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Sedan · Gas

Mercedes-Benz CLS 2012–2018 (C218)

Mercedes-Benz CLS
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$66,900–$108,000
MPG
24
  • Watch-out: Poor running costs
  • Watch-out: Below-average value retention
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How it scores for you10 scores
The original four-door coupe still delivers effortless V8 pace and presence, but air-suspension and engine upkeep on aging examples punishes thin wallets.
Reliability48

Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years (over-the-air software recalls count half); 2 of its 5 recalls were serious. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.

Safety50

Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.

Running costs17

About $3,350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 17% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility53

15.3 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 53% of other sedans we track.

Passenger space45

Strict four seats and a low roofline trade practicality for style.

Driving fun62

Effortless twin-turbo pace up to the 577-hp CLS63 S; a swift cruiser more than a scalpel.

Tech55

COMAND-era electronics were solid mid-decade but feel dated now; ADAS availability decent.

Comfort68

Hushed, richly finished four-seat cabin with air suspension compliance.

Value retention40

Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz tend to lose value faster than average.

Capability30

No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls7 recalls

Not yet rated by NHTSA.

7 recalls across 2015–2018

  • Recall — Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software (2018)
  • Recall — Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software (2017)
  • Recall — Communication (2016)

2018

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

2017

  • RecallCommunication: auto crash notification; electrical system: software21V058000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

2016

  • RecallCommunication19V787000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models

2015

  • RecallStructure: body: hood15V088000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 E350 Sedan, E350 4Matic Sedan, E350 4Matic Station Wagon, E400 Hybrid Sedan, CLS 550 CGI, and CLS550 4Matic, 2013-2014 E550 4Matic Sedan, 2013 E63 Sedan, E63 Station Wagon and CLS63, 2014-2015 CLS63 4Matic, E63 4Matic Sedan, E

  • RecallExterior lighting15V137000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLS 400 and CLS 400 4matic, 2012-2015 CLS 550 and CLS 550 4matic, 2012-2013 CLS 63, 2014 CLS 63, and 2014-2015 CLS 63P. The affected vehicles have LED tail lights that may not light on the sides, reducing the rear side visibility

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine15V505000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz E350, E400, E400 4Matic, E63 4M S AMG, E350 4Matic, E63-4M S AMG, 2015 CLS400, CLS400 4Matic, CLS550, CLS63-4M "P" AMG, and CLS550 4Matic vehicles manufactured April 16, 2015, to April 22, 2015. The integral steel cabl

  • RecallCommunication19V787000

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models

Cost to own$37,600 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$66,900–$108,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2018$44,000–$51,600
2017$35,700–$41,900
2016$28,400–$33,300
2015$21,900–$25,700

$3,350/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $66,900–$108,000
Efficiency24 MPG
Seats4
Drivetrain4WD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

20

Highway MPG

29

Combined MPG

24

Horsepower

577 hp

Doors

4

Cargo volume

15.3 cu ft

Limited data — dimensions unavailable.

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