“TOO DAMN COMPLEX TO OPERATE! Not fun to drive. SO MANY FEATURES IMPOSSIBLE TO UNDERSTAND IN ONE OR EVEN TWO SESSIONS!!!!!!!”
Mercedes-Benz CLS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a four-door luxury sedan with coupe-like styling, known for pairing E-Class-like comfort and sophistication with a lower, more dramatic shape. It puts design and smooth performance ahead of maximum passenger and cargo room.
The CLS helped establish the idea of a four-door coupe: a practical sedan shaped to look sleeker and more dramatic. Across three generations, its focus stayed on style, a rich cabin, and effortless power rather than maximum space or all-out sportiness. Older versions leaned heavily on V8 power, while the third generation moved to a smooth turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance.
Strengths
- Its sweeping roofline gives it a distinctive coupe-like look without giving up four doors.
- The cabin emphasizes comfort, sophisticated design, and upscale technology.
- Recent CLS 450 models deliver smooth power from a 362-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance.
- Older CLS 550 and AMG versions bring the strong V8 performance that defined much of the model’s earlier life.
- The third-generation cabin seats five, making it more practical than the four-seat layout used by the first generation.
Who it's for
The CLS fits someone who wants a comfortable luxury sedan but finds a conventional one too reserved. It works best for drivers who value exterior design, a polished cabin, and relaxed performance more than a roomy back seat or large trunk.
Mercedes-Benz CLS lineup
The regular CLS 400 and later CLS 450 models are the sensible picks for shoppers who want the shape and luxury without making V8 performance the priority. Step up to an older CLS 550 for stronger V8 power and a more muscular character. AMG versions sit at the performance end of the family, with much higher output and a sharper focus. In the final U.S. years, the range narrowed to the CLS 450 4MATIC, combining the turbocharged six-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz CLS generations
From 2009 to 2023, the CLS spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation — C257 arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation — C218 (2012–2018).
3rd Generation — C257 (2019–2023)
The third-generation CLS brought smoother styling, five seats instead of four, and a turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance. A light 2022 refresh revised the front styling and left the U.S. lineup with one AWD model.
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2023
The facelifted CLS 450 AWD carries over for the final U.S. model year.
2022Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling, standard AMG Line exterior details, and a new steering wheel arrive. The U.S. lineup shrinks to the CLS 450 AWD.
2021
The newer touchscreen system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display become standard.
2020
The redesigned body and mild-hybrid inline-six carry over with no significant changes.
2019New generation
A full redesign brings smoother styling, a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six, a nine-speed automatic, and a five-seat cabin.
2nd Generation — C218 (2012–2018)
The second-generation CLS introduced a redesigned body and cabin, twin-turbo V8 engines, and the model’s first U.S. AWD version. The 2015 refresh updated the styling, center display, and collision-braking technology while adding the V6-powered CLS 400.
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2018
The CLS 400 leaves the U.S. lineup, making the V8-powered CLS 550 the non-AMG starting point.
2017Trim changes
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrive, while the design and main mechanical parts carry over.
2016
The top model adopts Mercedes-AMG naming. The AWD CLS 550 also gains the newer nine-speed automatic, and the cabin gets a standard USB connection.
2015Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling, a larger center display, and newer collision-braking technology arrive. The V6-powered CLS 400 joins the lineup.
2014Trim changes
AMG models move to standard AWD in the U.S., and the new higher-powered S model joins the range.
2013
The three-model lineup and twin-turbo V8 engines carry over from 2012.
2012New generation
A full redesign brings a new body and cabin, twin-turbo V8 engines, new steering hardware, and the first U.S. CLS 550 AWD.
1st Generation — C219 (2006–2011)
The original CLS established the model’s low-roof four-door shape, combining V8 power with a four-seat cabin. Its 2009 refresh revised the exterior details and dashboard controls without changing the engines.
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2011
The CLS 550 makes its former Sport Package equipment standard in this final year before the redesign.
2010
The steering wheel and navigation and audio system are updated, with HD Radio becoming standard.
2009Mid-cycle update
A light refresh brings a new grille, larger mirrors, reshaped LED taillights, and revised dashboard controls.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS a sedan or a coupe?
The CLS is a four-door sedan with a low, coupe-like roofline. Mercedes treats styling as a major part of its identity, so it looks more dramatic than a conventional luxury sedan but is less focused on rear-seat space.
What is the Mercedes-Benz CLS known for?
The CLS is known for combining E-Class-like comfort and sophistication with a sweeping four-door-coupe shape. Its main draws are design, smooth power and an upscale cabin rather than maximum passenger room or an especially aggressive driving feel.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS roomy enough for a family?
It can work for a small family, but space is not its main strength. The low roof and style-first shape make it less practical than a conventional sedan. Third-generation cars seat five and have 35 inches of rear legroom and an 11.9-cubic-foot trunk.
How many people does the Mercedes-Benz CLS seat?
It depends on the generation. First- and second-generation CLS models use a four-seat cabin, while the redesigned third generation introduced for 2019 has five seats.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS a hybrid?
Third-generation CLS 450 models use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with their turbocharged inline-six. The electric system assists the gas engine; the car remains a gas-powered luxury sedan rather than a plug-in model.
What engines came in the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The engine depends heavily on the era and trim. The CLS has used twin-turbo V6, turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six and twin-turbo V8 engines. AMG versions use higher-output, hand-built V8s with more aggressive supporting hardware.
Does the Mercedes-Benz CLS have all-wheel drive?
Many CLS models have all-wheel drive, identified by the 4MATIC badge. Rear-wheel-drive versions also existed in earlier lineups. By the final U.S. model years, the sole CLS 450 4MATIC came with all-wheel drive as standard.
What are the main Mercedes-Benz CLS generations?
The first generation ran through 2011 and emphasized V8 power and a four-seat cabin. The second generation covered 2012–2018 with a redesigned body and broader engine range. The third ran from 2019–2023 with five seats, inline-six mild-hybrid power and newer cabin tech.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz CLS
(455 reviews)
“CLS400 is excellent value for money, lot of safety features, exceptional interior and exterior features, best automatic LED headlights, fantastic pickup in regular and sports mode, fun to drive - next best thing to Benz S class”
“Be ready to be confused by the electronics, a real disincentive to buying a modern car with all the bells and whistles. I find that I still have buyer's remorse due to the complexity of the many electronic controls. The car drives very well, but the controls remain a mystery. Additionally, I hate the run-flat tires—expensive and not really practical for long-distance driving. Another disincentive to own my car.”
“The best or nothing. The new 2019 Mercedes CLS 450 is an amazing car that is powerful, stylish and down right sexy.”
“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.”
“Electronics are complicated to use and controls especially on steering wheel are NOT user friendly.”