2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for 2018 is a small standard-equipment update: two previously optional features became standard. Otherwise, the AMG CLS carried over mechanically and visually in its final second-generation year.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS
2nd generation (2012-2018), final model year; post-2015 mid-cycle update
Mercedes-AMG positioned the CLS as a sleek four-door coupe that combines dramatic styling and a hand-finished luxury cabin with serious V8 performance. Its appeal is the mix of four-seat practicality, rapid all-weather acceleration, and a chassis built for enthusiastic driving. Compared with a conventional luxury sedan, the AMG CLS puts greater emphasis on its low roofline, distinctive road presence, engine character, and sports-car-like response.
The sole model was the CLS 63 S 4MATIC, positioned as a fast, luxurious four-seat model with a sleek four-door body. Its signature hardware included a handcrafted 577-horsepower V8, all-wheel drive, an adaptive sport suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and heated Nappa leather sport seats.
What changed, by category
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 577 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Park Assist | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| 360 Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Power Moonroof | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Remote Start | |
| Ventilated Front Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLS?
The rearview camera and rear spoiler became standard for 2018. The engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, styling, infotainment, and chassis otherwise carried over without significant changes.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLS different from the 2017 model?
Yes, but only slightly. The 2018 model made the rearview camera and rear spoiler standard, while its main mechanical and design elements remained the same as in 2017.
Was the 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLS redesigned?
No. The 2018 model was the final year of the second-generation AMG CLS and retained the design introduced before it.
Which AMG CLS model was sold for 2018?
The 2018 lineup consisted of one model, the CLS 63 S 4MATIC. It paired a 577-horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Is the 2018 AMG CLS worth choosing over the 2017 model?
The 2018 is mainly worth considering over the 2017 if standard rearview-camera and rear-spoiler equipment matters to you. Their core performance hardware, design, infotainment, and chassis are otherwise substantially the same.