CLS Class Interior Features: Ultimate Luxury Revealed

The CLS Class interior is the epitome of Mercedes-Benz luxury, blending cutting-edge technology with opulent design. Expect exquisite materials, intuitive controls, and an ambiance crafted for ultimate comfort and sophistication. This guide will reveal the key features that make the CLS cabin a truly remarkable space.

Stepping inside a Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is an experience in itself. It’s not just about transportation; it’s about immersing yourself in a world of refined comfort and advanced technology. Many prospective owners and enthusiasts wonder about the specific touches that elevate the CLS cabin from merely luxurious to exceptionally grand.

If you’ve ever admired the CLS from afar or are curious about what makes its interior so special, you’re in the right place. We’re going to break down the ultimate CLS Class interior features, demystifying the luxury and showcasing the thoughtful engineering. Get ready to discover the details that make the CLS a benchmark for automotive interiors.

The Heart of the CLS: A Symphony of Design and Technology

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class has always been a pioneer, often referred to as the “four-door coupe.” Its interior design philosophy mirrors this unique positioning, offering the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. The goal is to create a cabin that feels both driver-focused and passenger-centric, a sanctuary on wheels that anticipates your every need.

From the moment you open the door, the CLS announces its premium status. The interior is a meticulously crafted blend of form and function, where every surface, switch, and display has been considered to enhance your driving experience. It’s a space designed to impress, whether you’re the one behind the wheel or enjoying the ride as a passenger.

Materials That Speak Volumes: Craftsmanship You Can Feel

Luxury is often defined by touch and sight. The CLS Class interior excels in both, utilizing a palette of high-quality materials that are as durable as they are beautiful. Mercedes-Benz spares no expense in selecting the finest finishes, ensuring a tactile and visual richness that defines premium automotive interiors.

Leathers Unrivaled in Quality

The seating is a primary focal point in any luxury car, and the CLS Class offers a selection of exquisite leathers. You’ll often find Nappa leather, known for its incredibly soft texture and natural grain, which adds a supple feel to the seats, steering wheel, and other contact points. This material not only looks sophisticated but also ages gracefully, developing a unique patina over time.

• Standard Leather: Even the standard leather appointments are a cut above, providing a luxurious feel and excellent durability for everyday use.
• Optional Nappa Leather: For those seeking the ultimate tactile experience, the optional Nappa leather offers unparalleled softness and a premium look. It often features artisanal stitching for an added touch of craftsmanship.
• Designo Leather: Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive Designo line offers even more customization, with hand-stitched diamond patterns and unique color combinations available for the truly discerning buyer.

Wood, Metal, and Beyond: Accents That Define Elegance

Complementing the leather, the CLS interior features meticulously crafted trim elements. These are not just decorative; they are integral to the cabin’s aesthetic and feel. You can expect a range of options designed to suit different tastes:

• Open-Pore Wood Trim: This modern take on wood accents retains the natural texture and character of the wood grain, offering a warmer, more organic feel than traditional glossy finishes. Popular choices include walnut or oak.
• Black Piano Lacquer: For a sleek, piano-like sheen, black or other colored lacquered wood is available. This option provides a high-contrast, sophisticated look that complements the surrounding materials.
• Brushed Metal Trim: Aluminum or stainless steel accents can add a contemporary, sporty, or technical flair to the cabin, particularly along the dashboard, center console, and door panels.
• Carbon Fiber Trim: In performance-oriented models or as an option, carbon fiber trim offers a lightweight, modern, and visually striking accent that screams performance and cutting-edge technology.

The Command Center: MBUX and Beyond

At the heart of the CLS Class interior is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. This isn’t just a screen; it’s an intelligent assistant designed to make your interactions with the car seamless and intuitive. MBUX has revolutionized how drivers connect with their vehicles, offering advanced voice control, stunning visuals, and deep personalization.

Intuitive Touchscreens and Digital Displays

The MBUX system is typically presented across two large, seamlessly integrated digital displays that span a significant portion of the dashboard. This creates a sweeping, widescreen cockpit effect:

• Driver Display: A customizable digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel showcases vital driving information, navigation, and media data. Drivers can choose from various display styles to suit their preferences.
• Central Media Display: This touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment, navigation, climate control, and vehicle settings. Its vibrant resolution and responsive touch interface make operating the system a pleasure.

The Power of “Hey Mercedes”: Advanced Voice Control

One of the most impressive aspects of MBUX is its natural language voice recognition. You can control a vast array of functions simply by speaking commands. Instead of memorizing complex phrases, you can say things like:

• “Hey Mercedes, the temperature is too cold.” (The system will adjust the climate control.)
• “Hey Mercedes, navigate to the nearest Italian restaurant.” (The navigation system will find and suggest options.)
• “Hey Mercedes, play my favorite jazz playlist.” (The media system will find and play your music.)

This technology is highly advanced, learning your voice and understanding context, making interactions feel more natural and less distracting. For more on MBUX’s capabilities, visit the official Mercedes-Benz MBUX innovation page.

Touch Controls: A Tactile Approach

In addition to voice commands and touchscreen interaction, the CLS also incorporates touch-sensitive controls for added convenience:

• Steering Wheel Touch Control Buttons: These small pads on the steering wheel allow you to swipe and tap to navigate menus on the driver display and media screen without taking your hands off the wheel.
• Center Console Touchpad: Located on the center console, this touchpad offers another way to interact with the MBUX system, providing haptic feedback as you navigate menus.

Ambiance Lighting: Setting the Mood

The interior ambient lighting in the CLS Class is more than just illumination; it’s an integral part of the cabin’s design and mood-setting capabilities. Mercedes-Benz offers one of the most extensive and customizable ambient lighting systems on the market.

A Spectrum of Colors and Effects

The system offers a palette of 64 different color choices, allowing you to personalize the cabin’s atmosphere to match your mood or the driving conditions. These lights are strategically placed to highlight design lines, contours, and functional areas within the interior, including:

• The dashboard and central display housing.
• Door panels and pockets.
• The footwells.
• Sometimes, illuminated seat quilting or trim elements.

Dynamic Lighting Scenarios

Beyond static color choices, the ambient lighting can also be integrated with other vehicle systems, creating dynamic scenarios. For example:

• Warning Indicators: Certain safety system alerts might trigger a specific color flash.
• Climate Control Integration: When you adjust the temperature, the corresponding vent nozzle might glow red for warmer air or blue for cooler air.
• Welcome/Farewell Sequences: The lights can perform a gentle animated sequence as you enter or exit the vehicle.

This level of customization ensures that the CLS interior feels uniquely yours, transforming the cabin into a personalized retreat.

Seating Comfort and Ergonomics: The Pinnacle of Support

Long drives become effortless in the CLS Class, thanks to seats designed for ultimate comfort, support, and adjustability. Mercedes-Benz engineers pay close attention to ergonomics, ensuring that drivers and passengers can maintain a comfortable posture for extended periods.

Multi-Contour and Climate-Controlled Seats

The available multi-contour seats offer a remarkable degree of adjustability. You can fine-tune the lumbar support, side bolsters, and even the seat cushion depth to perfectly match your body. Many configurations also include:

• Heating and Ventilation: Essential for year-round comfort, these features keep you warm in winter and cool in the summer months.
• Massage Function: Some higher trims offer sophisticated massage programs for the front seats, easing tension on longer journeys.
• Memory Settings: Your preferred seat positions can be saved and recalled with the touch of a button, making it easy for multiple drivers to find their ideal setup.

Rear Seat Experience

While the CLS is a four-door coupe, its design prioritizes luxurious seating for all occupants. The rear seats are sculpted and supportive, often featuring:

• Ample legroom and headroom (within the coupe aesthetic).
• Individual climate controls or air vents.
• High-quality materials matching the front.
• Optional rear-seat package with enhanced adjustability or entertainment options in some models.

Advanced Climate Control: Perfecting Your Environment

Maintaining the ideal cabin temperature and air quality is crucial for comfort and well-being. The CLS Class features sophisticated climate control systems that go beyond simple temperature settings.

THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC Systems

Depending on the trim level and options, the CLS offers either the THERMATIC (automatic climate control) or the more advanced THERMOTRONIC system. THERMATIC typically offers multi-zone control, allowing driver and front passenger to set different temperatures. THERMOTRONIC provides even more sophisticated control, often with additional sensors and features like:

• Four-Zone Climate Control: Allowing independent temperature and airflow adjustments for the driver, front passenger, and both rear seating areas.
• Air Quality Sensor: This sensor can detect pollutants and automatically switch to recirculate mode or engage an advanced filtration system.
• Cabin Filter with Activated Charcoal: Helps to remove dust, pollen, soot, and even odors from the incoming air, ensuring a fresh and clean cabin environment.
• DEHUMIDIFIER: Works to reduce interior humidity, preventing fogged windows and a clammy feeling.

These systems create a personalized microclimate, ensuring that every occupant travels in optimal comfort, regardless of external conditions. Learn more about the benefits of advanced air filtration from resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s information on indoor air quality.

Sound and Vision: An Immersive Experience

The CLS Class is designed to engage all your senses, and the audio and visual elements within the cabin play a significant role in this. From premium audio systems to integrated technology, every detail enhances the driver and passenger experience.

Burmester® Surround Sound System

For the audiophiles, the optional Burmester® High-End Surround Sound System is an absolute must-have. This system is meticulously engineered and integrated into the CLS cabin, featuring:

• Numerous high-performance speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.
• A powerful amplifier delivering crystal-clear highs, deep bass, and precise mid-range.
• Surround sound processing that creates an immersive, concert-like audio experience.
• Individual sound profiles and Dirac Live® 3D surround sound, offering unparalleled audio customization.

The standard sound system also offers excellent quality, but the Burmester® elevates the auditory experience to a level rarely found outside of dedicated listening rooms.

Head-Up Display (HUD)

The optional Head-Up Display (HUD) projects essential driving information—such as speed, navigation prompts, and speed limit signs—directly onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight. This feature is invaluable for keeping distractions to a minimum and eyes on the road, significantly enhancing safety and convenience. The clarity and brightness of the projection are excellent, even in direct sunlight.

Practicality Meets Luxury: Thoughtful Storage and Convenience

While luxury and performance are paramount, the CLS Class also accommodates the practical needs of its occupants. Thoughtful storage solutions and convenience features are integrated throughout the cabin.

Center Console and Storage Compartments

The center console typically houses a generously sized storage bin, often with a USB-C port and the wireless charging pad. Additional storage can be found in:

• Door pockets.
• The glove compartment.
• Seatback pockets.
• Cup holders, often integrated discreetly.

Power Outlets and Connectivity

Multiple USB-C ports are usually available throughout the cabin, ensuring that all passengers can keep their devices charged. The wireless charging pad in the center console adds to the convenience, eliminating the need for cables. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are standard, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication through the MBUX system.

CLS Class Interior Features: A Model Year Comparison (Illustrative)

While the core luxury philosophy remains consistent, specific features and technologies can evolve between model years. Here’s an illustrative look at how some features might distinguish different generations or model years of the CLS Class. Please note that exact specifications vary significantly by specific model year, region, and optional packages.

Feature	CLS (e.g., W218, ~2011-2018)	CLS (e.g., W257, ~2018-Present)
Infotainment System	COMAND® Navigation with a screen integrated into the dashboard.	MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) with dual, larger, seamless widescreen displays and advanced voice control (“Hey Mercedes”).
Ambient Lighting	Available in various colors, enhancing cabin atmosphere.	3D integrated ambient lighting with 64 colors, dynamic effects, and color-coded climate control integration.
Steering Wheel Controls	Traditional buttons and cruise control stalk.	Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive menu navigation.
Materials	High-quality leather and wood trims were standard and optional.	Expanded use of Nappa leather, open-pore woods, and optional carbon fiber. More intricate stitching and design details.
Driver Assistance Integration	Advanced driver assistance systems available, integrated into instrument cluster warnings.	More sophisticated integration of driver assistance systems with visual cues on the widescreen cockpit and HUD.
Seats	Comfort-adjustable seats with available heating and memory functions.	Multi-contour seats with advanced massage functions, active bolstering, climate control widely enhanced.

This table highlights the evolution of interior features, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s continuous innovation in luxury, technology, and driver experience. For the most accurate and detailed information for a specific model year, always refer to the official Mercedes-Benz specifications for that particular vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most luxurious feature in the CLS Class interior?

While luxury is subjective, many would point to the MBUX infotainment system with its dual widescreen displays and advanced voice control, or the multi-contour massaging seats, as the most impressive and luxurious features. The extensive, customizable ambient lighting system also contributes significantly to the premium ambiance.

2. Is the CLS Class interior comfortable for rear passengers?

Yes, the CLS Class offers a comfortable experience for rear passengers, with sculpted seats and adequate legroom for a coupe-style vehicle. While it’s not as spacious as a traditional S-Class sedan, it provides a luxurious and supportive environment for typical journeys.

3. Can I customize the interior of my CLS Class?

Absolutely. Mercedes-Benz offers a wide range of customization options for the CLS Class interior, including different leather types, wood and metal trims, steering wheel options, interior color schemes, and the advanced ambient lighting system. The Designo Manufaktur program offers even more exclusive personalization choices.

4. What makes the MBUX system in the CLS so special?

MBUX stands out due to its intuitive “Hey Mercedes” voice control, which understands natural language commands. It also features stunning high-resolution graphics on its dual widescreen displays, intelligent navigation, and deep personalization options, making it a highly advanced and user-friendly infotainment system.

5. Are the seats in the CLS Class heated and ventilated?

Yes, heated seats are typically standard or widely available across CLS Class models. Ventilated (cooling) front seats are often an optional feature or part of a premium package, significantly enhancing comfort, especially in warmer climates.