Mercedes-Benz Kills the CLS 4-Door Coupe

Cars, News I By Justin Cornelison I May 10, 2023

Mercedes-Benz has officially announced the end of an era for its CLS 4-door coupe. The German automaker confirmed that production of the coupe-ish sedan will cease on August 31, with no plans for a successor in the pipeline. This decision marks the end of the road for the current-generation CLS, leaving car enthusiasts bidding farewell to a unique and stylish model.

Since its introduction, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door coupe has been known for its striking coupe-like design, combining the elegance of a luxury sedan with the sporty appeal of a coupe. However, underneath its sleek exterior, the CLS shares its mechanical underpinnings with the E-class sedan. This fusion of aesthetics and performance has made the CLS a standout choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and sportiness.

As the CLS 4-door coupe approaches its final model year in 2023, Mercedes-Benz has emphasized that there are no plans to fill the void left by its departure. Instead, the company is redirecting its focus towards the electric vehicle market with its battery-electric EQ models and catering to the higher end of the market with its AMG lineup. In particular, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupe offers a viable alternative to the niche occupied by the CLS, further justifying the decision to discontinue production.

The lone survivor of the CLS lineup, the CLS450, boasts a smooth 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. These powertrain components are shared with the E450 sedan, delivering a satisfying 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. With these impressive figures, the CLS450 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Despite its sporty performance, the CLS maintains the luxurious ride quality that is characteristic of the E-class, prioritizing comfort over outright speed.

While the discontinuation of the CLS may surprise some, considering its recent mild refresh in 2022, Mercedes-Benz’s decision aligns with its strategic direction. The upcoming new generation of the E-class sedan, which serves as the foundation for the CLS, may have played a role in the timing of this decision. By trimming the available CLS sedans in 2022, removing the rear-wheel-drive version and the AMG-tuned CLS53, Mercedes-Benz narrowed its offerings to the all-wheel-drive CLS450 4Matic, preparing for the eventual end of production.

A spokesperson from Mercedes-Benz emphasized that the company’s current product portfolio places a strong emphasis on emotionally appealing designs. In this regard, the forthcoming EQE and EQS models, with their coupe-like lines, will offer attractive alternatives in terms of both design and pricing. Additionally, the four-door AMG GT will continue to be part of the lineup, further solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to the four-door coupe segment.

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

AEHRA Forms Partnership with Miba Battery Systems

The partnership with Miba Battery Systems marks a significant milestone for AEHRA as it strives to transform the EV customer experience.

June 01, 2023
Ford’s New Three-Row Electric SUV Teased at Capital Markets Day

Among the highlights was a tantalizing tease of a new three-row electric SUV, which looks to be similar in size to the Ford Explorer model.

May 23, 2023
Four New Electric Subaru Models Set to Roll Out by End of 2026

The brand has announced its ambitious plan to launch four new electric Subaru models by the end of 2026, in aim to push electrification.

May 11, 2023
Spied: Porsche Boxster 983 EV

The Porsche Boxster 983 EV is expected to arrive in 2025, while the latest spy video show doing laps at the famed Nürburgring race track.

May 05, 2023
We’re Going to the Moon with a Hyundai Lunar Exploration Rover

The South Korean automotive giant has set its sights on the Moon with the development of a Hyundai lunar exploration rover.

April 21, 2023

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.