Mercedes-Benz CLS Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
![](https://preview-assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3b3d460e-c5ae-0195-6b86-3ac7fb9d52db/3c62af11-2f96-4cca-8428-873213ba0f07/Andy%20Brady_100px.jpg?w=96&q=80&fm=webp&lossless=0)
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Velvety ride
- Hushed engines
- AMG model’s pace
Cons
- Boot not as practical as rivals
- Rear headroom
- Cost of Premium Plus versions
Overall verdict on the Mercedes-Benz CLS
"The swoopy Mercedes-Benz CLS was quite the trailblazer when the model was first launched in 2004. But now in its third generation, it faces a lot more competition for your affections from all of Mercedes usual rivals and more."
![Mercedes-Benz CLS Review 2023: frontright exterior](https://preview-assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3b3d460e-c5ae-0195-6b86-3ac7fb9d52db/7be8cf28-9c88-4753-a756-9b1185ac13e5/Mercedes%20CLS%20%284%29.jpg?w=1920&q=80&fm=webp&lossless=0)
Our in depth Mercedes-Benz CLS review looks at the competition for the Audi A7 and BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, which are arguably a bit more stylish and sleek. You could also look at the Jaguar XF or even the Maserati Ghibli. So does the Mercedes-Benz CLS still have what it takes?
Looks-wise, it's perhaps not as distinctive as the original, but we think it's still a handsome design. There’s also enough of a difference between the CLS and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon it shares so much of its mechanical base for there to be some clear air between the two. The interior echoes the E-Class and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though, with the same huge single screen which dominates the dash.
The finish is excellent, as you'd expect, and there's more room than before all round. The back now has three seats rather than two and there's lots of legroom while the seats themselves are very comfortable. That said, six-footers will find headroom tight in the back and you also have to accept a compromise with luggage space to enjoy the Mercedes CLS’s coupe looks over the more practical E-Class saloon.
The standout feature of the Mercedes CLS, however, is the ride. It's incredibly forgiving and controlled, making the Mercedes CLS more comfortable to travel in than the Audi A7 or 6 Series GT. There's little trade-off in handling either and the Mercedes is very capable on the twisty stuff, feeling far more agile than the aforementioned BMW. The only let-down is more road noise on motorways than you'd expect.
Most models are the 300 d and 400 d - both powered by the same six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel, just in different states of tune. The former should provide more than enough power for most with 500Nm of torque. If you don't do the miles to need a diesel, there's an entry-level Mercedes CLS 350 which is actually a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and also the cheapest model.
If you want more oomph, there’s the Mercedes CLS 450 with its turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. Or, you could go the whole hog with the AMG-tuned Mercedes CLS 53 that bristles with 435PS to see off 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. For new models the engine range has been pared down to just the 400 d and CLS 53.
As an alternative to your usual saloon, the Mercedes CLS has lots of appeal. It's not as cumbersome as a Mercedes S-Class and feels more special than a Mercedes E-Class, and is a much rarer sight too. We really like its blend of comfortable ride and handling ability, while the standard-fit 9G-Tronic gearbox works really well, especially compared to the S tronic in the Audi A7. If you're in the market for a premium coupe-style four-door, this is the one to go for.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Mercedes CLS cars for sale.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS right for you?
What’s the best Mercedes-Benz CLS model/engine to choose?
What other cars are similar to the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Comfort and design: Mercedes-Benz CLS interior
"The interior of the Mercedes CLS may not be as cutting edge as the Audi A7 Sportback’s, but the driving position in the CLS is better. You sit lower down with the high centre console giving it the 'coupe' feel Mercedes-Benz talks about. There's still plenty of space and more than of adjustment in both the seat and steering column."
![Mercedes-Benz CLS Review 2023: front interior](https://preview-assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3b3d460e-c5ae-0195-6b86-3ac7fb9d52db/7c81638f-73f1-4699-8179-a797deb02bd2/Mercedes%20CLS%20%282%29.jpg?w=1920&q=80&fm=webp&lossless=0)
The hunkered down feel of the Mercedes-Benz CLS’ driving position is cosseting and the only thing we’re not so keen on is the bit of the transmission tunnel that butts out and into the driver’s left leg.
Part-electric seat adjustment is standard on the Mercedes CLS and when you have the seat set how you like it, the view forwards and the sides is good. However, you do pay the price for coupe styling with limited vision over your left shoulder. However, all models come with parking sensors and a reversing camera to save your neck muscles and nerves when backing into tight spaces.
The large digital display used for the main instruments is one of the highlights of the Mercedes CLS cabin, along with the 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dash top. Add in the lovely chromed circular air vents, which are gently lit at night in a soft glow, and the whole cabin ambience is a cut above what you find in most cars of this price and size.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Mercedes-Benz CLS
Space and practicality: Mercedes-Benz CLS boot space
Handling and ride quality: What is the Mercedes-Benz CLS like to drive?
"What stands out when you travel in the Mercedes CLS is the ride. While it sits between the E-Class and S-Class in terms of size and price, it's the latter with which it shares most of its ride characteristics, which is a welcome direction for most owners who will use the CLS as their everyday car."
![Mercedes-Benz CLS Review 2023: front exterior](https://preview-assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3b3d460e-c5ae-0195-6b86-3ac7fb9d52db/7bc869a0-751e-45a6-9b59-a96e22b8f37d/Mercedes%20CLS%20%2810%29.jpg?w=1920&q=80&fm=webp&lossless=0)
It's immensely comfortable and glides along with the minimum of fuss. We can think of no better car for covering long distances in comfort. The standard suspension set-up is very good, although perhaps not quite up to the standard of the Audi A7 Sportback, but opt for the optional adaptive air suspension and it floats along effortlessly.
That's not at the expense of handling though. The Mercedes-Benz CLS lives up to its 'coupe' design with impressive control in corners and a real feeling of reassurance at speed. All models, with the exception of the entry-level petrol and diesel versions, have 4Matic four-wheel drive which means good traction, particularly in the wet.
The steering, although not brimming with feel or heft, is responsive and accurate to make the Mercedes CLS feel far more agile than the wallowy BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo. For a big car, it's surprisingly enjoyable to drive on a more demanding road.
Keener drivers with sufficient funds to pay for it will enjoy the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+. It increases the grip in corners thanks its fatter tyres and more hunkered down suspension, which is firmer but not in a crashy kind of way. Rather, this AMG model finds more traction by working with the road’s surface to keep the tyres in contact with it and give the driver a very high level of confidence in its abilities.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Refinement and noise levels
Safety equipment: How safe is the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Mercedes-Benz CLS cost to run?
"The gap between fuel economy for the diesel and petrol Mercedes CLS models is not as big as you might think, but the 300 d is still the most frugal. Its 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor offers a best combined consumption of 46.3mpg. We don’t have Real MPG figures for this model, but experience suggests this will be very close to what you can expect in everyday use."
![Mercedes-Benz CLS Review 2023: backright exterior](https://preview-assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3b3d460e-c5ae-0195-6b86-3ac7fb9d52db/46118b0b-d9b1-44ab-a8fb-0487ae57d5a9/Mercedes%20CLS%20%289%29.jpg?w=1920&q=80&fm=webp&lossless=0)
The 400 d has a claimed best of 41.5mpg, yet Real MPG shows this at a very creditable 49.5mpg. As for the petrols, the CLS 350 claims 37.2mpg and Real MPG shows an impressive 48.1mpg, while the 450 comes in at 35.3mpg yet Real MPG scores it at 42.1mpg. Official number for the AMG CLS 53 is 31.0mpg and again Real MPG betters that with 32.6mpg.
How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Insurance groups and costs
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
How much should you be paying for a used Mercedes-Benz CLS?
"A two-year-old Mercedes CLS 300 d with under 15,000 miles under its nose will cost from approximately £43,000. If you want a petrol-powered model, which are less common, expect to add £10,000 to that figure for a CLS 450. As for the AMG model, they start at around the £55,000 mark."
![Mercedes-Benz CLS Review 2023: rear](https://preview-assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3b3d460e-c5ae-0195-6b86-3ac7fb9d52db/4d7fea50-673a-410b-979d-271728576bcf/Mercedes%20CLS%20%286%29.jpg?w=1920&q=80&fm=webp&lossless=0)
Choose a pre-registered or nearly new Mercedes-Benz CLS and you can make a substantial saving. You can expect to find a 400 d AMG Line with 2500 miles on the clock for £65,000, saving you £10,000 on the list price. There are also some very keen personal contract leasing deals available from Mercedes dealers.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS or E-Class bigger?
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS expensive to maintain?
Is a Mercedes-Benz CLS a good car?
Mercedes-Benz CLS cars for sale on heycar
Mercedes-Benz CLSCLS 300d AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
202063,096 milesDiesel£347 mo£23,197
Great priceDN312SUMercedes-Benz CLSCLS 350 AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr 9G-Tronic
201926,222 milesHybrid£632 moor £28,599£30,399
£1,800 offNP194SSMercedes-Benz CLSCLS 350d AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
201732,743 milesDiesel£434 mo£19,706
Good priceGL25YBMercedes-Benz CLSCLS 450 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr 9G-Tronic
201869,600 milesPetrol£534 mo£24,975
BL99STMercedes-Benz CLSCLS 220d AMG Line Premium 4dr 7G-Tronic
201667,859 milesDiesel£323 mo£14,650
Good priceDE214SX
Get our latest advice, news and offers
Keep me updated by email with the latest advice, news and offers from heycar.
By submitting you agree to our privacy policy![AUDI car](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.assets.prod.heycar.com%2Fv6.436.1%2F_next%2Fstatic%2Fmedia%2Faudi_visu_q5_famille_2000x1030_1_1.f8dbc3f3.webp&w=1920&q=90)