Used Mercedes-Benz CLS cars for sale

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was launched in 2004 as a four-door coupé with a luxurious feel. Based on the E-Class, it mixed four-door practicality with sleek coupé styling and a premium cabin – a combination which made it a great success from the outset. The Mk1 was followed up with a second-generation edition in 2011. Buyers could choose from a petrol, diesel or the powerful AMG variant.

Mercedes-Benz CLS updates and facelifts

The Mk2 CLS coupé was joined by a Shooting Brake (estate) in 2012, which also came with an AMG option. Competition for the second-generation model came in the form of the Audi A7, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and Porsche Panamera.

The Mk2 CLS was given a facelift in 2014. In addition to minor exterior design revisions, some extra standard equipment was added, and new engines joined the lineup, including the 577bhp 63 AMG S. The Mk3 edition received an update in 2021. AMG-Line models were given a sportier look, with updated alloy wheels, radiator grille and front splitter. The interior also featured upgrades that brought the CLS in line with the E-Class on which it is based.

In 2019 the Mk3 arrived with a set of updated engines offering start/stop technology for the first time. The new model was also packed with safety features to ensure complete peace of mind for drivers. It came in two trims: AMG-Line and AMG and was named Best Midsize Premium Car of 2019 by J.D. Power. 

After 19 years of successful production, Mercedes-Benz ceased production of the CLS in August 2023. This enabled the manufacturer to focus on the E-Class.

Practicality and style of the car

Both the Mk2 and Mk3 Mercedes-Benz CLS models offer a generous 520 litres of boot space. This is similar to that available in the Audi A7 (537 litres) and more than the 460-litre space offered by the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé. The boot is practical too, featuring a deep, slide-out luggage chest for groceries and an electric tailgate. In addition to the boot are roof rails, which can accommodate a 400-litre roof box.

For added cargo volume, choose the Shooting Brake body style. This provides 590 litres of space, beating the Audi A6 Avant’s 565 litres and BMW 5 Series Touring’s 560 litres. The rear seats also fold, bringing the total capacity to 1,550 litres.

If you’re planning to tow a caravan, boat or horsebox, the CLS Shooting Brake is the best option. It can pull a maximum unbraked weight of 750kg and a maximum braked weight of 2,100kg.

Running costs

The Mk2 CLS Coupé (2011-2018) falls into groups 39–47 out of 50 for insurance, similar to the Audi A7 pre-2018, which sits in groups 33 to 48. The Shooting Brake occupies groups 37–47. Choose a Mk3 CLS Coupé (2019–2023) and premiums are slightly higher, with the model sitting in groups 47–50. 

Road tax charges depend on the model year you choose. Some CLS variants produced before April 2017 cost as little as £150–200 per year to tax. Those produced thereafter have an original list price of £40,000 and therefore incur a £390 surcharge for the first five years that tax is renewed. This puts tax at £570 annually. Once this period is over, tax reduces to the standard rate of £180 per year.

How a used Mercedes-Benz CLS drives

The Mk2 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes with a wide range of engine choices. The diesel range is best suited to those covering long distances and begins with the 220 d – a 2.1-litre engine producing 175bhp and 400Nm of torque.  It achieves a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and as one of the most efficient units available, it returns 57.7mpg on the combined cycle.

For more power, choose the 350 d, which is a 3.0-litre V6 engine with an output of 255bhp and 620Nm of torque. This propels the car from 0-62mh in just 6.5 seconds and offers a combined fuel economy of 51.4mpg. All diesels come with a 7G-TRONIC gearbox. 

Petrol options include the CLS 400, which is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6. Offering 330bhp and 480Nm of torque, it takes you from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. Economy stands at a combined figure of between 37.7 and 39.2mpg. There’s also the CLS 500, with its 4.7-litre 408 bhp engine that develops 600Nm of torque. Reaching 62mph from a standstill in 5.2 seconds, it’s the fastest non-AMG option and returns 31.4mpg on the combined cycle. All the petrol units have start/stop technology and 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission.

At the top of the range is the 577bhp V8 engine on the AMG CLS 63 S. This develops 800Nm of torque and achieves a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds. Combined fuel economy is 28.5mpg.

The Mk3 CLS (2019-2023) has two petrol and two diesel options in addition to the powerful petrol unit in the AMG 53 variant. The entry-level 300 d is a 2.0-litre diesel that produces 242bhp and can take you from 0-62mph in just 6.4 seconds. It’s efficient too, returning 40.4mpg on the combined cycle. Step up to the 400 d for a 3.0-litre 335bhp engine that develops 700Nm of torque. This will get you from 0-62mph in five seconds and returns a combined fuel economy of 38.7mpg.

The petrol range starts with the CLS 350, which is a 2.0-litre 295bhp unit. This can reach 62mph from a standstill in six seconds and achieves a combined efficiency of 32.1mpg. For more power, choose the CLS 450, a 3.0-litre 362bhp option with 48V mild hybrid technology. You’ll get to 62mph in 4.9 seconds and still enjoy reasonable fuel efficiency at 35.3mpg on the combined cycle. At the top of the range is the AMG 53. This boasts a 3.0-litre engine producing 429bhp and achieves 62mph in just 4.5 seconds. Thanks to 48V mild hybrid technology, it produces 29.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2011 - 2018

2018 - onwards

CLS Shooting Brake (2012 - 2018)

Features you can expect in a Mercedes-Benz CLS

Interior

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is fitted with high-quality materials such as black leather and wood trim and is finished with meticulous detail. The whole feel is elevated by the ambient cabin lighting, which offers a choice of 64 colours.

Choose a Mk2 edition, manufactured between 2011 and 2018, and you’ll find plenty of room to seat four, with ample legroom in both the front and rear. If you opt for the Mk3 (2019-2023), there are five seats available, enabling you to carry an extra passenger when necessary. The middle seat is best suited to children or teens due to the wide transmission tunnel. Storage is also generous, with a large cubby sitting in the centre console. In addition, there’s a glovebox and deep door pockets that can easily accommodate drinks, compact umbrellas and other items.

Technology

The CLS features dual 12.3-inch screens – one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment. DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and sat nav come as standard, as does a high-definition reversing camera, which helps to make manoeuvres simpler. Models that have the optional Premium Plus pack fitted also boast a Burmester sound system.

Choosing a vehicle with the Premium Plus pack also means you benefit from Keyless Go, a Memory pack with electrically adjustable seating and an electric sliding sunroof. If you opt for the AMG variant, you’ll benefit from AMG Dynamic Select. This offers a choice of four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

Safety

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is based on the E-Class, which received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2016. It scored 95% for adult occupant protection and 90% for child occupant protection. The CLS is equipped with a host of features including twin front, side and curtain airbags. There’s also a tyre pressure monitor, stability control, lane-keeping assist and cruise control as standard.

Some used models may be fitted with the Driving Assistance Plus pack. This adds active blind spot assist and cross-traffic alert. This latter system detects vehicles approaching from your left or right and alerts you to their presence.

Trims available on the Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG Line

This trim offers 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels depending on the production. There’s also leather upholstery, ambient lighting and a range of tech features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat nav. A reversing camera and cruise control also come as standard. Safety measures include stability control and lane keeping assist.

Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG

The AMG CLS 53 comes with a unique specification that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior trim and a performance exhaust. Also featured is AMG Dynamic Select, which offers four driving modes.

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