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.
No longer on sale, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 50%. Its biggest black mark is running costs, which are very high – insurance, servicing and fuel consumption are all expensive.
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
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Mercedes CLS is a good compromise between a coupe and a saloon, although it’s pricier and less practical than the E-Class saloon.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
More reviews
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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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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”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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
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.”
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
Total claims: 122
Average repair cost: £585.40
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Mercedes-Benz CLS has a lower-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended workshop and warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both this generation CLS and older (pre-2018) models.
More than a third of all reported problems with the CLSs relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of just over £500.
If you’re looking at a used Mercedes-Benz CLS, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 33 mpg | D |
| Diesel models | 39 mpg | D |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 193 g/km | D | ||
| Diesel models | 188 g/km | D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 50 | F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £371 | D |
| Year 2 | £896 | D |
| Year 3 | £1,450 | D |
| Year 4 | £1,849 | E |
| Year 5 | £2,389 | E |
| Overall | £6,955 | E |
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.
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
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