Overview & Reviews

When it comes to shaking up the luxury car world, no amount of power, technological sophistication or supple leather in the cabin can top an alluring design. More stunning in person than even the most flattering photography might suggest, the coupelike Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has a visual presence that few other luxury sedans can match. And that is something that's not likely to change for some time to come.

Yet whether you're looking at the current CLS or its predecessor, both share much of their underlying structure, engines and hardware with the well-regarded E-Class. In a way, you're essentially buying a more visually interesting version of Mercedes' popular midsize sedan. However, in doing so you will be trading in some practicality. Though the front seats are every bit as accommodating as Mercedes' S-Class full-size luxury flagship, the CLS' dimensions in back are tighter in nearly every direction when compared to more mainstream sedans. Additionally, the high beltline and small rear windows can make occupants feel closed in. Overall, though, for the luxury car buyer who desires distinctive styling, strong performance and a sumptuous interior, the CLS is easy to recommend.

Current Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-door sedan with coupelike styling. Based on the E-Class, it shares that model's V8 engines and rigid structure that helps promote a composed ride along with confident handling characteristics.

The CLS-Class lineup starts with the CLS550. It's equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic are standard, but you can get "4Matic" all-wheel drive as an option.

The CLS63 AMG goes a few steps further with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque in its standard form, and 577 hp and 590 lb-ft with the optional S-Model package. As 4Matic is standard, power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission. Besides its powertrain, the 63 gets AMG-specific wheels, suspension, steering and styling details. A limited-slip differential, forged alloy wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes are options.

As with the exterior, the CLS' cabin takes on an organic and curvaceous theme. Materials are beyond reproach. The control layout is similar to the E-Class, though it swaps in an analog clock and the older knob-style climate controls in lieu of the newer toggle buttons. Stepping up to the CLS63 adds a chunky AMG steering wheel and fills the center console with AMG vehicle controls and the MCT transmission selector (complete with an embossed AMG crest) instead of the 550's electronic column shifter.

With its low, racy roof line and two-person backseat, the CLS isn't what we'd call the ideal people carrier. If you frequently ferry people around or have particularly tall friends, opting for an E-Class is probably a wiser idea. Indeed, this is the price you pay for that slinky styling. Well, besides the literal higher price attached to it compared to the E. At least you get a spacious trunk.

On the road, the "base" CLS550 essentially matches the acceleration of the previous-generation AMG model, while the CLS63 matches the get-up of many exotic sports cars. Both also handle brilliantly, tricking the laws of physics by going around corners with talent that belies their size. Nevertheless, ride quality is excellent in the CLS550 and acceptably firm in the CLS63. In total, this is a truly special luxury sedan for those who want a little flair from their four-door daily driver.

Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Models
The current-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class debuted in 2012. Compared to the first-generation CLS, this one rides and handles better, boasts better build quality and has superior ergonomics with more user-friendly controls. The following year brought an updated mbrace telematics system and a new Bang & Olufsen audio option. These early second-gen CLS models differ from today's version in a handful of minor ways. All lack an automatic engine stop-start feature (which helps to reduce fuel consumption), while the CLS63 AMG was rear-wheel drive and had less power. Still, with outputs of 518 hp and 516 lb-ft for the standard CLS63 and 550 hp and 590 lb-ft with the available AMG Performance Pack, that doesn't strike us as much of a disadvantage.

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was produced from 2006-'11. Like the current car, it was based on the E-Class sedan of its time period and featured sleek, coupelike styling and the practicality trade-offs that came with it. Used shoppers will note that the key differences between this model and the one that replaced it are less user-friendly interior controls, less backseat room, hydraulic versus electric steering and less exuberant acceleration (although this is more a testament to the current car rather than an indictment of this one).

For 2006 only, the CLS-Class was available in CLS500 and CLS55 AMG guises. The former came with a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 306 hp, while the CLS55 AMG had a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8. From '07 until the end of this generation's run in 2011, the CLS550 featured a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 that produced 382 hp. The 2007-and-up CLS63 AMG had a 6.2-liter V8 that made 507 hp. A seven-speed automatic with manual-shift capability was standard for both trims. Acceleration was obviously very strong for both.

Inside the cockpit, sweeping wood panels, chrome trim surrounds, premium materials and beautiful detailing made the CLS more visually interesting than other Mercedes-Benz sedans of the time. However, the car's coupelike roof line and tighter door openings made getting in and out of the rear seats more difficult. Once in place, the aft quarters were surprisingly accommodating, but headroom bordered on unacceptable for 6-footers. The short windows also made it feel less airy than a typical sedan, but compared to a traditional two-door coupe, this Mercedes-Benz CLS was legitimately comfortable in back rather than merely tolerable.

In reviews, we've noted that this first-generation CLS-Class offered plenty of entertainment value to go along with its gorgeous styling. Transitioning from one curve to the next made it obvious that the CLS was something more than the average midsize Mercedes. The CLS550 even invited spirited driving thanks to its quicker steering and reduced body roll compared with its E-Class contemporary, while the CLS63 AMG pushed the envelope even further thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes, and bigger wheels and tires.

Besides the '07 engine swap, changes were light during this generation. For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class received a mild exterior styling refresh, including an updated twin-bar grille, restyled wheels, trapezoidal exhaust tips and reshaped LED taillights. The COMAND interface was also revised, but it was always plagued by usability issues. Instead of the touchscreen interfaces of some competitors or the screen-and-knob system that replaced it, this generation of COMAND featured an LCD screen and multidirectional buttons akin to a video game controller.

User Reviews:

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  WOW!!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By James L. - April 4 - 1:30 pm

  I was a bit apprehensive about buying a car its first year out, but there was a magnetism in this car that was irrestible. The sleek flowing lines literally drew me closer and as I heard the engine come to life under the hood as my salesman turned the key. It was as if this beautiful beast whispered to me, "COME AND TAKE ME NOW!" The seat hugged me as I sat in complete control cornering on the on-ramp to I-88 from Butterfield. The acceleration was a nice feel of torque and there was NO lag between the accelerator press and the engine response. I am in love.

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  A beauty! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Herodotous - February 13 - 5:13 am

  I have been enjoying my CLS for the past 5 months. What a head turner! Great looks. Great performance. So unique!

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  Great Car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Scott Price - December 16 - 8:30 pm

  This car is really a great one. It has unbelievable power, it is extremely comfortable, the car handles like a sports car. The drive dynamics seats are very unique. The functionality of the dash is great. I was on a waiting list for nine months in order to obtain this car and it exceeded all of my expectations. I have owned high end Mercedes and BMWs in the past but this car is a very special and unique vehicle.

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  Wow, I love my car - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By mycar08 - November 25 - 3:33 am

  We just picked up my CLS550 at the factory in Stuttgart. What a moving experience. I cried as they drove this incredible vehicle into the delivery area. No other MB looked as classy. After reading reviews on Edmunds.com, we did the European Delivery Plan. This saved us 7% percent and we had a chance to drive it on the Autobahn for 2 weeks.(Must keep speed under 100mph for first 1,000 miles.) This car is amazing and beautiful. Everywhere we drove, people complimented us on it. The European version, CLS350 sells for about the same price in Europe, as the CLS550 in the U.S. Its well worth waiting 8-10 weeks for delivery in Dallas. Ill probably cry all over again.

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  So Disappointed - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By C Kelly - November 14 - 12:16 pm

  I fell in love with this car the minute I walked into the Mercedes showroom. I was planning on purchasing a BMW 6 series, but was persuaded by the sheer breathtaking beauty of the CLS. Worst decision of my life. The wheels have had to be repaired 6 times due to "potholes" per Mercedes. The problem is in the suspension, which cannot even handle a small bump in the road. I have had to replace the tires at 7000 miles due to "potholes" per Mercedes. Purchasing this car is like dating the prom queen, which is exhilirating in the beginning, but soon you realize she will only drain your pocketbook. Do not buy this car.

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  Nice looking but mechanical issues - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Don Bowzer - September 17 - 11:26 am

  This car looks great and is fun to drive, but spends way too much time in the shop. Had several major mechanical problems including complete transmission replacement and complete cooling system replacement, plus many ongoing and nagging electronic problems. Love car but cant afford repairs.

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  Luxury Defined - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By gary k - September 7 - 2:10 pm

  This is my fifth Mercedes car and I really love this one. My last car was a 2004 S430. The CLS looks and feels more luxurious, and it gets noticed. People always think it cost much more than it actually does. The controls are well placed and the interior treatment is gorgeous. High quality materials cover every surface. You sit low in the car and you feel as though the car wraps around you, creating a very personal environment. Gas mileage is not great, but who cares, it looks and drives so well. Overall, a great car and definitely the best Mercedes I have owned. I shopped other cars including BMW and Lexus, but they didnt compare in overall design and luxury feel.

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  This isnt a car, its a work of art - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Mike - September 1 - 1:50 pm

  I get just as much pleasure looking at this car as I do driving it. It is without a doubt, the most beautiful car on the road today. Bar none. When I am driving , it makes me feel that Im the king of the world. The fit and finish, both interior and exterior, leave little room for improvement. It is a 4 door sports car with ample room, at least for my family and me. If you want to be the envy of every other driver on the road, buy this car.

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  CLS550 CLASSIEST AND BEST DESIGNED CAR I EVER OWNED - 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By abacomike - August 28 - 7:09 am

  Just purchased a new 2014 Mercedes CLS 550 (MSRP $82,210). I usually purchase E350 Sedans, but because of the superior, outstanding deal I got on this vehicle, I could not resist. First noticeable difference is the outstanding power and performance - 402 hp in a 4.7 liter V8. Fit and Finish are outstanding. Interior design and comfort in front seats is astounding. The ride is smoother and more refined than anything I have ever driven. The car is "dead-out" gorgeous. Safety features like lane-tracking, blind spot monitors and PARKTRONIC are comforting and impeccably designed. Harman/Kardon audio system is unsurpassed in clarity and sound separation. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Former CLK 500 owner - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Willem - August 13 - 8:23 am

  I traded my 2003 CLK 500 in on a CLS 500 and find the following to be better in the CLS: 1. rear entry & exit 2. better fuel consumption (7-speed vs. 5-speed gear box) 3. ride quality & handling (airmatic vs. conventional suspension) 4. steering (speed sensitive vs. conventional power assistance). The car is an abolute pleasure to drive on the highways & especially over the long distances we cover here in Australia. The styling attracts a lot of attention!