Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS is a luxury performance sedan with coupe-like styling, four doors, and a focus on fast, comfortable travel. It is known for combining AMG power and all-wheel-drive grip with a technology-rich cabin.
The AMG CLS has always mixed dramatic styling with the comfort and usefulness of a luxury sedan. Earlier second-generation CLS 63 S models used a hand-built twin-turbo V8, while the redesigned 2019-2021 CLS 53 shifted to a smoother, electrically assisted inline-six. Across both versions, the idea stayed the same: strong performance without giving up rear doors or long-distance comfort.
Strengths
- Its low, coupe-like shape gives it more visual presence than a conventional luxury sedan while retaining four doors.
- The 2019-2021 CLS 53 pairs 429 horsepower with all-wheel drive for strong acceleration and secure traction.
- Adaptive air suspension helps balance responsive handling with the comfort expected from a long-distance luxury car.
- The redesigned third-generation cabin seats five and uses wide digital displays, with a newer touchscreen system arriving for 2021.
- The older CLS 63 S uses a twin-turbo V8, while the newer CLS 53 uses a smooth, electrically assisted inline-six.
Who it's for
It fits someone who wants a distinctive, quick luxury car for commuting, road trips, and nights out, but still needs rear doors and usable passenger space. It makes more sense for a style-focused driver than for someone who prioritizes an upright back seat or maximum cargo room.
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS lineup
The AMG lineup changed with the generations rather than offering several versions at once. Pick a 2017-2018 CLS 63 S if the hand-built twin-turbo V8 is central to the appeal. Look to the 2019-2021 CLS 53 for the newer design, five-passenger seating, modern cabin displays, and a smoother electrically assisted inline-six. The 2021 model stands apart within the CLS 53 run for its newer 12.3-inch touchscreen system and voice controls.
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS generations
From 2017 to 2021, the AMG CLS spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — C257 arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation (2012–2018).
3rd Generation — C257 (2019–2021)
The redesigned AMG CLS 53 replaced the previous V8 model with a 429-hp turbocharged inline-six supported by a 48-volt electrical system. It also brought a new four-door-coupe body, five-passenger seating, widescreen displays, variable AWD, and adaptive air suspension.
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2021
A new 12.3-inch touchscreen system added updated voice controls and a touch-sensitive console pad. A surround-view camera and power rear sunshade became standard.
2020
A reshaped hood with twin raised sections was the main update.
2019New generation
The fully redesigned CLS introduced the AMG CLS 53 with a 429-hp electrified inline-six, nine-speed automatic, variable AWD, and adaptive air suspension.
2nd Generation (2012–2018)
In its final years, the second-generation AMG CLS was the CLS 63 S with a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8, a seven-speed automatic, performance-tuned AWD, and adjustable suspension. It was replaced by the inline-six AMG CLS 53 for 2019.
0 In Stock2018
The CLS 63 S carried over for the second generation’s final model year.
2017
The CLS 63 S carried over without significant mechanical, technology, safety, or styling updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-AMG CLS a coupe or a sedan?
It is a four-door sedan with coupe-like styling. Mercedes uses the word “Coupe” in its trim names, but the AMG CLS has four doors, a trunk, and a lower, sleeker roofline than a conventional luxury sedan.
What is the AMG CLS known for?
The AMG CLS is known for blending dramatic styling and strong performance with long-distance comfort. Depending on the era, it pairs a powerful six-cylinder or V8 engine with AWD, an adjustable suspension, and a luxury-focused cabin.
Is the AMG CLS a hybrid?
No, it is not a conventional hybrid. The 2019–2021 CLS 53 uses a gas-powered inline-six with a 48-volt electric system that assists acceleration and powers an electric compressor. The earlier CLS 63 S uses a gas-only twin-turbo V8.
Does the AMG CLS have AWD?
Yes. The 2017–2018 CLS 63 S and 2019–2021 CLS 53 both use AMG-tuned AWD. The CLS 53 has a fully variable system that can adjust how much power goes to the front and rear wheels.
How many people does the AMG CLS seat?
Seating depends on the generation. The 2017–2018 CLS 63 S is a four-seater, while the redesigned 2019–2021 CLS 53 seats five. The low roofline still makes it less spacious-feeling than a traditional upright sedan.
Is the AMG CLS practical enough for everyday driving?
Yes, if style and performance matter more than maximum space. It has four doors, AWD, a comfortable adjustable suspension, and a well-equipped cabin. The low roof and 11.9-cubic-foot trunk on the 2021 model make it less practical than a roomier luxury sedan.
How did the AMG CLS change between generations?
The second-generation CLS 63 S ended with a 577-hp twin-turbo V8 and four seats. The third generation arrived for 2019 with five seats and the CLS 53, which uses a 429-hp electrically assisted inline-six. The AMG CLS then left the US range after 2021.