“It provides a very smooth and comfortable ride! I like the safety, navigation and audio features it has available.”
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a full redesign and the first model year of the third generation. Its biggest change is the move to an all-new design with a 48-volt-assisted turbocharged inline-six and a five-seat cabin.
About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
3rd gen (C257), first U.S. model year of the redesign
Mercedes-Benz sells the CLS as the style-first alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. It gives buyers much of the comfort, quietness, and technology of an E-Class, but wraps it in a lower, more dramatic four-door shape with a richer cabin atmosphere. The trade-off is practicality: rear headroom and trunk space are not the main point. Buyers choose the CLS because it looks more special than a regular sedan while still feeling smooth, upscale, and easy to live with.
The CLS 450 is the style-focused, rear-wheel-drive version, while the CLS 450 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for extra traction. Both have heated power front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch center display with navigation, and smartphone integration.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The redesigned CLS 450 models replace the previous V8 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, 48-volt mild-hybrid assist, and a 9-speed automatic. The CLS 550 and CLS 550 4MATIC names become CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC.
Styling
The third-generation CLS gets an all-new exterior and interior design with a smoother, cleaner shape.
Safety
Active Brake Assist and Blind Spot Assist are standard, and newer driver-assistance hardware is included in optional equipment packages.
Tech
A new 12.3-inch center display includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
Structural
A three-person rear bench replaces the former two-seat rear layout, increasing total seating capacity from four to five.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 362 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.9 cu-ft | 11.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2019 CLS begins the third generation with a new body, a redesigned cabin, a new inline-six powertrain, and seating for five instead of four.
Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS have a hybrid powertrain?
It has a mild-hybrid system rather than a conventional full hybrid. A 48-volt electrical system assists the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, but the CLS is not designed to drive as an electric-only vehicle.
How did the 2019 CLS powertrain change from 2018?
The 2019 redesign replaces the previous CLS 550 V8 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six supported by 48-volt mild-hybrid assist. It also uses a 9-speed automatic, and the CLS 550 name changes to CLS 450.
Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS seat five people?
Yes. The 2019 CLS seats five because its redesigned cabin uses a three-person rear bench; the previous CLS had two individual rear seats and room for four people total.
What is the difference between the 2019 CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC?
The main difference is the drive system. The CLS 450 has rear-wheel drive, while the CLS 450 4MATIC has all-wheel drive; both use the same 48-volt-assisted turbocharged inline-six and 9-speed automatic.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
4.2
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
(99 reviews)
“This is a very quiet, great acceleration, clean lines car. A few weird redundant features but overall great car.”
“Vehicle is noisy on bumpy and rough roads. Low ground clearance can be a problem when parking.”