“If you like engineering superiority, lightening speed, sublime comfort and seduction styling, this car is the equivalent of paradise.”
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the removal of the V6-powered CLS 400, making the V8-powered CLS 550 the non-AMG starting point. Otherwise, this final year of the second-generation CLS is largely unchanged.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2nd generation CLS (C218, 2012-2018 U.S.), final model year before the all-new 3rd-generation 2019 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLS as the original four-door coupe: a style-first luxury car that mixes a low, dramatic roofline with real four-door usability. Its appeal is less about sport-sedan sharpness and more about grand-touring power, rich cabin materials, and a more intimate, special-feeling interior than a traditional midsize luxury sedan. Buyers choose it for design and atmosphere first, then for strong effortless performance.
The 2018 CLS lineup centers on the grand-touring CLS 550, with the harder-edged AMG CLS 63 S at the top. The CLS 550 has a 402-hp twin-turbo V8, a nine-speed automatic, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto; the CLS 550 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for better traction in poor weather.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The V6-powered CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC left the U.S. lineup. The non-AMG range now starts with the twin-turbo V8 CLS 550, offered with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard across the lineup for 2018; it had previously been optional.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd Driver Adptv | Auto, 9-Spd Driver Adptv |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 402 hp | 402 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| 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 | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The main change is that Mercedes dropped the V6-powered CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC, leaving the V8 CLS 550 models as the non-AMG choices. A rearview camera also became standard, while the rest of the car largely carried over.
Was the Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 offered for 2018?
No. The V6-powered CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC were dropped from the U.S. lineup for 2018, so the V8-powered CLS 550 became the starting point below the AMG model.
What is the difference between the 2018 CLS 550 and CLS 550 4MATIC?
The main difference is the drive system. The CLS 550 has rear-wheel drive, while the CLS 550 4MATIC has all-wheel drive; both use a 402-hp 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS the final year of its generation?
Yes. The 2018 CLS is the final U.S. model year of the second-generation C218 before the fully redesigned third-generation CLS arrived for 2019.
Is the 2018 CLS a major update over the 2017 model?
No. The 2018 CLS is a light lineup update rather than a redesign: the CLS 400 models were dropped and the rearview camera became standard, but the remaining models largely carried over.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
4.4
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS
(9 reviews)
“I love the CLS550 but don't like certain new features. I'm having to get use to the car pulling when I go toward the line. It's actually irritating because it happens at the smallest thing.”
“If you're looking for and overall great performing vehicle with a sports look, then the CLS is for you.”