NEWS

Massage Envy: 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53’s Massaging Seats Leave Us Wanting More

mercedes-amg-clS53-2019-center-stack-display-interior-02 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 | Cars.com photo by Matt Schmitz

After a long day hunched over a keyboard, nothing sounds better than driving home in a luxury car. Scratch that; nothing sounds better than driving home in a luxury car with massaging seats.

Related: The 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53’s Blind Spot Assist Had Us Seeing Red (in a Good Way)

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The stress of the day will melt away as the car’s seat rollers work their magic on all the knots and sore muscles in your back — that is, unless you’re in a Mercedes-Benz. Sadly, Mercedes’ massaging seats are the equivalent of a half-hearted massage begrudgingly given.

I recently spent a weekend in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53. Our test car started at $79,900, but once it was loaded up with optional equipment, it totaled $106,980. Among those luxurious touches were the active multicontour front seats with massage feature that cost $1,320.

mercedes-amg-clS53-2019-center-stack-display-interior-01 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 | Cars.com photo by Matt Schmitz

Break out the world’s tiniest violin for my tale of woe. The Mercedes’ massage function comes in seven flavors:

  • Hot Relaxing Back
  • Hot Relaxing Shoulder
  • Activating Massage
  • Classic Massage
  • Wave Massage
  • Active Workout Back
  • Active Workout Cushion

But for me, they’re all rather vanilla.

mercedes-amg-clS53-2019-center-stack-display-interior-03 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 | Cars.com photo by Matt Schmitz

For $1,320, I could get 26 30-minute deep tissue massages at $50 a pop (I can only handle 30 minutes due to their intensity). Or I could invest in nine shiatsu massage cushion with heat chair pads for $139.95. Or I could go whole hog and buy a massage chair for $1,099.

What I really want is a massaging driver’s seat that beats my muscle tension into submission. Is that too much to ask for?!

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