It’s official: the Mercedes-Benz CLS Final Edition marks the end of an era. The car that redefined the four-door coupe is preparing to take its final bow, and Mercedes is making sure it exits the stage with elegance.
This isn’t just another trim or paint job—it’s a celebration of everything the CLS stood for: bold design, intelligent luxury, and emotional performance.
A Legacy Of Style And Innovation
When the first CLS debuted in 2004, it was a revelation. It combined the grace of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan, creating a segment that didn’t exist before. And while others copied the formula, the original always felt a step ahead—sleeker, smarter, more self-assured.
Three generations later, the CLS has become a design icon in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Now, the Final Edition honors that legacy with a series of elegant upgrades that are both subtle and striking.
What Makes The Final Edition Special?
So, what sets the Final Edition apart? Think of it as a greatest-hits album, but for car enthusiasts. You get exclusive color options—deep metallics, satin grays, and custom hues that shimmer in the sun. There’s a unique grille design, sleek badging, and aero-enhanced rear end treatments that quietly say, “I’m special.”
Inside, you’re greeted with Nappa leather, Final Edition stitching, and ambient lighting that elevates every drive. Add to that the Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, heated and ventilated seats, and advanced driver monitoring features, and this isn’t just a luxury cabin—it’s a farewell suite.
Design Elegance: A Visual Synopsis
If you’ve ever laid eyes on a Mercedes-Benz CLS, you know it’s not just a car—it’s a statement. But the Mercedes-Benz CLS Final Edition? That’s the bow on a beautifully wrapped gift. It marks the end of an era, blending design elegance with subtle aggression. It’s like a final encore, where the applause already started before the curtain dropped.
The diamond radiator grille, now standard, gleams with attitude. And those 19 inch wheels? They strike a perfect balance between sportiness and style. Polished yet purposeful, they reflect light in motion like chrome on water.
The Final Edition comes in exclusive colors, with chrome accents or optional black leather trims inside that make every inch feel premium. It’s more than a swan song—it’s a collector’s dream.
Performance Prowess
Underneath that graceful silhouette lies a beast that doesn’t just purr—it growls when provoked. The CLS Final Edition might look like a luxury cruiser, but don’t let the sleek lines fool you. It packs serious punch.
Whether you’re gliding down European highways or carving through winding back roads, the power delivery remains smooth, direct, and confidently dynamic. This isn’t just any Mercedes—it’s a finely tuned machine with a performance soul.
The Straight-Six Engine: Power And Precision
The heart of the Final Edition is a straight-six engine—a configuration that Mercedes has mastered over the years. Balanced and buttery smooth, it offers the kind of power you feel in your spine.
With clever turbocharging and hybrid support (in select variants), acceleration is effortless. It’s fast without being frantic. Refined, yet never boring.
Whether it’s the second gear on a sharp incline or cruising at triple digits in Germany (legally, of course), the engine always feels ready.
Nine-Speed Transmission: Effortless Shifting
Pairing that engine with a nine-speed transmission means shifting feels like slicing through air. It’s intuitive, quick, and buttery smooth. Whether you’re downshifting for control or letting it cruise in Comfort mode, it adapts to your rhythm like it knows you.
It’s the kind of transmission that stays in the background—doing its job perfectly without making a fuss. And that’s what makes it brilliant.
Technological Innovations
Mercedes never misses the tech beat, and the CLS Final Edition is a rolling showcase of innovation. It’s the kind of vehicle where features blend so seamlessly into your daily drive that you forget they’re futuristic.
Everything feels organic. You don’t press buttons—you interact. The systems understand your preferences, your patterns, even your moods.
Intuitive Control Systems
Want to adjust the climate, switch radio stations, or dim the ambient lights? Just speak. The intuitive control systems in the CLS Final Edition make every command feel like second nature.
Touch-sensitive steering wheel pads, gesture recognition, and voice activation aren’t just fancy add-ons. They’re functional, precise, and surprisingly fun to use. You talk. It listens.
Integrated Entertainment Hub
Long road trips? Traffic jams? No problem. The integrated entertainment hub includes MBUX with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium surround sound system that turns the cabin into a concert hall.
Every note, every detail is crystal clear. It’s not just a car stereo—it’s your private theater on wheels.
Interior Luxury And Comfort
Slide into the CLS Final Edition, and you’re welcomed by luxury that doesn’t shout—it whispers. The cabin is wrapped in black leather and stitched with precision. Soft-touch surfaces, brushed aluminum, and real wood accents complement the tech with warmth.
The mood lighting, custom seat contours, and silent door close features remind you this isn’t just a car. It’s an escape.
Five-Seater Design: Style And Comfort
Unlike earlier CLS models, the Final Edition embraces a true five-seater design, finally solving that practical limitation. Now you don’t have to choose between form and function. Whether it’s family road trips or chauffeuring colleagues, everyone gets comfort—without compromise.
Headroom and legroom have been optimized, even in the rear. And the wide-opening doors make getting in and out feel effortless.
Material And Craftsmanship Excellence
From the diamond radiator grille outside to the soft leather and precision trim inside, the craftsmanship is top-tier. Each stitch, panel, and interface is thoughtfully placed.
The material quality rivals anything in its class—whether it’s the Audi A7 or even pricier GT sedans. Nothing feels out of place. Nothing feels cheap.
This is craftsmanship that only Mercedes-Benz can deliver at this level.
Safety Features And Innovations
Of course, with all that beauty and power, safety remains central. The Final Edition doesn’t just protect—it predicts, prevents, and adapts.
Proactive Driver Assistance Systems
With proactive driver assistance systems, the CLS Final Edition can detect obstacles, anticipate lane departures, and apply the brake before you do. It’s not just about airbags anymore—it’s about awareness.
Radar-based cruise control, blind spot warnings, and automatic emergency braking create a driving cocoon that thinks two steps ahead.
Protective Technologies
The car is built with integrated protective technologies—from a reinforced passenger cell to pre-safe systems that tighten seatbelts and adjust seating in milliseconds if a crash is detected.
And let’s not forget the all-LED lighting system with adaptive features for better visibility without blinding others. Safety and style, wrapped in one.
Driving Experience
So, what’s it actually like to drive?
In a word: elegant. But here’s a few more—confident, quiet, and sharp when needed. It’s like wearing an expensive watch; you feel the presence without flaunting it.
Road Dynamics And Handling
Thanks to intelligent chassis tuning and air suspension, the CLS glides over bumps yet stays flat in corners. Steering feedback is crisp but not too heavy. You always feel in control.
Whether you’re driving through cobbled European streets or open countryside, the road just bends to your will.
Noise, Vibration, And Harshness Control
NVH—Noise, Vibration, and Harshness—is where the CLS Final Edition excels. The cabin is whisper-quiet. Road noise, wind, and engine hum are reduced to a soothing murmur.
Even at high speeds, you can have a conversation without raising your voice. Or just enjoy the music in pure clarity.
Environmental Considerations
Luxury doesn’t have to be careless. Mercedes is proving that beauty and performance can still honor the planet.
Sustainability Features
Materials used in the CLS Final Edition include sustainable leathers, recycled plastics, and low-VOC adhesives. Even the paint process has been refined to reduce emissions.
Mercedes continues pushing towards a cleaner future—even in its swan song models.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
This car isn’t electric, but it’s part of the electric era mindset. Hybrid tech in some variants, start-stop systems, and aerodynamic enhancements all aim to reduce consumption.
It’s about driving smarter. Cleaner. More consciously.
Market Position And Competition
The CLS Final Edition sits in a unique spot. It’s not trying to be the flashiest or the fastest. It’s about balance. Luxury, performance, design—all in one elegant package.
Comparison With Other Luxury Coupes
When compared to rivals like the Audi A7, the CLS holds its own with:
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More aggressive exterior styling
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A more intuitive tech interface
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That unmistakable Mercedes ride quality
Where the A7 might lean towards tech showmanship, the CLS offers emotional design. It’s art you can drive.
Performance With Poise
Under the hood, the Final Edition stays true to the CLS’s core DNA. Most markets will see a six-cylinder turbocharged engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. It delivers smooth acceleration and confident torque, all while keeping efficiency in check.
Handling is tight and composed, thanks to adaptive dampers and a tuned suspension setup that lets the car glide through curves like a seasoned dancer. It may be the last, but it drives like it has nothing to prove.
Modern Tech Meets Old-School Soul
While it bids farewell, the CLS goes out with a full suite of tech features. That includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Bluetooth SIG integration, Android Auto setup, and a high-resolution digital cockpit that still feels ahead of its time.
And yes, there’s also a full menu of customization options—because even in its final form, the CLS believes in personalization. From garage door opener presets to custom seat packages, it’s luxury made personal.
Limited Numbers, Lasting Impressions
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Final Edition will be produced in limited numbers, making it a collector’s dream. Whether it’s through Mercedes AMG Inventory or a few select Mercedes-Benz dealerships, getting your hands on one may require timing—and a little luck.
Each unit will be numbered, and some may come with commemorative plaques or documents that underline the car’s significance in Mercedes history. This isn’t just a car—it’s a memento.
Why The CLS Had To Go
The automotive world is changing. Mercedes is pivoting toward a future focused on EVs and digitized mobility. While cars like the EQE and EQS now lead the brand’s innovation frontier, the CLS represents a more emotional, analog kind of driving experience.
Its departure makes room for the next chapter, but it also reminds us why cars like this matter: they make us feel something.
Unique Selling Points Of CLS Final Edition
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Exclusive design elements like the diamond radiator grille and 19 inch wheels
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Final model refinements that perfect the CLS formula
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A true balance of comfort and sport
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Elevated features and finish for a luxury send-off
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A legacy car—future classic status almost guaranteed
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Final Edition isn’t just a closing chapter—it’s the final brushstroke on a masterpiece. From its introduction in the early 2000s to this refined farewell, the CLS has always danced between segments—never fully coupe, never fully sedan. Just… special.
This Final Edition captures that essence. It celebrates class, beauty, performance, and technology in one stunning package. And while it may no longer be in the production pipeline come August, its presence will live on—in garages, car meets, and hearts.
Mercedes didn’t just build another model. With the CLS Final Edition, they wrote the last line of a love letter to driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Mercedes Benz CLS Final Edition?
The Final Edition is the last production run of the CLS‑Class coupe‑sedan. It combines exclusive chrome accents, a diamond radiator grille, and premium black leather interior trims to celebrate the model’s legacy.
2. How Does The Straight Six Engine In The CLS Final Edition Perform?
Under the hood, the CLS Final Edition uses a refined straight‑six engine. It delivers smooth, responsive power and precise torque across the rev range—ideal for both city driving and highway cruising.
3. What Makes The Nine Speed Transmission Special?
The nine‑speed transmission offers ultra‑quick, seamless shifts. It adapts to your driving style, whether you’re accelerating through second gear or cruising at steady speeds, ensuring optimal efficiency and comfort.
4. Which Design Elements Set The Final Edition Apart?
Standout features include the diamond radiator grille, exclusive color palettes, 19 inch wheels, and bespoke interior stitching. Each detail reinforces the CLS’s blend of sportiness and elegance in its final chapter.
5. What Advanced Safety Features Are Included?
The CLS Final Edition comes with proactive driver assistance. Expect adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency brake, lane‑keeping assist, and integrated protective technologies that foresee and mitigate risks.
6. Is The CLS Final Edition Eco Friendly?
While not fully electric, the CLS Final Edition embraces sustainability. It employs start‑stop systems, aerodynamic tweaks, and partial hybrid support in some variants—reflecting Mercedes’s shift toward the electric era.
7. How Does The CLS Final Edition Compare To The Audi A7?
Compared to the Audi A7, the CLS Final Edition offers a more expressive coupe‑like silhouette, intuitive control systems, and a richer sense of “class” in its cabin. Both are luxury icons, but the CLS leans into emotional design and driving flair.