Mercedes-Benz Kills the CLS 4-Door Coupe

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.