One of the most notable changes to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is its new steering wheel design. The leather-wrapped multifunction wheel features high-gloss black detailing with silver chrome edging. When equipped with the available Driver Assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering, the Mercedes sedan’s tiller uses capacitive sensing technology to detect the presence of the driver’s hands (and presumably the driver’s attention, as well). As such, the car’s Level 2 driver assist system no longer relies on subtle steering movements to determine if the driver is in control of the vehicle.
Tech aside, the CLS-Class benefits from a restyled front end with a sportier fascia that includes a silver chrome splitter and high-gloss black trim. The AMG-line CLS-Class gets distinctive air intakes with vertical bars, whereas the regular CLS-Class features a new star pattern radiator grille. There are two new designs available for the 19-inch wheels. The 20-inch AMG wheels come in either gray or high-gloss black.
The 2022 CLS-Class also welcomes a new hue: Starling Blue Metallic. Other updates consist of two new interior trim finishes and an expanded range of leather upholstery options that now include Neva Gray/Magma Gray and Sienna Brown/Black combinations.
For those seeking something a bit more exclusive, the creative team at Mercedes-Benz Manufaktur in Sindelfingen can transform a standard CLS-Class into a bespoke masterpiece. New lacquer choices include Jupiter Red, Cashmere White Magno, and Emerald Green. Moreover, the available two-tone Nappa leather interior offers five different color combinations to choose from: Classic Red/Black, Saddle Brown/Black, Tartufo Brown/Black, Deep White/Black, and Yacht Blue/Black.
Claiming fourth place in our luxury fastback sedan rankings, the refreshed 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 carries over the same 362-hp “mild-hybrid” turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 as the 2021 car. Gone, however, is the prior rear-drive model. Instead, Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system comes standard. The result ought to be a Mercedes four-door model that’s better able to carve out a niche for itself between its similarly sized platform mates: the traditional looking—and MotorTrend Car of the Year winning—Mercedes-Benz E-Class and comparably swoopy Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door. Look for Mercedes to announce pricing for the 2022 CLS-Class closer to its early 2022 launch date.
