It’s not a sports car. It’s not a commuter car. It’s called a coupe, but it has four doors. Make it make sense. I can understand why someone would want to drive the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+, but who is actually buying one of these and why?
Is it fun to drive? Yes, if you like feeling jerked around. Does it garner looks? Sure, people stare a bit. Is it loud? Absolutely, but that’s a good thing in this case (right?). Is it worth $120,000? Well, that’s a question for the owner, who I assume would say yes, a thousand times over. But for me, it’s a no.
I know it’s totally incomparable, but $120k could put me in this spacious 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and I’d take that over this, any day.
I think it’s important that we get a few things cleared up:
- A small coupe/sedan is obviously not something that would easily fit into my lifestyle with three little kids, so I’ll try to leave that part of my life out of this review; plus
- I’m not hating on Benz — in fact, I loved the GLE 350, but I guess that’s largely due to the additional space, which means I’m already talking about that part of my life; also
- Performance cars aren’t my cup of tea, but that’s a major factor when it comes to AMGs; and finally
- If you’re reading this review, then you’re probably already annoyed that I haven’t gotten to the important specs, so without any further ado—
The tested 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is High-tech Silver (that’s the most important part, right?) which is not to be confused with the other silvers and greys offered, such as Mojave Silver, Graphite Grey, or even Classic Grey — you do not want to be the person who mixes up the different shades. Note: it costs an extra $4,900 to be Classic.
Last year, I reviewed a bright yellow 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, about which I felt very uncomfortable, partially due to imposter syndrome, as well as racial profiling when it comes to driving and law enforcement. A large concern for me was the bright yellow paint that makes the vehicle the centre of attention, especially when surrounded by other bland-coloured vehicles, or literally any family-hauler of any colour. While imposter syndrome often gets the best of me, I did feel a lot more comfortable driving this muted-grey colour that doesn’t scream “look at me!” while I’m driving.
If you’re looking for something with illuminated door sill panels, this is the car for you — for an additional $250. But then again, that’s essentially pocket change after you’ve spent the tested vehicle’s price tag of $118,750 (before freight and taxes). The base price of this AMG is under $100,000 — $99,900 to be exact — but once you start adding the options, that base quickly becomes a skyscraper.
This one includes a bunch of packages, but you can blame it on the addition of the 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke aero wheels, in matte black, which force the addition of the $1,900 AMG Driver’s package and $4,800 Premium package. Granted, you do get some good stuff with those two packages. For example, the Driver’s package also adds an AMG Performance steering wheel and exhaust system, plus the top speed increases to 210 km/h. (But why? Highway 401 is nowhere near the Nurburgring.) The Premium package adds a Burmester surround sound system that can really get the party (for two, maybe three passengers) started, Keyless-Go, a 360-degree camera, heated front armrests, as well as heated rear seats.
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Let’s talk about those rear seats. I know I said I wouldn’t talk about family because that’s not what this vehicle is for, but if you’re wondering (and I’m sure you’re not) three car seats do not fit into the back seat. In fact, you’d be lucky if you fit three people without car seats. If I’m driving, there’s an adequate amount of space for someone to sit behind me. However, if someone taller is driving or sitting in the front passenger seat, then the back seats are useless for humans — but could easily fit a suitcase on the seat. But why would you want to put anything on those Bengal Red Napa leather (no additional cost!) seats? Aside from potentially ruining them, doing so would cover up the lovely colour. Colour is good. Use the cargo space instead — there’s not much, but the 490L of space should be good enough for at least a small suitcase.
I can appreciate the AMG carbon-fibre trim throughout the front of this tester, even if it’s an additional $2,500. It looks unique and stands out among all the other options, like light brown high-gloss sen wood and brown open-pore walnut wood, that we’ve seen time and time again.
One thing that I find truly annoying is when luxury brands withhold certain features from their model lineup — often standard features in non-luxury vehicles — to be added for an additional cost. For example, $100 extra for a foot-activated trunk release. Or in this tester, it’s the $1,500 head-up display. However, If I’m in the mindset of a businessperson marketing a luxury product, I’m probably thinking — based on highly researched data — someone purchasing such an expensive vehicle might opt for it at the additional price, and then the company profits. On the flip side, as a middle-class Millennial mom of three young kids, if a head-up display was a $1,500 option on my Honda Odyssey, it would be a hard pass on something that I really don’t need — but if it’s standard, then cool.
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A couple other things to notice up front:
- The little exhaust pipe button beside the trackpad activates a slightly noticeable increase in sound — I don’t see what all the fuss is about;
- The circular button at the bottom of the steering wheel allows you to choose from Slippery, Individual, Comfort and Sport modes; and
- You’ll be dazzled by the illuminating vents. But you won’t be dazzled by how confusing the circular vent is to position for the perfect amount of heat or air on your face. Double the confusion if you’re trying to reach the back seat’s vents to aim it at someone, possibly a kid who can’t reach it on their own.
This 2022 refresh was kind; the climate control buttons are still actual buttons and not hidden in a touchscreen. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is pretty easy to use, but I’m not a fan of the touchpad — though it is arguably better than other touchpads. Once connected to Apple CarPlay, everything becomes a piece of cake. If you’re used to speaking to your modern tech, then you can also say “Hey, Mercedes” to activate functions on the touchscreen.
The $3,000 Intelligent Drive package adds a bunch of safety features like active steering assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, emergency stop assist, and route-based speed adaptation. A lot of those features should be standard for something that’s nearly $100k.
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Back to my principal question: who is actually buying one of these? Well, it’s likely a loyal Mercedes shopper. Maybe one who just wants one because they simply want one, and quite frankly, I’m okay with that. It is definitely a looker with its swoopy silhouette. And those red brake calipers (part of the $900 Track package) really pop against the other toned-down colours. If it’s just for looks, as shallow as it may be, I wouldn’t mind one of these on my driveway.
Finally, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ gets its power from a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six-cylinder that works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. For a hybrid vehicle, though, it is mild and fairly on point with its competitors, and its fuel numbers are still pretty high — it has a combined rating of 10.3 L/100 km, 11.6 city, 8.8 highway. It boasts 429 horsepower, plus an additional 21 hp with EQ boost, and 384 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds — roughly the equivalent time it takes my kid to repeat “Are we there yet?” four times.
Overall, as I mentioned before, this isn’t the car for me, nor is it trying to be. It was not created for my lifestyle and that’s perfectly okay. If it wasn’t for the jerky ride and confusing vents, I might be more open to liking this little car with a comfortable driver’s seat. As it stands, my money is better spent elsewhere — but that doesn’t mean I don’t want one in my driveway, just to say I have one.
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