Hot on the heels of Mercedes-Benz revealing the refreshed E-Class is an update to the CLS-Class. However, you'll have to take a close look to see the bigger changes, unless the model is wearing one of its two new colors – Mojave silver and Cirrus silver. Mercedes announced today the 2021 CLS-Class would receive a significant update to its infotainment system. The German automaker will replace the aging and clunky COMAND system with the company's MBUX one.
The CLS's two large, 12.3-inch screens on the dash remain. One, the digital instrument cluster, provides relevant info to the driver while the infotainment system sits next to it. The update from the old COMAND system to MBUX also means occupants can control it through the touchscreen, which should make it even easier for some to use. Mercedes is also upping CLS's safety with active brake assist as standard.
The 2021 CLS will arrive in two flavors: CLS450 and AMG CLS53. Nothing changes under the hood. The 450 uses the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with EQ Boost, which produces 362 horsepower (269 kilowatts) and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque.
A sprint to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) takes 5.1 seconds while the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC version does it 0.3 seconds quicker – same as the current car. The AMG has its "AMG-enhanced" inline-six making 429 hp (319 kW) and 384 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque. A sprint to 60 takes an estimated 4.4 seconds. Both engines pair with a nine-speed gearbox.
Mercedes didn't release any pricing information. The entry-level CLS starts at $69,950, without destination, while the AMG starts at $81,200. If prices increase, it shouldn't be by much. We expect the automaker to release pricing information closer to the sedan's on-sale date, and Mercedes says the 2021 CLS will arrive at dealers in late 2020.
