(Image: AutoTrack)
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an elegant and dynamic four-door comfort coupe. Autovisie delves into the problems, versions and prices in this purchasing guide.
The first generation Mercedes-Benz CLS was marketed as a ‘Jaguar hunter’. The third generation also combines elegant design with great comfort, a wide choice of custom options and an undisputed top-class finish.
Body Mercedes-Benz CLS
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS, model code C 257, will debut in 2017 and bear the brand’s new design style. The design returns to the original from 2004 with sober shapes and a new ‘shark mouth front’ with sharp-looking full-LED headlights. The new CLS is only available as a four-door coupe. The Shooting Brake will not have a sequel. For a sporty appearance, the AMG Line and the Night package are in the options list.
(Image: AutoTrack)
Top model Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has a more exuberant sports package and four exhaust pipes. An open roof and multibeam LED headlights are other options. A new bonnet with two ‘power domes’ is part of the small facelift of 2019. A larger refresh will follow in early 2021. In the Netherlands, the AMG Line package is now standard. Malfunctions that sometimes occur include a faltering active air intake (Airpanel) and an overactive parking camera.
Mercedes-Benz CLS interior
The CLS interior gives occupants the feeling that they are in a special car. The design is impressive and although the rear headroom is not S-class level, the materials and finish are. The CLS has five seats (four of which are comfortable), a three-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch Media Display, adjustable ambient lighting with illuminated round ventilation grilles, Pre Safe driver assistance systems and Mercedes Me Connect services as standard.
(Image: AutoTrack)
For a real pampering feeling, additional options are indispensable, such as the fully digital Widescreen Cockpit, the Energizing package and semi-autonomous Intelligent Drive functions. This is just a very small selection from the options list, which also includes active multicontour seats with massage function, Burmester audio, numerous upholstery materials and colors and Designo or Manufaktur customization. The 2021 facelift brings new MBUX infotainment with touchscreen controls and augmented reality navigation display.
Motor
Under the hood are four- or six-cylinder engines with direct injection and supercharging. In addition, ‘EQ Boost’ baptized 48V mild-hybrid technology is making its debut. Petrol versions are the CLS 350 with 2.0 four-cylinder (299 hp, 400 Nm) and the CLS 450 with 3.0 inline six (367 hp, 500 Nm). The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has a 3.0 inline six with a turbocharger and an electrically driven compressor (435 hp, 520 Nm).
In terms of diesel, there is a choice of the CLS 200d with 2.0 four-cylinder (194 hp, 400 Nm) and the CLS 300d with biturbo 2.0 four-cylinder (245-265 hp, 500-550 Nm). The CLS 350 d/400 d has a 3.0 inline-six (286-330 hp, 600-700 Nm). Possible water pump leakage is a point of attention for four- and six-cylinder diesel engines. In versions with EQ Boost, the 48V system can sometimes act up. Sometimes resetting or updating helps, sometimes repair is necessary. A recall has been initiated for models built between 2021 and 2023 due to a manufacturing defect in the fuel pump.
Transmission Mercedes-Benz CLS
The CLS combines rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (4Matic) with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter. 4Matic is standard in combination with the six-cylinder engines. The strongest four-cylinder diesel engine is also supplied with 4Matic. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission with an AMG-adapted torque converter, supplemented with 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with variable drive force distribution. The nine-speed automatic transmission should shift smoothly and without jerking – at least in comfort mode. Preventive oil changes extend the lifespan.
Suspension
The C 257 has a four-way multi-link front suspension and a five-way multi-link rear suspension in combination with steel comfort suspension as standard. Various adaptive suspensions are available at an additional cost. Dynamic Body Control with adaptive dampers places more emphasis on sportiness. Air Body Control air suspension with Dynamic Select combines adaptive damping with level control and offers the choice between more comfort and more stiffness.
(Image: AutoTrack)
Enhanced Direktlenkung is also available at an additional cost. Wheel sizes start at 18-inch and end at 20-inch. The CLS is a heavy car. Wishbones, suspension rubbers, ball joints, shock absorbers/spring struts and tires can wear out more quickly.
Which one should I have?
Although the four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines perform well, the six-cylinder engines are considerably more fun. The same applies to the design and equipment. The CLS is a pampering car and that includes the longest possible options list.
When purchasing, the premium rule applies that more options are always better than many options. The Dutch used car range of the CLS is modest and is dominated by AMG Line versions. It can be difficult to find a specific combination of motorization, options and color. In Germany the offer is larger and more varied.
Should it be the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
With its design, decoration and driving characteristics, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a dynamic alternative to an S-class and an exciting alternative to an E-class. With the exception of some AMG versions, it is a very comfortable car that gives its driver and fellow passengers the feeling that they are driving something special.
The powerful engines, top-class options and high-quality finish are also reasons to buy this flamboyant Benz. It remains a shame that the CLS adventure will not be continued for the time being, but the model, in line with its market positioning, is saying goodbye in style.
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Timeline
Spring
2018 – introduction Mercedes-Benz CLS (C 257), Edition 1
2019 – kleine facelift, CLS 220 d
2021 – grote facelift, MBUX, CLS 300 d, AMG CLS 53 Limited Edition
Summer 2023 – end of production
This is what they cost
On Gaspedal.nl, the used asking prices for the Mercedes-Benz CLS with a petrol engine start at 54,000 euros for a richly decorated CLS 350 AMG Line (2019, 101,000 km). A less luxurious CLS 350 with fewer kilometers (2019, 50,000 km) costs 54,950 euros.
The most affordable CLS with a six-cylinder petrol engine is a CLS 450 4Matic AMG Line (2018, 154,000 km). The facelift model starts at 59,000 euros for a CLS 350 (2019, 89,000 km) and 72,500 euros for a CLS 450 4Matic AMG Line (2020, 85,000 km). Prices for the Mercedes-CLS AMG 53 range from 69,000 euros (2019, 47,000 km) to 138,000 euros (2022, 3,000 km).
You do not have to pay these fines!
The CLS with diesel engine costs a minimum of 42,000 euros (CLS 350 d 4Matic AMG Line, 2018, 238,000 km) and a maximum of 97,000 euros (CLS 400 d AMG Line, 2020, 7,450 km).
Part prices
Front brake pads, per set € 90.32
Front brake discs, per set € 360.40
Front axle wishbone, with air suspension, each € 144.06
Bilstein, strut air suspension front axle, each € 1,761.57
Pirelli P Zero PZ4, 275/35 R19 100Y MO, each from € 233.50
Electric water pump, from € 308.94
Prices apply to a Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic from 2017 and include VAT and exclude installation.
Maintenance costs
Minor maintenance from €400
Major maintenance from €500
The maintenance interval (CLS 450 4Matic) is 20,000 kilometers/1 year.
Plus points Mercedes-Benz CLS
+ Exterior design
+ Interior design
+ Customization options
+ Finish
Negatives Mercedes-Benz CLS
– Expensive
– Heavy
The BMW X2 should just act normal
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