2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS CLS 450 AMG Line Edition 1 Review

In Malaysia's executive coupe market, consumers not only desire an elegant design to make an impression but also prioritize daily practicality. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 AMG Line Edition 1 was designed to meet these needs. It not only continues the classic fastback design of the CLS but also comes equipped with a 3.0L six-cylinder engine and a suite of intelligent features, emphasizing "a balance of style and substance." In this test drive, we focus on evaluating its dynamic performance to see if it lives up to the AMG Line badge and whether its practicality meets family needs.

The first thing that grabs your attention about the CLS is its sleek fastback silhouette—a seamless curve extending from the A-pillar to the rear with no unnecessary folds. Combined with the AMG Line's exclusive sporty body kit, it retains the elegance of an executive vehicle while adding a dash of aggressiveness. The front grille features a large star-patterned design, with dense and intricate chrome trim inside. The LED headlights on both sides are sharp in shape and highly recognizable when lit. On the side, the 20-inch dual five-spoke rims, paired with wide tires measuring 245/35R20 at the front and 275/30R20 at the rear, further enhance its sporty appeal. A character line runs from the front fender to the taillights, making the 4988mm body length appear even sleeker. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights arranged horizontally to match the dual-port AMG-style exhausts, creating a harmonious and layered look.

Sitting inside the car, you are enveloped in a sense of luxury. The dashboard is wrapped in large expanses of soft-touch materials, accented with metal trims, offering a refined tactile experience. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central control screen are seamlessly connected, providing a clear and smooth interface that supports both touch and steering wheel button controls. The multifunction steering wheel comes with paddle shifters and offers a solid, substantial grip. The left-side buttons control driving assistance systems, while the right-side buttons manage multimedia and navigation functions. In terms of features, the front seats come with electric adjustment and memory functions and provide good support. The rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and a 40:20:40 split-folding design for convenient storage of longer items. Storage space is average, with a relatively large front center armrest compartment, door pockets that can accommodate two bottles of water, and a trunk with a standard capacity of 490 liters, sufficient for daily commuting or short trips. Safety features are comprehensive, with nine airbags, lane departure warnings, autonomous emergency braking, and more. A 360-degree camera and automatic parking make parking much easier.

Starting the engine, the 3.0L six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine emits a deep roar. Official figures of 372PS horsepower and 500N·m of torque (estimated at an engine speed of 1600rpm) are indeed impressive. Shifting into Drive and gently pressing the accelerator gives a sense of linear power delivery. The start is smooth but not sluggish; when the accelerator is pressed harder, power is readily available. With a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, overtaking is confident and effortless. The 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) has a clear shifting logic and operates almost imperceptibly during daily driving. Switching to Sport mode delays the shift timing, resulting in a more aggressive power response.

As for the chassis, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for sportiness but retain a degree of comfort. When passing over speed bumps, the suspension absorbs shocks quickly without noticeable residual vibrations. At high-speed turns, the body roll is well-controlled, the wide tires provide ample grip, and the steering offers precise handling with moderate feedback, ensuring confidence in maneuverability. However, as a rear-wheel-drive model, care must be taken with throttle input while starting on slippery roads in rainy weather to prevent wheel slippage.

The fuel consumption performance meets expectations, with an official combined fuel consumption of 8L/100km. During our week-long test drive, it recorded around 9.5L/100km in city traffic and approximately 7L/100km on the highway, which is a respectable result for a 3.0L engine. Noise control is excellent, with minimal wind and tire noise at a speed of 120km/h. Additionally, the Burmester sound system with its 13 speakers provides a high-quality auditory experience.

Overall, the 2018 CLS 450 AMG Line Edition 1 stands out with its core strengths: an elegant fastback design combining eye-catching aesthetics and practicality, a powerful and linear 3.0L six-cylinder engine, and intelligent configurations along with advanced safety systems that outshine many of its competitors within the executive coupe category. Compared to its peers like the BMW 6 Series GT or Audi A7, it offers a more balanced sense of luxury and performance. Although the price of RM 675,253 seems slightly high, considering the AMG Line kit and Burmester sound system, the value-for-money is still commendable.

This car is suitable for two types of consumers: first, middle-aged buyers who value aesthetics and brand reputation, while needing a balance between business and family needs; second, young professionals who enjoy sporty handling but do not want to compromise on comfort. It can serve as a daily commuter vehicle and also excel in meeting the needs of weekend getaways, making it a versatile executive coupe.

In summary, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 AMG Line Edition 1 has no obvious shortcomings. With its elegant design, strong performance, and comprehensive features, it embodies what an executive coupe should be — if you're looking for a "well-rounded" luxury coupe, it's worth considering.