Enhancing the sound system in your Mercedes-Benz CLS Sedan is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make to elevate your driving experience. While the CLS comes equipped with an already impressive audio setup, many enthusiasts and audiophiles seek to push the boundaries further by upgrading various components. From crystal-clear highs to deep, resonant bass, a well-executed sound system upgrade transforms your vehicle’s cabin into a personalized concert hall, making every drive more enjoyable and immersive.

Why Consider Upgrading the Sound System in Your Mercedes-Benz CLS?

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is renowned for its luxury, style, and performance, and its audio system is no exception. Many CLS models come equipped with the renowned Burmester surround sound system, which is widely regarded as one of the best OEM audio solutions in the automotive industry. Despite this premium offering, there are several compelling reasons why owners might want to upgrade their sound system:

  • Advancements in Audio Technology: Audio technology is rapidly advancing. Modern speakers, amplifiers, and digital sound processors offer improvements in fidelity, clarity, and power that weren’t available when many CLS models were originally manufactured.
  • Personalized Sound Profile: Factory systems are designed to appeal to a broad audience, but individual preferences vary widely. Upgrades allow you to tailor the sound signature to your liking, whether you prefer booming bass, crisp midrange vocals, or sparkling highs.
  • Improved Sound Clarity at All Volume Levels: Even the highest quality OEM systems may exhibit distortion at higher volumes. Aftermarket components designed for higher power handling can maintain clarity and reduce distortion, even when cranking up the music.
  • Enhanced Bass Response: While the Burmester system includes subwoofers, adding a dedicated aftermarket subwoofer or upgrading existing ones can deliver deeper and more impactful bass, particularly beneficial for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock.
  • Reducing Road and Wind Noise: Sound upgrades often go hand-in-hand with installing sound deadening materials. These materials reduce outside noise intrusion, improving overall audio quality and listening comfort.
  • Future-Proofing Connectivity: Upgrading your audio system can also include integrating the latest infotainment and connectivity options, such as high-resolution audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or even custom DSP tuning.

Challenges and Considerations When Upgrading

Before diving into upgrades, it’s important to understand some challenges specific to the CLS Sedan:

  • Integration with Vehicle Electronics: The CLS features sophisticated CAN bus electronics and digital sound processors that require compatible upgrades to maintain system functionality.
  • Preserving Interior Aesthetics: The CLS is a luxury sedan with meticulously designed interiors. Upgrades should be carefully planned to avoid compromising the elegant look and feel of the cabin.
  • Professional Installation Recommended: Due to the complexity of the factory system and vehicle wiring, professional installation by technicians experienced with Mercedes-Benz vehicles is highly recommended to ensure proper integration, preserve warranty coverage, and prevent damage.

Key Components to Upgrade in Your CLS Sound System

Upgrading your CLS’s audio system can involve multiple components, each contributing uniquely to the overall sound quality. Below is an overview of the most effective upgrades:

1. High-Performance Speakers

Replacing the factory speakers with premium aftermarket options can dramatically improve sound clarity, dynamics, and frequency response. When selecting speakers, consider those designed specifically for automotive use and tuned for the CLS’s interior acoustics.

  • Component Speaker Systems: These systems separate tweeters, midrange drivers, and woofers to optimize sound staging and imaging. Brands such as Focal and JL Audio offer highly regarded component kits that fit well into the CLS’s door panels and A-pillars, delivering crisp highs and detailed mids.
  • Coaxial Speakers: For a simpler upgrade, coaxial speakers combine midrange drivers and tweeters in one unit, offering an easy installation path with improved sound over stock components.
  • Speaker Size and Placement: The CLS typically employs 6.5-inch speakers in the front doors and smaller speakers in rear locations. Upgrading to larger or higher-quality drivers while maintaining factory locations ensures optimal sound dispersion without modifying interiors excessively.

2. External Amplifiers

While the Burmester system includes built-in amplification, adding an external amplifier can provide additional power, reduce distortion, and improve dynamic range. External amplifiers also allow you to push your upgraded speakers and subwoofers harder for better performance.

  • Class D Amplifiers: These are highly efficient and compact, producing excellent power output with minimal heat generation. Examples include the Alpine PDX Series and Rockford Fosgate Power Series.
  • Multi-Channel Amplifiers: Amplifiers that can power multiple speaker channels simplify installation and provide balanced sound across the cabin.
  • Integration with Factory DSP: Some amplifiers are designed to integrate seamlessly with factory digital signal processors, preserving sound tuning and vehicle features.

3. Subwoofers

Deep bass is the foundation of a rich audio experience. While the CLS’s factory system includes subwoofers, adding an aftermarket subwoofer or upgrading the existing one can significantly enhance low-frequency output.

  • Compact Subwoofer Solutions: The CLS’s limited trunk and cabin space necessitate compact designs. Products like the Kicker Hideaway offer powerful bass in small enclosures that fit discreetly under seats or in the trunk.
  • Enclosure Types: Sealed enclosures provide tight, accurate bass, while ported enclosures offer louder, boomier low-frequency response. Choose based on your music preference and available space.
  • Subwoofer Amplification: Many compact subwoofers include built-in amplifiers, simplifying installation. Otherwise, pairing with an external amplifier optimized for subwoofer use is recommended.

4. Sound Deadening and Acoustic Treatments

Improving sound quality isn’t just about adding better speakers—it’s also about controlling the environment inside your car. Sound deadening materials reduce vibrations, road noise, and rattles, allowing your upgraded system to perform optimally.

  • Door Panel Treatments: Applying damping mats such as Dynamat or Noico inside door panels reduces resonance and vibration, enhancing speaker performance.
  • Floor and Trunk Insulation: Adding insulation to the floor and trunk areas minimizes road noise and prevents sound leakage.
  • Window Seals and Weatherstripping: Ensuring tight seals around windows and doors further reduces external noise intrusion.

5. Upgraded Head Units and Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)

While the CLS’s factory infotainment systems are advanced, upgrading to aftermarket head units or integrating external DSPs can unlock new features and superior sound tuning capabilities.

  • Aftermarket Head Units: Units from brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine offer high-resolution audio playback, smartphone integration, and customizable equalizers.
  • Digital Signal Processors: DSPs allow precise tuning of frequency response, time alignment, and crossover settings, resulting in a finely balanced soundstage tailored to your vehicle’s acoustics.
  • Maintaining Factory Features: Choose units compatible with Mercedes-Benz steering wheel controls, backup cameras, and vehicle sensors to retain full functionality.

Professional Installation and Tuning

Due to the complexity of the CLS’s electrical and electronic systems, professional installation is crucial when upgrading your sound system. A qualified installer will:

  • Ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s CAN bus and factory wiring harnesses
  • Prevent damage to interior trim and electronic components
  • Optimize speaker placement and amplifier settings for the best sound performance
  • Calibrate DSPs to compensate for cabin acoustics, ensuring balanced sound throughout the vehicle
  • Maintain integration with driver assistance systems and infotainment controls

Many Mercedes-Benz dealerships and specialized car audio shops offer tailored upgrade packages for the CLS, combining premium components with expert installation and tuning services.

Budget Considerations and Upgrade Paths

Sound system upgrades can range from modest speaker replacements to full custom installations involving multiple amplifiers, subwoofers, and acoustic treatments. Here are some upgrade paths tailored to different budgets and goals:

  • Entry-Level Upgrades ($500 - $1,500): Replace front door speakers with high-quality component kits, add sound deadening materials to doors, and install a compact powered subwoofer.
  • Mid-Level Upgrades ($1,500 - $3,500): Add a multi-channel external amplifier, upgrade rear speakers, install acoustic treatments throughout the cabin, and integrate a DSP for fine tuning.
  • High-End Custom Installations ($3,500+): Full speaker replacement including custom enclosures, multi-amp setups with separate channels for each speaker, advanced DSP tuning, and premium soundproofing materials to create a concert-hall listening environment.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Your CLS Sound Experience

  • Use High-Quality Audio Sources: Streaming low-bitrate files or compressed formats can limit sound quality. Opt for lossless audio files or high-resolution streaming services such as Tidal or Qobuz.
  • Regular System Maintenance: Check wiring connections, speaker integrity, and amplifier settings periodically to ensure consistent performance.
  • Experiment with Equalizer Settings: While DSP tuning provides a baseline, personal preferences vary. Adjust EQ settings to suit your listening tastes and music genres.
  • Consider Room Acoustics: The CLS cabin has unique acoustic properties. Seating position, window tint, and even passenger load can affect sound, so fine-tuning may be necessary over time.

Conclusion

Upgrading the sound system in your Mercedes-Benz CLS Sedan is a highly satisfying way to enhance your in-car entertainment. Whether you prefer subtle improvements or a full custom audio overhaul, carefully selecting the right components and working with professional installers can deliver a dramatic boost in sound quality. From premium speakers and powerful amplifiers to deep subwoofers and sound deadening treatments, each upgrade contributes to a richer, more immersive listening experience that complements the luxury and performance of your CLS.

By investing in your vehicle’s audio system, you not only enjoy your favorite music in unparalleled clarity and depth but also increase the overall enjoyment and value of your Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan.