The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 isn’t as practical as the cheaper E53 Sedan, but it partially makes up for this by being one of the most stylish four-door sedans on the market. It’s clever, too, mixing a smooth 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric auxiliary compressor to produce 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The quick-shifting nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system enable a swift 0-60 mph run of only 4.3 seconds.
With its low and wide stance, the CLS 53 is embellished with AMG body styling and features like 19-inch alloy wheels, all-LED lighting, a power sunroof, and quad-exit tailpipes. The cabin mixes plenty of tech with unparalleled luxury. MB-Tex and Dinamica upholstery is complemented by dual 12.3-inch color screens, a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, power-adjustable front seats, and safety gear like blind-spot assist and attention assist.
Other than tossing thousands of dollars into the ocean, another way to quickly empty your bank account is to approach the CLS 53's options list without caution. Outside, you can spend $1,750 on the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, which adds genuine carbon fiber to the mirror housings and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. For chilly mornings, the Warmth & Comfort Package equips rapid front-seat heating, heated front armrests, and a heated steering wheel for $1,050. Who has the time to wait for regular seat heaters to do their job, anyway?
The $1,950 Driver Assistance Package appears to be pretty good value as it adds no less than 14 driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, active lane-change assist, and evasive steering assist.
The standalone options that are worth looking at include an AMG head-up display ($1,100), three-zone climate control ($760), MBUX augmented video for navigation ($350), and heated rear seats ($580). The full Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system is a further $4,550.