Mercedes-Benz CLS

Name: 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

Mercedes-Benz pioneered the modern four-door-coupe segment with the original CLS almost 15-years ago. The CLS continues to rely on the same recipe: a sleek, low-slung sports sedan with some compromised visibility and cabin access in the name of style. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. The CLS seats five people. The base engine is a 362-hp, turbocharged six-cylinder engine, marking Mercedes-Benz's return to an inline six-cylinder configuration. FCW, AEB, and BSW are standard. Buyers will have to pay for an optional package to get active steering and adaptive cruise control.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Mercedes-Benz CLS

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2021 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$31,925 - $41,600

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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$19,100 - $30,350

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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$25,950 - $34,400

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2021 BMW 5 Series

$22,950 - $37,350

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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$24,575 - $29,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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$17,400 - $20,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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$24,700 - $29,500

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2021 Lexus ES Hybrid

$27,100 - $29,400

EPA MPG 44 mpg

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$17,200 - $41,450

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$25,850 - $62,575

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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$20,050 - $25,800

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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$20,600 - $32,175

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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$24,325 - $28,325

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

3-liter 6 turbo (429 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (362 hp)

9-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2019-2023

2019 Redesign Year

Mercedes-Benz pioneered the modern four-door-coupe segment with the original CLS nearly a dozen years ago. Now, the redesigned third-generation CLS continues to rely on the same recipe: a sleek, low-slung sport sedan with some compromised visibility and cabin access. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. The CLS seats five people. The base engine is a 362-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, marking Mercedes-Benz's return to a straight, inline six-cylinder. Basic driver assist systems are standard, including blind spot warning, active braking, and a driver-attention monitor. Consumers will have to pay for the optional package that includes active steering and adaptive cruise control.

2012-2018

2012 Redesign Year

The CLS has been extensively freshened and now has a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8. An AMG version with a 5.5-liter delivers ferocious acceleration. The coupelike styling results in a low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space that limits access, visibility, and rear-seat room. Handling is capable and surprisingly agile for such a large car. The ride is firm but supple and steady. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. A broad selection of the latest driver assistance technologies including forward collision prevention, lane tracking, lane departure warning and semi-automated parking are available.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

Based upon the E-Class sedan, the CLS four-door coupe's low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space compromise access, outward visibility and rear-seat head- and legroom. The 5.0-liter V8 offers smooth and abundant power, but the seven-speed automatic often hesitated before downshifts and wasn't always smooth in our tests. A 6.3-liter AMG version is available. The quick steering offers good feedback, and the handling is capable, if not really sporty. Ride quality is mostly steady, but some side-to-side motions are annoying. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish are excellent, but the controls are complicated.