Sedan · Gas
Mercedes-Benz CLS 2012–2018 (C218)

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- Take the quiz
- Price
- $66,900–$108,000
- MPG
- 24
- Watch-out: Poor running costs
- Watch-out: Below-average value retention
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.
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.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $3,350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 17% of cars we track.
15.3 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 53% of other sedans we track.
Strict four seats and a low roofline trade practicality for style.
Effortless twin-turbo pace up to the 577-hp CLS63 S; a swift cruiser more than a scalpel.
COMAND-era electronics were solid mid-decade but feel dated now; ADAS availability decent.
Hushed, richly finished four-seat cabin with air suspension compliance.
Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz tend to lose value faster than average.
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
$3,350/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
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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