fbpx

Independent, impartial advice for car buyers and car owners

Find an Expert Rating: 
Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz CLS

(2018 – present)

    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

    +

    Auto Express

    +

    Auto Trader

    +

    Autocar

    +

    Car

    +

    Car Keys

    +

    Carbuyer

    +

    Carwow

    +

    Eurekar

    +

    Evo

    +

    Fleetworld

    +

    Honest John

    +

    Motors.co.uk

    +

    Parkers

    +

    Top Gear

    +

    What Car?

    +

    Which?

    +

    Safety rating


    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.

    Eco rating


    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 rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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 CoupéJaguar XF | Lexus ES | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Porsche Panamera | Tesla Model S | Volvo S90


    More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz CLA at The Car Expert

    The best used estate cars for under £20,000

    The best used estate cars for under £20,000

    Mercedes-Benz CLS test drive

    Mercedes-Benz CLS test drive

    £57.5K buys new Mercedes-Benz CLS

    £57.5K buys new Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Buy a Mercedes-Benz CLS


    If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz CLS, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

    Carwow logo 600x300

    Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more

    Auto Trader logo 600x300

    Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

    Cazoo 600x300

    Buy a car online from your sofa.
    We’ll deliver it. Find out more

    Motors 600x300

    Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more

    Lease a Mercedes-Benz CLS


    If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz CLS, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

    Carparison 600x300

    Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more

    Hippo Leasing 600x300

    Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing. Find out more

    Moneyshake logo 600x300

    Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake. Find out more

    LeaseLoco logo 600x300

    Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more

    Ready2Lease logo

    Personal contract hire deals from Ready2Lease. Find out more

    Rivervale Leasing logo 2022

    Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more

    Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz CLS


    If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

    Mycardirect subscriptions – 600x300

    Car subscriptions from Mycardirect.
    Find out more

    Wagonex logo 2022

    Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
    Find out more

    Elmo logo 2022

    Electric car subscriptions from Elmo.
    Find out more

    Onto logo 600x300

    Electric car subscriptions from Onto.
    Find out more

    Used car finance

    Looking for an alternative to dealer finance? The Car Expert's partners can help
    We Finance Any Car 400x200

    Used car finance from We Finance Any Car.
    Find out more

    Blue Motor Finance

    Used car finance from Blue Motor Finance.
    Find out more

    Happy Motor Finance 600x300

    Used car finance from Happy Motor Finance.
    Find out more

    Quick Car Finance logo 800x400

    Used car finance from Quick Car Finance.
    Find out more

    Sell your car

    Do you have a car to sell? The Car Expert's partners can offer you a great price
    Motorway 600x300

    Get a free valuation in seconds from Motorway.
    Find out more

    Cazoo 600x300

    Get a free and instant offer for your car from Cazoo.
    Find out more

    Carwow logo 600x300

    The free, easy way to get 3,000+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car.
    Find out more

    Auto Trader logo 600x300

    Get a cash offer for your car in minutes from Auto Trader.
    Find out more

    This page last updated:

    This page contains links to some of our commercial partners. If you click on any of those links, we may receive a commission.

    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We're adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    Now in its third generation, the latest Mercedes-Benz CLS hasn't captured buyer attention or media acclaim like the original did years ago.Mercedes-Benz CLS