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Mercedes-Benz CLS

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$10,175 - $16,425

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
The CLS has been extensively freshened and now has a 4.6-liter, twin-turbo V8. An AMG version with a 5.5-liter delivers ferocious acceleration and a sound to match. The coupe-like styling results in a low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space that limits access, visibility, and rear-seat room. Handling is capable and surprisingly agile for such a large car. The ride is firm but supple and steady. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated.

2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

$10,175 - $16,150
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,325 - $10,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,425 - $8,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,950 - $10,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,475 - $12,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 2 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 4.6-liter V8 turbo (402 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 turbo (518 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

Mercedes-Benz pioneered the modern four-door-coupe segment with the original CLS nearly a dozen years ago. Now, the redesigned third-generation CLS continues to rely on the same recipe: a sleek, low-slung sport sedan with some compromised visibility and cabin access. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. The CLS seats five people. The base engine is a 362-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, marking Mercedes-Benz's return to a straight, inline six-cylinder. Basic driver assist systems are standard, including blind spot warning, active braking, and a driver-attention monitor. Consumers will have to pay for the optional package that includes active steering and adaptive cruise control.

2012-2018
2012 Redesign Year

The CLS has been extensively freshened and now has a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8. An AMG version with a 5.5-liter delivers ferocious acceleration. The coupelike styling results in a low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space that limits access, visibility, and rear-seat room. Handling is capable and surprisingly agile for such a large car. The ride is firm but supple and steady. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. A broad selection of the latest driver assistance technologies including forward collision prevention, lane tracking, lane departure warning and semi-automated parking are available.

2006-2011
2006 Redesign Year
Based upon the E-Class sedan, the CLS four-door coupe's low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space compromise access, outward visibility and rear-seat head- and legroom. The 5.0-liter V8 offers smooth and abundant power, but the seven-speed automatic often hesitated before downshifts and wasn't always smooth in our tests. A 6.3-liter AMG version is available. The quick steering offers good feedback, and the handling is capable, if not really sporty. Ride quality is mostly steady, but some side-to-side motions are annoying. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish are excellent, but the controls are complicated.