Original Luxury Four-Door Coupe Nearing Retirement

Mercedes Benz keep rearranging his car portfolio and the latest victim is CLS. Production will end on August 31, the German automaker confirmed yesterday.

The 2023 model year will be the last, with no direct replacement planned.

Originally launched in 2004 (2005 in North America), the Mercedes-Benz CLS is widely regarded as the car that started the four-door revolution. It has produced three generations over two decades, with the current one making its debut in 2019. Last year, designers gave it a major update including a new-look grille and bumpers.

Customers can turn to the base CLS 450 4Matic, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, or the sportier and more advanced AMG 53 4MATIC+, which increases output from 362 horsepower to 429 horsepower. As the names suggest, all-wheel drive is standard in both cases. Prices range from $85,900-$99,900.

Mercedes-Benz prefers to focus on the sportsman AMG GT 4-Door Coupetogether with redesigned 2024 E-Class sedan. The company also hopes that CLS fans will turn to the new one EQE and EQS electric sedans, which are stylish and aerodynamic, too.

In addition, a new model called CLE is expected to start soon as an alternative to C-Class and Class E coupes and convertibles.

The removal of the CLS comes a year after Mercedes-Benz ditched the compact and affordable Class Awhich was available in sedan and hatchback body styles.

See: 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4Matic+ First Drive