2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

There's probably no car company that embodies classic luxury quite like Mercedes-Benz. But what if you're looking to peek outside of convention and break free of the traditional stuffy sedan? Luckily, you don't have to look very far because the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS might have the styling flourish you're seeking. The CLS is based on the stately Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but the designers gave it a gracefully arching roofline for a sleek and sporty silhouette. Of course fashion has a price, and that penance comes in the way of reduced rear seat space and smaller cargo capacity.

For 2022, the base rear-wheel-drive CLS 450 and more powerful AMG CLS 53 have been pulled from the lineup, leaving the all-wheel-drive CLS 450 4Matic as the sole representative. This year also brings a very subtle styling update to the CLS' grille and front bumper, as well as a new steering wheel and additional choices for interior materials. These changes help the CLS maintain its position as the traditional luxury choice in a rather small field that includes the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7 or S7, and Porsche Panamera. As our test team's Expert Rating below points out, the CLS isn't as athletic as those alternatives, focusing more on refinement and comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a four-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline and seating for five. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (362 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. It's only available in a single CLS 450 4Matic trim. Standard feature highlights include: