Summary
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a large executive saloon based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The current model arrived in the UK in the middle of 2018 and was facelifted in Summer 2021.
Mercedes-Benz refers to the CLS as a ‘four-door coupé’, which is simply marketing spin based on the CLS being lower and sleeker (and more expensive) than the E-Class saloon it’s based on. There is a higher-performance AMG model called the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, which are not covered here. We are building a separate page for the CLS 53, so check back soon.
Now in its third generation, the latest CLS hasn’t quite captured buyer attention or media acclaim like the original model did back in 2004, when it stood out against a rather staid range of Mercedes saloons. These days, Mercedes has an enormous range of different models to suit every appetite, and some media reports have suggested that the CLS will not be replaced when production ends in a few years.
As of December 2022, the CLS is only available with a 3.0-litre diesel engine and one level of (quite high) specification, with lower-level models either discontinued or not currently available. This means that the starting price of a CLS is currently more than £75K, which is obviously a limiting factor for many people. (The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is available with a 3.0-litre petrol engine, but is even more expensive with a starting price of neary £87K.)
The Mercedes-Benz CLS has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media. It has received praise for its styling and high levels of advanced technology. However, its quite pricey compared to an equivalent E-Class and its sleeker styling compromises its general practicality, so consumer titles have marked the CLS more harshly than its E-Class siblings as a result.
A facelifted CLS arrived in the UK in Summer 2021, which consists of some tech upgrades and minor styling tweaks. As of June 2023, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has an Expert Rating of 65%, based on 20 reviews published by the UK media.
CLS highlights
- Comfortable long-distance cruiser
- More space than an actual coupé
- More glamorous than an E-Class
- Lovely interior
CLS lowlights
- Sleeker style restricts headroom
- Limited powertrain choice, no electrification
- Cabin tech still behind the entry-level A-Class
- Pricey compared to the similar E-Class
Key specifications
Body style: Large saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £75,440 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Summer 2021
Update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“The CLS gets the job of being a comfortable, spacious and refined long-distance cruiser done incredibly well. We have some qualms about the rear-end styling, but for most the car’s sleek looks will appeal strongly.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s super relaxing to drive and the sumptuous interior comes laden with kit. A new four-cylinder engine helps reduce the lofty price-tag, too.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Want to drive a luxury saloon with an added dash of glamour? Then the Mercedes-Benz CLS could be for you. This four-door coupe offers dramatic looks and smart detailing on the outside, but inside you’ll find seating for five, not to mention all the trappings you’d hope for in a luxury car.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic CLS 400d AMG Line
Score: 7 / 10
“You’d like the CLS’ enveloping, sophisticated cabin, I reckon. The car doesn’t have the headroom of a typical executive saloon in either front or back rows, but it’s got decent legroom and can accommodate a 6ft 3in driver without any sense of restrictiveness.”
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Model reviewed: 2.9-litre diesel automatic 350d 4Matic AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Buyers will be buying it for style, and there’s plenty of that in the Mercedes-Benz CLS. There’s also plenty in the A7. Four-wheel steering is an option on the Audi, however, and this could give it the dynamic edge over the stylish but straight-line-friendly CLS.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic CLS 400d AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an epically comfortable, appropriately wafty four-door coupe that’s loaded with interesting tech, a visually arresting interior and luxurious equipment levels.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic CLS 350d
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a very attractive car, particularly when you put it alongside more run-of-the-mill saloons. It looks different, feels special inside and comes with an impressive standard equipment list. A varied range of powerful and efficient engines only adds to its range of abilities.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an attractive, fast and luxurious cruiser but its coupe styling makes it less practical than more traditional saloons.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mercedes CLS is a good compromise between a coupe and a saloon. If you want something sleeker than a typical saloon, but need more space than in a regular coupe, the CLS is the car for you.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic CLS 400d AMG Line
“All in all the Mercedes-Benz CLS is as good as ever, with the latest tech ensuring it is as up to the minute as any car can be.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic CLS 450
“The CLS 450 should have a range of more than 600 miles and it remains a supremely stylish coupe-cum-GT with powertrain technology that is sure to be seen on other Mercedes models.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic CLS 400d
Score: 8 / 10
“Swift, desirable and luxurious, the latest CLS gives its rivals plenty to think about”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Range overview
“As big a generational step forwards as the E-Class, the Mercedes-Benz CLS’s only weak points are its limited engine range and the comparatively old technology compared to the new A-Class.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic CLS 450 AMG Line
“A creamy smooth big petrol engine is a novelty in the corporate sector, but this unit’s hybrid technology makes it very relevant.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“As an alternative to your usual saloon, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has lots of appeal. It’s not as cumbersome as an S-Class and feels more special than an E-Class, and is a much rarer sight too.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“This Mercedes impresses behind the wheel, not least thanks to its silky smooth engines on offer, which also come paired to a fantastic nine-speed automatic gearbox. It’s also a brilliant long-distance cruiser, being effortlessly comfortable on longer trips.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Drama and intrigue aplenty in this surprisingly spacious coupe.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Same waft, just with added style. A fine long-distance GT, if ever there was one.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Despite having four doors, you still trade practicality for style, but otherwise the Mercedes CLS offers great pace and tidy handling.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The CLS’s coupé style certainly adds buyer appeal over the E Class on which it’s based. You don’t lose out too much in terms of practicality, except for rear headroom and visibility. This is a very well equipped, luxurious, comfortable, refined and very safe car – a highly desirable and impressive machine.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 77%
Safety assist: 62%
Notes on safety rating
The CLS shares its safety rating with the E-Class saloon, after Mercedes-Benz provided Euro NCAP with data to show that it performs comparably to its sibling. Euro NCAP also conducted additional tests on the CLS to verify the data provided.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of June 2023, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 99
Average repair cost: £674.77
Last updated: June 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of June 2023, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has a woeful reliability score of just 20%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This score covers both the current CLS and previous (pre-2019) generations.
The average repair cost of just under £700 is not unreasonable for a large premium car, although it’s still more expensive than the cost of a used car warranty so that’s worth bearing in mind if you own a CLS or are considering buying a used one.
The most commonly reported faults to date have been with the car’s electrical system, which has an average repair cost of about £550. Engine and suspension issues crop up on a fairly regular basis as well.
If you’re considering a used Mercedes-Benz CLS, make sure that any used car warranty you buy covers all of the problem areas shown above.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz CLS, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A6 | Audi A7 Sportback | BMW 5 Series | BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé | Jaguar XF | Lexus ES | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Porsche Panamera | Tesla Model S | Volvo S90
More information
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