- the mercedes-benz cls enters 2022 with a revised front-end look.
- the base rwd cls450 and more powerful amg cls53 models have been dropped, leaving only the awd cls450 4matic.
- the 2022 cls450 will go on sale in the u.s. in early 2022.
the style-conscious mercedes-benz cls is getting small styling updates for 2022. the front-end look features a new bumper and grille design, and there's a new steering wheel inside. it'll now be offered only in cls450 4matic trim in the u.s., as the base trim and the more powerful amg cls53 model have both been dropped.
the 2022 cls450 has the same 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system as before. 4matic all-wheel drive is now standard, as there's no longer a rear-wheel-drive base model. those who miss the extra power of the amg cls53 model can still find the 429-hp version of the same inline-six engine in the related amg e53 sedan and coupe.
the visual changes are subtle, and you'll have to look closely to notice the new grille pattern that features tiny three-pointed stars. the 2022 cls-class will also offer new exterior color options, revised wheel designs, and new interior trim options. brown walnut open-pore wood and grey high-gloss wood are new, and new leather color options include two-tone neva grey and magma and sienna brown and black combinations.
mercedes has yet to release pricing on the cls, but we can expect the starting cost to rise due to the newly standard all-wheel drive. last year's cls450 4matic started at $73,850.