2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS was largely a carryover, with one notable trim update: the CLS 550 made its former Sport Package equipment standard. This was also the final year of the first-generation CLS before the 2012 redesign.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
1st gen (C219, 2006-2011), final U.S. model year before the all-new C218 redesign for 2012
Mercedes-Benz positioned the CLS as the original four-door coupe: a lower, sleeker, more emotional alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. Its appeal was not rear-seat practicality but style, V8 performance, and a special-feeling cabin with four individual seats. For most buyers, the CLS was the car to choose when an E-Class felt too conventional and a true coupe felt less usable day to day.
The CLS 550 paired dramatic four-door styling with a 382-hp V8, air suspension, navigation and a leather-trimmed four-seat cabin. The CLS 63 AMG was the performance model, with a hand-built 507-hp V8, stronger brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and Nappa leather sport seats.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.5 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 12 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 507 hp |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS redesigned?
No. The 2011 CLS was the final model year of the first-generation design, with the full redesign arriving for 2012.
What changed on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550?
The CLS 550 made its former Sport Package equipment standard for 2011. That brought standard 18-inch AMG wheels and steering-wheel shift paddles.
Did the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS get new engines?
No. The CLS 550 retained its 382-hp 5.5-liter V8, while the CLS 63 AMG retained its hand-built 507-hp 6.3-liter V8.
How did the 2011 CLS 63 AMG differ from the CLS 550?
The 2011 CLS 63 AMG was the higher-performance version. It had a 507-hp hand-built V8, quicker transmission programming, stronger brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and AMG sport seats, while the CLS 550 used a 382-hp V8 and had a more comfort-focused setup.