2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is an all-new second-generation model, not a light update. Its headline change is the redesigned C218 platform, which brings new twin-turbo V8 engines, a new body and cabin, and the first US-market CLS with all-wheel drive.
About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2nd gen (C218), first US model year after a full redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLS as a style-led four-door coupe for buyers who want something more dramatic than a traditional luxury sedan without giving up real comfort, safety, and long-distance usability. Its appeal is the combination of a low, sleek roofline, four individual seats, strong V8 power, and a richly finished cabin. Compared with rivals, the CLS is less about maximum rear-seat space and more about making everyday luxury feel special and expressive.
The CLS 550 is the core luxury model, pairing a 402-hp twin-turbo V8 with air suspension, leather seating, navigation, and a 14-speaker harman/kardon audio system. The CLS 550 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive, while the CLS 63 AMG is the performance version with a handcrafted 518-hp twin-turbo V8 and adjustable transmission, suspension, steering, and stability settings.
What changed, by category
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 402 hp | 518 hp | 402 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS a new generation?
Yes. The 2012 CLS is the first US model year of the second-generation C218, with a redesigned body and cabin, new engines, new steering, and lighter aluminum doors.
What changed between the 2011 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The 2012 CLS is a full redesign. It replaces the previous V8 engines with twin-turbo V8s, adopts new 7-speed transmissions, gains electromechanical steering and lighter aluminum doors, and adds a CLS 550 model with all-wheel drive.
Is all-wheel drive new on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Yes. The CLS 550 4MATIC is new for 2012 and marks the first pairing of all-wheel drive with the CLS in the US market.
Does the 2012 CLS 63 AMG still have the old 6.2-liter V8?
No. The redesigned 2012 CLS 63 AMG replaces the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 with a handcrafted 518-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. It also gets an AMG 7-speed multi-clutch automatic and engine stop-start.
Is the 2012 CLS substantially different from the 2011 model?
Yes. The 2012 model is substantially different because it begins a new generation rather than carrying over with minor updates. The body, cabin, V8 engines, transmissions, steering, and parts of the structure all changed.