Name: Mercedes-Benz CLS (2018 – 2023) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-Benz CLS
Rating: 54.0

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was a large executive saloon based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This was the third and final generation of the CLS, which arrived in the UK in the middle of 2018 and was facelifted in Summer 2021. It was discontinued in the second half of 2023.

Mercedes-Benz referred 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 upon which it’s based. There was also a higher-performance AMG model called the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, which is not covered here.

A facelifted CLS arrived in the UK in Summer 2021, which consists of some tech upgrades and minor styling tweaks.

The third-gen CLS didn’t quite capture 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. Declining sales year-on-year meant that the CLS will not be replaced.

It didn’t help that, for much of its production life, the CLS was only available with a 3.0-litre diesel engine and one level of (quite high) specification. This meant that the starting price of a CLS was more than £75K, which was obviously a limiting factor for many people. (The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 was available with a 3.0-litre petrol engine, but was even more expensive with a starting price of neary £87K.)

The Mercedes-Benz CLS received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media. It received praise for its styling and high levels of advanced technology. However, its high pricing and sleeker styling compromised its general practicality, so consumer titles marked the CLS more harshly than its E-Class siblings as a result.

As of May 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 54%. Its biggest black mark is running costs, which are very high – insurance, servicing and fuel consumption are all expensive.

More Mercedes-Benz Expert Ratings, news, new car reviews and features

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 when new: From £75,440 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Summer 2021
Discontinued: Autumn 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Date expired: January 2023
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 2016-2023 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.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of May 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz CLS to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the CLS, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	33 mpg	E	33 – 34 mpg	D – E
Diesel models	39 mpg	D	39 – 44 mpg	C – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	193 g/km	D	186 – 203 g/km	C – D
Diesel models	188 g/km	C	168 – 192 g/km	C – C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	50 – 50	F – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£444	D
Year 2	£1,021	D
Year 3	£1,560	D
Year 4	£1,849	D
Year 5	£2,504	D
Overall	£7,378	D

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

In every score above other than CO₂ emissions for the diesel-engine models, the CLS is a high-cost proposition.