Here’s Why Mercedes Quietly Killed the CLS 53 AMG | POV Drive vs. GT53

[@cristinutoo]

In my opinion, the CLS was kinda the most Mercedes you could get, because it was luxurious, but at the same time it was fast, extravagant and had the expensive feeling. It was a maniac's car and a gentleman's car at the same time, it was just perfect.

[@Jillian7777]

Yesssss perfect analysis

[@vladimirvladimirov8313]

Согласен) Поэтому и не могу расстаться со своим)

[@kouki8334]

Perfectly said 😂 You get the best of both worlds!

[@petarpetrov777]

I would take Cls over S class any day

[@andrewlawson4901]

Even the CLS in general is quietly dying (I don't see them as often on the road). They really failed on the design on the car for this current gen. It looks so underwhelming for that price range and resemble way to much to a CLA. My neighbor have an all black 2017 CLS63S and that thing is a show stopper. Every time he rolls through the neighborhood, you cannot take your eyes off of it. The design of previous gen looks way better and still look outstanding to this day. It is long, sexy, elegant and the proportions is just right.

[@DBrealmadrid9606]

I know a guy who has the W218 CLS 63 (the one you’re talking about with the 5.5 V8) and they are absolutely breathtaking.

[@CylinderHeadE60]

I had a 2016 in Pearl White and it was the most beautiful car I ever owned. Absolutely loved that car.

[@noribsmith8604]

Couldn’t agree with you more. The current CLS fails miserably on exterior design. It looks cheap.

[@wuzumaki]

100% agree. The current gen CLS literally looks like a long body CLA or even an A-class.

[@adidkjf]

its not like the new CLS looks bad in generel, the problem is, that it looks like a CLA and the CLA looks even better in my opinion... even the front looks like an a-class at some parts.. i think most of the people go for a CLA since CLS is still very expansive niche car... i agree though the last gen looked better...

[@kenanmarx5082]

If they never pulled the V8 out of the CLS they would have sold like hot cakes..

[@NBASFAN]

however I believe that plastic bumper in the rear is what killed it for me. Also, Mercedes uses that V6 so much on every "AMG" is sickening. Why spend close to 100k for a CLS 53 when you could just get a C43 instead, heck, why even get a V6 anymore when the C45 is faster and actually built by AMG.

[@rebeltvr6046]

Merc had no choice. CO2 emissions are averaged out by cars, and so the V8 was not gonna cut it anymore.

[@LegionPlay]

I think most people would still just get the GT 4 Door

[@Jdnicks00]

no way. How many people will buy the V8 CLS?

[@km6832]

They couldve went ttv6 as well

[@chasevisions]

The CLS used to have its own unique aggressive design and then Mercedes gave it the same design as the other ones. It made it compete with the E class. Wasn’t a smart idea.

[@rhyno514]

Fr it's a cla the size of a eclass

[@TrollingWithTheTruth]

it overtook the High end E class sales esp the E 550

[@darrelldaugherty4230]

@@rhyno514 couldnt agree more

[@YY-zw2ec]

E - economy. They tried to increase their incomes but lost their legacy

[@bobwells1517]

The CLS is a forgotten gem and will be missed.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

So sad the shooting brake was only on the previous gen. That thing was insane. Mercedes was so much cooler then. Generally it's going downhill, these sleek sedans replaced by SUVs. Oh well.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

I had no idea they built a shooting brake CLS until now haha. Looks insane, even though not particularly my style. It's confusing looking at the lineup, tough to tell the A from the C, CLA, and somewhat from the CLS at a distance.

[@MrLg55555]

Totally agree with you re the Shooting Brake CLS... I have owned both a 2015 AMG 63 and 350d at different times... The 63 was a truly awesome machine... Acceleration from a standstill was brutal for a nigh on 2 tonne car, but it was the in gear acceleration that would put a huge smile on your face... Roll alongside most any supercar, not hypercar, at around 70mph, hit the go pedal and you could easily hold station with them, if not pull away easily... How such a beautifully designed and large car could be so indecently quick/fast is beyond comprehension... Also the handling on twisty UK roads was a revelation... I only sold her to save my license and a probable jail term!😅 Bought the 350d to satisfy my longing for another... Of all the cars I've owned the CLS Shooting Brake is my favourite... Hands down... I still have the CLS 63S 4 Matic version itch to scratch, but will need to travel to mainland Europe to make the purchase, due to Mercedes never selling that model in the UK. Up there for aesthetics and beauty alongside the SL300 Gullwing, SLR and SLS, Mercedes have most definitely gone backwards with their design strategy.

[@tax905972]

It’s not goi down hill if you read up on the engines which replaced the v8. You talking about 200 hp over the the gas powered v8 . That new engine is also hand built.

[@kingwong597]

I have a 2014 cls63s and do not regret getting it. The M157 is such a powerhouse. With the s model, Mercedes claims its 577 hp and 590 ft of torque. With the car, the side bolsters inflate when you turn corners and massage seats are very rejuvenating while driving. Also, it feels very unique driving because their is not a lot of cls's on the road especially 63 models.

[@timburmeister2426]

my CLS 53 AMG is being produced right now and cannot wait for it to arrive in May :) really like the sleek look of the CLS and am glad to have one of the last ones produced 😇

[@weiyichen4849]

Very solid car combining luxury and sportiness. Get as much option as possible i would say. Sold mine last year, really miss massage seat and active adaptive bolster

[@timburmeister2426]

@@weiyichen4849 have it almost fully specced :)

[@v12-s65]

@@timburmeister2426 I wish they still offered the Burmester High end

[@timburmeister2426]

@@v12-s65 in Germany it is available, at least I could spec it with the Burmester :)

[@v12-s65]

@@timburmeister2426 Burmester weiss glaub ich jeder 😂 Ich meine ja auch die High-End Version mit über 20 Lautsprechern und ne die kann man nicht bestellen..

[@brandonchism6960]

The CLS disappeared quietly in the same manner and for the same reason as the BMW 6 series. Both the CLS and 6 series occupied the same space and aesthetic as their more expensive and newer counterparts (the AMG GT 4 door and 8 series respectively) while sharing the same powertrains. In fact, both MB and BMW cited concerns of sales creep prior to the dissolution of each model. The 6 ceased production as the 8 began and the CLS, once available with a V8 as the base model and with the 63 topping the range became limited to the inline 6 before sales ceased in the US. At the end of the day, if a company sells two very similar products but one can carry much higher prices thereby insuring higher profits, the less expensive product will be phased out. The average person would have a hard time distinguishing a CLS from an AMG GT 4 door despite the price gap. And I don’t find it ironic that the 6 series/M6 coupe, vert, and GranCoupe has been replaced by the BMW “flagship” 8 series/M8 which is very close in size but far more expensive.

[@Edwxrdly]

still wish they would've released a cls 63 with a v8 for this generation, i and many other people would've bought one without even thinking about it

[@YY-zw2ec]

Or 5.5 kompressor

[@themarveluniverseonline]

My 2006 CLS 55 AMG would eat this things lunch!

[@YY-zw2ec]

Kompressoier does make things

[@imSchwaggy]

Pirellis never been as good as Michelin.

[@SM-yg1ts]

I'm 6'3" and have no issues getting in an out of my CLS53 never bumped my head. Although it is not a V-8, there still is plenty of power, once you tune it it wakes it up even more , I also own a 2011 C63 and nothing beats a 6.3 V-8

[@Rmalikk]

Basically looks like a CLA45 AMG. Actually, the new CLA45 looks much better front and back. Also is just as quick as the CLS53. Massive fail for this price point

[@roarbahamut9866]

Especially since its a lot cheaper. Here in Germany, a 2022 CLA45 will run you less than 60k, while a 2022 CLS53 will cost you like 80k. For 80k I can buy a 2022 Taycan, or if you want to stay with Mercedes, you could get a E53.

[@GrandHam-k5k]

just discovered your channel. the quality is amazing!

[@marantamil459]

I love the current-gen CLS. Such a shame it never sold well. The same goes with the A7, the whole segment is dying.

[@TheBlackDevil7]

Nobody wants coupe

[@leoxo4685]

The design is so much worse compare to last gen imo

[@roarbahamut9866]

@@TheBlackDevil7 Porsche Taycan begs to differ. Taycan as a whole is the 4th best selling Porsche and the coupe version is very popular.

[@fabulouspoet]

Gotta say this car sounded super solid during the launch...no movement or rattling. My 2018 s4 sounds like the dash is going to literally come off the car when you launch it

[@Luxury_InYou]

CLS 53 is unbeatable. I proudly own the final CLS 53 2023. It is amazng feeling.

[@blueman5924]

She’s plush and flashy inside.. Definitely a comfy commuter. 🤙

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Yeah, it's nice. Overshadowed by the much more expensive GT53. Bigger brakes, wider tires, and the ability to *say* you drive an AMG GT...

[@msport4769]

Excellent video! Will say that in addition to Mercedes axing the entire CLS lineup, so goes the entire GT Coupe 4-door. Tried liking the EQS Sedan and EQE but those are absolutely hideous on the outside. The i7 looks like it ran off with Darth Vader’s face but at least it looks like the gas 7 series. Mercedes really ought to make their BEVs look like their gas counterparts if we’re all being forced into that direction.

[@scherpebocht]

Same thing happend with the m6 and m8

[@TrollingWithTheTruth]

EQS Sedan and EQE are a joke, esp that EQS.......that ain't a damn S class

[@adamoboccitto5595]

Manz straight, showing his irl speed. With no Blur filter. Hard Fex. Don't speed kids

[@Classicman.43]

I must have missed where you said why they’ve quietly discontinued this model. Great review, though.

[@note20ultra37]

Mercedes ruining their brand, EVs are ugly, removing V8s, removing options like high end surround sound from most of line up, and quality control issues in addition to watering down the AMG badge. Let's not forget they removed the S63 and S65 coupes 😬

[@Sovereign86]

I want one of these SOOOO bad!😩👌🏾

[@alexsolhi6364]

I had a CLS before getting AMG GT. Both are good looking cars and check most enthusiasts boxes. However, the GT has superior handling and a more of a exotic feel to it. Nevertheless, it’s too bad the CLS is being discontinued.

[@Doa744]

you are not talking about the GT63 4door (actually 5 but ok...) right? that thing is so heavy that superior handling is the last thing that comes to my mind.

[@JaysunU18]

​@@Doa744the Gt63 is made as a cruiser so the handling is great. All 63's get the full amg treatment so time is spent to maximise their potential

[@Doa744]

@@JaysunU18 no need to give me basic mercedes marketing talk. I know how it drives and how a light track car feels and handles.

[@JaysunU18]

@@Doa744 calm down, no need to get in your feelings. Neither car is a track car. 53's / 43s are made for people who can't justify the price to daily a 63 so its a more affordable option

[@Doa744]

@@JaysunU18 i am calm and i never claimed either are track cars. the GT is out of my range anyway. i'm a few classes below it with the W205 but even on that car i wouldn't say it has superior handling

[@Doa744]

sad to see the name CLS go... there are rumors about a possible 4 door coupe version of the new CLE on the other hand... which would be very strange with the CLA that close by but with mercedes you never know...

[@240fxst]

It’s a complete embarrassment for this car to carry the AMG badge. The original developing AMG engineers Aukfrecht, mechler, Gobaspas are scratching their heads in disappointment . This 6 cylinder hybrid would have not sold very well in the USA against the other muscle cars with big displacement and sound. Save the manuals now save the displacements !

[@real-eyes-realise-real-lies]

The new c63 is a 4 pot

[@djcountryblack6878]

The cla looks like the cls until a cls pulls up. Then the cla looks like a baby shark.

[@jerzy3144]

It looks like an overgrown CLA. For that price I think it was a weird decision to style it basically the same as one of the cheapest MB models

[@jermainec2462]

The CLS was first the CLA came second so it's actually the other way around The styling of the CLA came from the CLS...

[@jerzy3144]

@@jermainec2462 My bad, you're right but still I think it took the special feel from the CLS because the CLA looked almost the same

[@jermainec2462]

@@jerzy3144 the well to be honest with you most people don't know squat shit about cars so when they pull up together a lot of people couldn't tell them apart until they got up on him and realize that the CLS was a longer car . But CLA definitely took some of the CLS thunder because it was cheaper and at that time it was the entry-level benz... Now it's funny that the new CLA looks like a CLS almost since it's a little bit bigger than that first one...

[@himynameistaylor]

@@jermainec2462 While the CLS came before the CLA, the new generations look identical. Also, the CLS just didnt 'make sense when there's the more practical E class and the AMG GT 4 DOOR.

[@jermainec2462]

@@himynameistaylor tru but AMG gt came later tho ... And the e-class was there but Mercedes wanted to keep doing the four-door coupe fad lol

[@pxlmvr7]

I like the last gen CLS, 2012-2014. Big V8s, great sound. Now, the CLS looks boring … in fact, the whole Mercedes line is boring. At least the CLS took some design chances, but the last design group took the soul out of the CLS. AND THAT REAR END!! IT LOOKS *EXACTLY* LIKE A VOLKSWAGEN!!! They should keep the CLS as their design experimentation platform and take some *good* chances with design … but it looks like they are going to kill it off. I’ll still pick up a previous gen and miss out on all the new tech.

[@vhvglobal1703]

Such a good review, thank you. Have made my selection so much easier!

[@adidkjf]

Its totally simple why the new CLS failed: it looks like a CLA but the CLA looks better. When you compare both cars, it does not match. CLS is that mature, elegant coupé and the CLA is that sporty lifestyle car for the younger audience... im from germany and mercedes already said that the kill the CLS this year, production and sale will stop this september...

[@30minforasn]

Love my amg cls 53, Not common where im at. See alot of E,C class but few cls, let alone an amg version.

[@richardjones9375]

Nothing is better than a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG! I could easily afford a 2022 CLS but I took a 2014 CL65 because it was also the last year they made it.

[@roarbahamut9866]

Thats sadly simply because it doesnt sell well. The CLS got fcked by the fact that you could just buy a CLA and safe money or a full E-Class for the same money.

[@30minforasn]

@@roarbahamut9866 cla is a tiny car and what the hell is a full e class anyways.

[@KTBLGaming]

The old CLS 63 Still better then this.

[@judahscattered4corners]

Just got my CLS AMG 53 week ago and already have 5 compliments. I glad I bought a nice car that EVERYBODY doesn't have.

[@elmoll8962]

Mine is very quiet it doesn’t sound like an amg and pops not like one. I even have the amg performance exhaust but still disappointing sound. Is there something i can do?

[@mikefoerster1560]

@@elmoll8962Sport + will give you the pops when you accelerate then let up on the gas. You won’t be disappointed.

[@elmoll8962]

@@mikefoerster1560 i did but maybe it’s because i got the facelift from 2022/07

[@scottlawrenceplus]

Which would you choose, this or a BMW m5?

[@MishanyaVeselyiNYC]

I have w219 CLS 63 AMG, and I don't think I'd trade my V8 to this one. RIP CLS CLASS 😢

[@samclancy3031]

Drove one that can't be serviced in America at all. Snow bird ❄️❄️❄️ Didn't get it not quite loud or girthy feeling, And put Brand new tires on it same as an s55. This thing still feels rough not even a pleasant new tire feel😢 on the other hand the S55 is awesome tracking well and keeping the 516ft pounds from making sticky chunks of rubber out of them 😎😔😮 Thank you great job 👍

[@TrollingWithTheTruth]

Im surprised they didn't end the CLS in 2019.....AMG GT 63 is a better bet anyway

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

New intro?🔥

[@RoadsUntraveled]

🙏

[@jackiewilliams2178]

I have a Cls shooting brake face lift. I think the interior of this newer model is stunning but much prefer the styling of my MK2 . So would pick the GT over the Mk3 CLS

[@skidhvh]

Im glad they did! CLS63 became GT63s, and facelift cls53 became E that looks like a class, its essentially E53 but with hideous design that looks like taxi car. E53 is just so much better overall, the presence, looks, style - everything is on point in e53.

[@s.k.4111]

I choosed the GT53 over the CLS. I just liked the design more. The CLS looks a bit like the CLA so I had to take the GT53. The engine is great but Mercedes had to put the SL55 engine on both cars. The CLS would have sold better.

[@30minforasn]

I chose the CLS53 over the gt for the same reason. I couldnt love the rear end of the gt. The cls is stunning in person, the long and wide body makes it look sexy compared to the gt.

[@paulmak.]

But cls is way bigger and larger than gt53 though. Seeing cls in person, you will easily know it's not a cla

[@anaymakan6989]

I used to love the older cls cars. Real showstoppers. I don’t think they look as special anymore with shared interiors and similar exterior parts

[@faj2600]

This one looks so bad tho compared to previous gens plus no v8 plus looks like a cla or the c class and its a massive no from me

[@sulaymonprmatov6430]

Чиройли дизайн экан мерс мерс мерс 👍

[@ilyasbuyuklu1587]

I do own first generation 2018 amg gt63 4 door..i drove also cls 2021..cls is totally more comfortable than amg gt 4 door..huge difference..gt63 is very fast but daily drive its very hard car..

[@swansmeister]

People do notice, they just don't care because it's a car nobody needs or wants.

[@Youtuber_YusukeFromGermany]

R.I.P most beautiful Mercedes ever made.

[@eiscremepfirsich1221]

Why you didn’t used the launch control?

[@John_code]

They should have made a 63 . It was going to sell way more than this

[@roarbahamut9866]

Current CLS looks to much like a CLA, while being a lot more expensive. You only notice the real difference once you sit inside and I think thats why people bought them less.

[@tax905972]

The 63 has both electronic slip differential and 4matic +

[@MultiXsunnyx]

Wanted a cls63 so bad, sucks they never made kt

[@minigamer2202]

Had a cls450 very good car

[@rotcoke652]

That lip on the rear diffuser area looks terrible. What sort of law would require that?

[@johnnyjohnz1992]

V8 on the cls would be the best combination

[@travisbruce5096]

I have p7. Maybe i wil try those tires next

[@allanb3222]

Sounds so good though! 🤤

[@madanto2394]

Mercedes should kill putting a 2ltr diesel in the e-class same with Audi with the a6 & BMW with the 5 series

[@behnamtavakolzadeh3502]

I like cls look but AMG GT has better look to be honest , GT's headlights looking better as well as its tail lights and I really like trunk door open like a hatch back rather than just small unpractical on cls. GT is a suprior car to cls in my openion.

[@waterbnb7204]

They replaced the cls63 as their flagship 4 door coupe with the gt63

[@VeneraSGF]

Design looks nicer on GT cls looks like an afterthought. Like Mercedes told there AI make me a new model no r&d and bother the engineering dept. Just use inventory in warehouse

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

AMG stands for AHH MY GOD 🤣🤣🤣

[@fitguyraf5453]

Wtf is going on out there in Canada ? Why are cars so damn expensive there ?🤯 great video tho 👍🏾

[@UCZ15]

Mercedes went from making stylish and beautiful cars to making boring, uniform, plastic rubbish. They've lost their way so bad, I can't even begin to try and fathom their downfall. Ironically, Mercedes probably sell more cars than they did a decade ago.

[@Xero285]

04:45 : "Birdstrike, Birdstrike!" 😂✌🏻

[@scottmitchell9856]

The car that sparked all the slopping sedan looks of todays car. I hate to see what has happened with the CLS. I am proud to own a 2018 CLS 63 S model... With my 63 It is not uncommon to have someone complement the vehicle. It is an absolute jaw dropper for its looks the performance is freaking off the chain. I get it that the times are changing but I am stuck on the original beast. I just can't shake the whole inline 6 deal... It just does not have the performance at all comparatively to the 2nd and 3rd generations. The looks do not bring the visceral grab and stare affect like the 2nd and 3rd gens...

[@jeanbrisly5710]

Cap, cls doesn't exist in 2018 model, it's either 2017 or 2019

[@AMGTT]

killed it because the GT63 is actually the new cls63 like the M8 is the new M6

[@Okayev1]

Cause it is one of the worst cars I've ever driven for the price and the badge

[@VimeosBetter]

its literally just a longer cla. people figure why pay the extra money and end up getting a cla45 amg instead.

[@younow1511]

One of the worst things about this car is the fucking A class headlights. What the hell where they thinking???

[@Keyosu]

Agree to disagree on the looks. The pops get a bit fruity. Not sure if they improved ride comfort with the latest model but the 20 model I had was HARSH. That ride and poor power to weight led me to sell. BMW M8 now 😈

[@guidomukaramuzi4840]

The plate upfront🫣

[@geforce5591]

The CLS dies so the GT can live.

[@v12-s65]

I would buy a CLS53 over a GT53. It's lighter and therefore quicker, plus way cheaper and nobody can tell you why didn't you get the 63 model

[@AkakiPeikrishvili]

CLS failed because it doesn't look "evil" anymore.

[@Pmz604]

It's available in the korean markets

[@km6832]

Had this gotten the ttv8 it wouldve sold

[@vinnie1827]

Don’t get why they take this front to the A class?!

[@Account1746]

Monster car

[@rashaxxl1]

Looks like a CLA 😂

[@luxuryviplifestyle9494]

Super Thanks and we need and wish 8K Photos or videos in Real Best 8K 60fps or 120fps HDR10+ resolution clarity quality and Sound in full HD 3D Stereo Surround , Soon Please.

[@YY-zw2ec]

They killed their V8's after M156

[@jasonsun2251]

tbh，this looks like cla class，not cls😂

[@makantahi3731]

you do not have road to floor it

[@CS-ym1st]

You did not do a race start aka launch control one time...Look at how to do a proper race start.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

The 53s don't have a proper launch control unfortunately.

[@snnrman4053]

Even CLA looks better than CLS. Mercedes really should fire their designer team or in 10 years everyone will drive Kia and Hyundai.

[@tax905972]

The 53 was more like a hybrid

[@markott3978]

clean car

[@m.g.a3481]

The intern sound sounds so fake

[@arthurn8952]

The digital display theme and graphics are already too old for me. I don't like the dark theme. They haven't overhauled this in a decade. Best display theme is from Tesla and JLR. The rear lights of the new CLS look like they were designed by a child. Not creative at all

[@sayan1667]

Not the cls, man...

[@tax905972]

With the 43, and 63 why a 53?

[@roarbahamut9866]

It got more power than a c43 but less than a c63, hence the 53.

[@sixfingerslinger2671]

That thing barely runs 12's better yet 11's

[@Smithy67]

Three letters .... C ....... L ........ A

[@jermainec2462]

So many good sedans being killed by these shity SUVs and crossovers.... Damn shame

[@roarbahamut9866]

SUVs are the reason why most brands can still build and engeneer their sports cars. The Cayenne and Macan both sell more than twice as much as a 911. If Porsche didnt sell their SUVs, we wouldnt get glorious 911s either.

[@jermainec2462]

@roarbahamut9866 We still don't need so many of them tho ... it's overkill in some car makers lineup

[@sefrzan]

Prefer the E53

[@Big-BU]

Coupe

[@sefrzan]

@@Big-BU exactly the coupe for sure

[@Big-BU]

@@sefrzan I have a 2020 Coupe and I love it.. it doesn’t have the performance exhaust but it still sounds great in Sport + mode

[@RellupNorth]

Current Gen CLS like all Mercedes imo are corny

[@joshgriffin3078]

Sorry how is a sedan more practical than a hatch?

[@RoadsUntraveled]

I was just referring to the height of the opening in the rear. The CLS has a much lower loading point when you open the trunk vs. when you open the GT53 it's a bit higher.