2021 Mercedes CLS and AMG 53 revealed: prices, specs and release date
April 07, 2021 by
Revised versions of Mercedes’ sleek CLS and sporty AMG CLS 53 have been revealed, including styling tweaks and new interior options. Read on for full details.
- Updated Mercedes CLS revealed
- Fresh styling tweaks
- Improved interior
- Mild-hybrid diesel now available
- Steering wheel can detect driver concentration
- AMG 53 version updated
- Limited Edition version of new 53 model
An updated version of the Mercedes CLS has been revealed, with the sleek saloon getting a tweaked exterior and new interior options. This alternative to the Audi A7 and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe will also be available in refreshed AMG CLS 53 guise.
2021 Mercedes CLS design
Styling tweaks to the Mercedes CLS are subtle to say the least, but it does look a bit fresher. The front bumper gets some tweaks to the intakes for a bit more of an aggressive look, while the rear gets a few chrome trims and a black insert to mimic the shape of a diffuser.
You can pick between two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs as well across the range, with AMG Line versions getting 20-inch units available in grey or black.
2021 Mercedes CLS interior
Inside, the new Mercedes CLS’s upgrades are equally tricky to spot. You can pick between two new interior trims — a brown walnut or high-gloss grey wood — and the seats are now available in brown or grey.
There’s a new steering wheel too, trimmed in Nappa leather. If you opt for adaptive cruise control, the wheel will be able to detect if you’re concentrating and will bring the car to a safe stop if it detects your hands are elsewhere – if you’ve fallen asleep, for example.
You still get a 10.25-inch infotainment system and digital driver’s display dual-screen setup as standard in the new CLS, but you can upgrade this to a pair of larger 12.3-inch screens if you prefer.
2021 Mercedes CLS engines
There’s a pick of three diesel engines for the refreshed Mercedes CLS. Power outputs for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel range from 194hp to 265hp, with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 330hp also on offer.
The six-cylinder also gets a mild-hybrid system that cuts emissions and boosts efficiency by allowing the engine to switch off as you cruise to a stop.
There are two petrol engines available — a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 299hp and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 367hp.
2021 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53
The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has seen some styling tweaks as well. It now gets the vertical slats of other AMG models rather than the one horizontal bit of chrome as before, as well as minor changes to the front bumper.
Performance remains the same though. The AMG-tuned 53’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is assisted by a compact 22hp electric motor and produces a total of 435hp, so it’ll do 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and is limited to a 155mph top speed.
There is a new Limited Edition version of the 53 though. There are only 300 examples, and each gets racing stripes down the side plus 20-inch alloy wheels and some gloss black exterior elements.
2021 Mercedes CLS price and release date
Mercedes hasn’t confirmed when the new CLS will go on sale, but expect it to appear in showrooms in summer 2021. Entry-level 220d cars should cost from around £55,000, while the AMG 53 version will approach £80,000.
Can’t wait for this new model to go on sale? Compare the latest Mercedes CLS offers available through carwow or read in-depth Mercedes reviews for more information.
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