2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53

Hot hybrid
The 2019 CLS introduces Mercedes' new mild hybrid powertrain to US customers -- it launched in Europe last year on the S-Class. A new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine forms the basis for this powerplant, with the addition of Mercedes' new EQ Boost system, comprised of a 48-volt battery that acts as a starter-alternator. In addition to supplying power for the car's auxiliary electronics, EQ Boost has two primary functions: offering supplemental torque to reduce turbo lag, and allowing the engine to disconnect from the transmission while coasting at speed.

Mercedes will offer a CLS450 with either rear- or all-wheel drive, but thanks to a hellacious series of weather- and maintenance-related air travel mishaps (ask me about it over a beer sometime), I can't tell you much about that model just yet. What I can tell you is that a detuned version of the 3.0-liter inline six produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in that application, with the same 48-volt EQ Boost system on tap for additional grunt.

Mercedes-Benz
2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53: Forget me not
Benz's CLS53 is beautiful, luxurious, packed with tech and great to drive. But with that hot new AMG GT 4-Door on the horizon, will anyone notice?

After just a few hours behind the wheel of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53, I'm bereft of complaint. Along winding Spanish roads, the AMG-tuned CLS is a formidable performer, with gobs of power and fantastic poise. It's also incredibly comfortable, with one of the finest interiors in the business today, complimented by a smattering of onboard tech. And did I mention it looks absolutely killer?
Yet just 24 hours after driving the AMG CLS53 in Barcelona, I'm at the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, listening to the sound of jaws hitting the floor as the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is unveiled to the assembled press. It looks a lot like the AMG CLS, yet somehow even more impressive. It's about the same size as the CLS, too, but with a full hatchback for even better functionality. There's even an AMG GT 53 model, with the same engine -- and same performance specs -- as the CLS53.

Well, this is awkward.

Depending on how you look it, the AMG CLS53 is either suddenly irrelevant, or a sort of bargain take on the AMG GT 53, which is expected to command several thousand dollars more than the equivalent CLS. For the sake of this review, I'll take the latter, optimistic route. Make no mistake, there's a ton to like about the AMG CLS53 package.

2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 packs beauty, brains and brawn
Easy on the eyes
The modern "four-door coupe" styling trend can most accurately be attributed to the original Mercedes CLS. And while I'm still going to call it a sedan -- because it is -- that coupe-like rakishness is perhaps in its best form on this 2019 model. Everyone compliments the original CLS for its incredible design, but to my eyes, this new model is the best-looking version to date.

The AMG 53 sets itself apart from lesser CLS models with a redesigned grille featuring a black lattice pattern, prominent three-pointed star and AMG-specific two-bar crosshair. The CLS53 also gets unique side air curtains, optional 20-inch wheels, a rear lip spoiler and quad exhaust tips. It all looks perfectly cohesive, like the CLS was designed to be an AMG from the start.

2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53
Both the CLS450 and AMG CLS53 use Mercedes' new EQ Boost 3.0-liter I6. The AMG just has a higher power output.

The 2019 CLS introduces Mercedes' new mild hybrid powertrain to US customers -- it launched in Europe last year on the S-Class. A new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine forms the basis for this powerplant, with the addition of Mercedes' new EQ Boost system, comprised of a 48-volt battery that acts as a starter-alternator. In addition to supplying power for the car's auxiliary electronics, EQ Boost has two primary functions: offering supplemental torque to reduce turbo lag, and allowing the engine to disconnect from the transmission while coasting at speed.

Mercedes will offer a CLS450 with either rear- or all-wheel drive, but thanks to a hellacious series of weather- and maintenance-related air travel mishaps (ask me about it over a beer sometime), I can't tell you much about that model just yet. What I can tell you is that a detuned version of the 3.0-liter inline six produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in that application, with the same 48-volt EQ Boost system on tap for additional grunt.

In the AMG, the 3.0-liter engine is good for 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with the EQ Boost motor offering an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. Combining the two results in instantaneous and unrelenting off-the-line power delivery; Mercedes estimates the CLS53 can sprint to 60 miles per hour in a scant 4.4 seconds -- half a second quicker than today's V8-powered CLS550. Transitions between engine and electric operation at speed are imperceptible. Engine decoupling and start-up are seamless, the EQ Boost motor providing adequate power during the split-second gap between your foot hitting the throttle and the inline-six firing back up.

Engine "sailing" occurs more frequently in the standard Comfort driving mode, with Sport and Sport+ keeping the engine on boil as often as possible. The standard air suspension delivers a comfortable and compliant ride quality, one that keeps body motions to a minimum. Mercedes' 4Matic+ all-wheel drive is standard on the AMG CLS53, with a rear-biased torque split. But even on rainy stretches of pavement, it's hard to unsettle this slick sedan.

The CLS53 is easily controlled, with nicely weighted, instantly responsive steering. Turn-in is crisp, and there's a tossable nature to the four-door AMG while negotiating back-and-forth Spanish esses. The CLS53 comes with Mercedes' Active Steering Assist, as well, which can take over for the driver during short stints when the Distronic adaptive cruise control is activated -- great for boring stretches of open highway. Additionally, the Active Lane Change Assist can move the CLS into a different lane automatically when Active Steering Assist is activated.

That's just one part of a whole heap of driver assistance tech that's available on the 2019 CLS53. It's the same suite of helpful technologies that debuted on the face-lifted S-Class last year, including Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, the Pre-Safe suite of collision safety tech and more.