mechanical.

Powertrains

The CLS 450 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. With the 53 AMG, the same engine develops 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. In both cases, a nine-speed automatic transmission is used, but the AMG version (Speedshift) offers quicker shifts to keep up with the pace set by the driver. The same goes for the 4Matic system, which can send 100% of the torque to the rear with the latter model.

Also, in both cases, an integrated 48-volt starter-generator (light hybrid system) can temporarily release an extra 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Interior touch-ups

Inside, some minor tweaks have been made to improve things, but we're talking mostly about a fine-tuning operation here. A new multi-function steering wheel covered in Nappa leather is present, and when the Intelligent Driving Package is on board (adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist), it recognizes your hands with sensors so you can enjoy the benefits of semi-autonomous driving, but still make sure you keep your hands on the wheel.

New trim, open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss gray wood, and leather upholstery now available in Neva Gray/Magma Gray or Hazelnut Brown/Black, also appear on the list of changes.

The 450 and 53 AMG versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS will hit dealerships in the fall. At that time, we'll have the prices of both variants.