Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz CLS lineup starts with the style-first CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC, then moves to the newer CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC with smoother mild-hybrid power and a more digital cabin. The CLS 550 and CLS 550 4MATIC are the comfort-focused V8 grand tourers, while the CLS 63 AMG family is the high-performance branch with a hand-built AMG V8 and sharper driving hardware.
The Base Model trim level — CLS 400 and CLS 400 4MATIC — is the style-led entry point, pairing the signature low-roof CLS shape with smooth V6 power and an upscale cabin.
Best for: Drivers who want the CLS design and luxury feel without making maximum power the priority.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level — CLS 450 and CLS 450 4MATIC — is the mainstream modern CLS, known for smooth mild-hybrid six-cylinder power, comfort, and a digital-focused cabin.
Best for: Drivers who want graceful everyday speed, modern cabin technology, and a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Highlights
Compared with Base Model, it brings a newer inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain and a more digital cabin; CLS 450 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive.
16 in stock
The Premium Power trim level — CLS 550 and CLS 550 4MATIC — is the non-AMG V8 grand tourer, built around quiet strength, long-distance comfort, and the CLS luxury experience.
Best for: Drivers who want stronger V8 performance and a richer grand-touring feel without the harder edge of an AMG model.
Highlights
Compared with Mid-Level, it shifts from smooth six-cylinder power to a stronger twin-turbo V8 while keeping a comfort-first, non-AMG personality.
12 in stockThe High Performance trim level — CLS 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC, and CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC — is the AMG flagship, turning the CLS into a sharper and more aggressive performance car.
Best for: Drivers who want the CLS shape and luxury cabin with serious acceleration, firmer responses, and AMG-specific hardware.
Highlights
Compared with Premium Power, it adds a hand-built AMG V8, a performance-focused transmission, adaptive sport suspension, and an AMG sport exhaust; the S version is the most aggressive member.
5 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Premium Power | High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | CLS 450, CLS 450 4MATIC16 in stock | CLS 400, CLS 400 4MATIC3 in stock | CLS 550, CLS 550 4MATIC12 in stock | CLS 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC, CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC5 in stock |
| Lineup role | Mainstream modern grand tourer | Style-led entry point | Non-AMG V8 grand tourer | AMG performance flagship |
| Engine character | Turbo inline-six mild hybrid | Twin-turbo V6 | Twin-turbo V8 | Hand-built twin-turbo AMG V8 |
| All-wheel-drive member | CLS 450 4MATIC | CLS 400 4MATIC | CLS 550 4MATIC | CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC and AMG S 4MATIC |
| Driving focus | Comfortable, graceful everyday speed | Smooth and style-focused | Strong, relaxed long-distance performance | Sharper AMG responses and control |
| Signature cabin features | Heated leather front seats; dual digital displays | Leather; heated power front seats with memory | Heated power front seats with memory; surround-sound audio | AMG-focused controls; Nappa leather sport seats on the S member |
| Performance hardware | Drive-mode controls | Standard luxury-car setup | Shift paddles | Adaptive sport suspension and sport exhaust |
4MATIC means the CLS has all-wheel drive. In lineups that offered matching versions, it generally changed traction rather than the basic luxury equipment or engine. It is the more weather-friendly layout for rain or winter driving.
The main difference is traction. In the 2015–2016 lineup, both use a 329-hp twin-turbo V6, a seven-speed automatic and similar luxury equipment. The CLS 400 is rear-wheel drive, while the CLS 400 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive.
The drivetrain is the defining difference. In the third-generation lineup, both use a turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist and a nine-speed automatic. The CLS 450 is rear-wheel drive, while the CLS 450 4MATIC sends power to all four wheels.
They belong to different eras and use different six-cylinder setups. The 2015–2016 CLS 400 has a 329-hp twin-turbo V6 and seven-speed automatic. The third-generation CLS 450 uses a 362-hp turbo inline-six with mild-hybrid assist and a nine-speed automatic.
The CLS 400 is the lighter, less power-focused choice, using a 329-hp twin-turbo V6. The CLS 550 steps up to a 402-hp twin-turbo V8 and stronger grand-touring performance while keeping the same style-led luxury character.
Both use the same 402-hp twin-turbo V8 and share their main comfort and cabin features. The CLS 550 is rear-wheel drive, while the CLS 550 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for improved traction in wet or wintry conditions.
The CLS 63 AMG is the performance-focused model. Compared with the comfort-oriented CLS 550, it adds a hand-built, higher-output V8, a faster-shifting AMG transmission, firmer adjustable suspension and AMG-specific drive controls.
The S identifies the higher-output AMG flagship. In the second-generation range, the CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC has 577 hp, all-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, adaptive sport suspension, an AMG exhaust and Nappa leather sport seats.
A non-AMG six-cylinder model is the more comfort-focused fit. The CLS 400 emphasizes style and everyday power, while third-generation CLS 450 models add smoother mild-hybrid inline-six performance and newer digital cabin technology.
A 4MATIC version is the sensible match because it has all-wheel drive. Depending on the era, that includes the CLS 400 4MATIC, CLS 450 4MATIC, CLS 550 4MATIC and later all-wheel-drive AMG models.
The CLS 550 is the straightforward choice. In its later second-generation form, it combines a 402-hp twin-turbo V8 with a luxury-focused cabin and grand-touring character. The 4MATIC version adds all-wheel drive without changing that basic role.
The CLS 63 AMG family is the performance branch. These models use hand-built twin-turbo V8 engines, AMG transmissions, firmer adjustable suspension and more aggressive drive settings. The AMG S sits at the top with 577 hp in the covered era.
Recent CLS 450 4MATIC models pair a 362-hp mild-hybrid inline-six with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic. Key cabin and safety features include dual 12.3-inch displays, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated leather front seats, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
No. The names reflect distinct eras. The CLS 400 was the V6 entry model in 2015–2016, the CLS 550 represented the non-AMG V8 era, and the CLS 450 became the third-generation six-cylinder model. The U.S. range eventually narrowed to the CLS 450 4MATIC alone.