Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011) Review
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Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011) At A Glance
Dramatically different from any other Mercedes, wonderful styling, great engines and transmissions, incredibly refined with a forgiving ride.
Rear visibility is quite poor.
It's not obvious where the CLS fits into the Mercedes-Benz line-up. It may be based on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and come with four doors, suggesting it has plenty in common with the German brands' executive and luxury saloons, but the standout styling and coupe profile puts it more in line with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CL. It's certainly distinctively styled with a real cultured air about it and even after several years on sale, this remains a good-looking car.
It may look as aggressive as other four-door coupes, but its low height and curvaceous profile give it a classic feel, almost reminiscent of the 1950s. As well as the dramatic looks, it majors on comfort and refinement, making it an ideal long distance cruiser - and one where you're guaranteed to arrive in style. It's also superbly engineered with a high-quality feel to the finish, both inside and out.
There's a decent choice of engines but it's the sole diesel that most people opt for and it's easy to see why - it offers strong performance along with useful fuel economy while its refined nature makes it the ideal fit for the CLS. Originally a 320 CDI it was upgraded in 2009 to a 350 CDI with more power while the petrol range includes the CLS500 along with the immense CLS63 AMG with more than 500bhp.
Reviews for Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals
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Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011) handling and engines
- Engines range from CLS350 CDI to CLS63 AMG
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–43 mpg
Comfort is the CLS's forte though. It feels superbly refined and the same can be said of the engines in the line-up. The earlier 320 CDI was a popular choice as you'd expect - not only was it the cheapest model but also the most economical. The V6 with 224bhp has a silkily smooth power delivery and will get from 0-62mph in just 7.0 seconds and feels very rapid in kickdown, helped by the 510Nm of torque. It does lack some of the grufness and urge of rival diesels (some of which use twin turbochargers), but still gains pace effortlessly.
In July 2009 the 320 CDI was replaced by a 350 CDI which has the same bhp figure but an extra 30Nm of torque. It's a superb engine and even better than the 320 CDI with a bit more urgency in-gear, yet will return 37.2mpg. There is also a Grand Edition version which uses this engine but with power upped by 48bhp and in increase in torque too (of 50Nm). As a result, 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds - half a second quicker - but fuel economy stays the same.
On the open road, the manner in which the CLS gains speed quickly and quietly is impressive, while the seven-speed automatic offers slick changes - although if you want the steering-wheel paddle shift it's an optional extra. The CLS is sharp and composed, plus the steering offers decent feel, however body control could be better in tight corners, but the ride quality is absolutely sublime and makes it superb for long journeys.
The CLS 350 with a V6 engine was available from launch, but was replaced by the CLS350 CGI in 2007 which offers more power and is also more efficient. It's a great engine which is smooth and quiet at low speeds but provides strong pace when you need it along with a lovely engine note. At the top there's the CLS 500 which is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 and covers the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.4 seconds while the CLS63 AMG is the ultimate model with a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 514bhp.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS Grand Edition | 35 mpg | 6.5 s | 215 g/km |
| CLS350 CDI | 37 mpg | 7.0 s | 200 g/km |
| CLS350 CGI | 31 mpg | 6.7 s | 217 g/km |
| CLS500 | 24 mpg | 5.4 s | 275 g/km |
| CLS63 AMG | 20 mpg | 4.5 s | 345 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
95%
Real MPG
18–43 mpg
MPGs submitted
178
Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011) interior
- Boot space is 505 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4913–4917 mm |
| Width | 1873 mm |
| Height | 1403–1430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2854 mm |
On the whole the CLS appears extremely well put together and it's immediately clear this is no simple rehash of the E-Class. The raked windscreen and curved dash set the CLS apart as of course does the styling. The tapered rear is particularly distinctive and is reminiscent of pre war fastback saloons. To reinforce the point that this is a coupe Mercedes has given the CLS frameless doors both front and rear - it's a neat touch and along with the sleek profile gives it a unique look.
Thanks to its four doors, access to the rear of the CLS is easy, plus legroom is good, however the sloping roof means headspace can be tight. That aside, it's difficult to find fault with the cabin. Like the rest of the car the cockpit is extremely comfortable thanks to the sumptuous seats - although the drivers seat could do with being mounted slightly lower. It has plenty of ambience and although some of the switchgear doesn't feel quite as solid as it should in a Mercedes at this proce, the general build quality is top class.
Passengers in the back will find it easy to get on with too. Admittedly, compared to the E-Class, rear access isn't as straightforward due to the low doors and roofline, but in terms of legroom and space it's plenty generous. The boots larger opening means it's easy to access and with 505 litres of boot space there's plenty of luggage room, although it's not quiet as big as the latest Mercedes E-Class, you can still easily get two large suitcases in along with plenty of shopping bags. One slight criticism from behind the wheel is the engine start/stop button on top of the gear lever as it's all too easy to press it down when changing gear from P to D (for instance) which then turns it off.
Equipment levels:
CLS standard models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, speed sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors, leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, two trapezoidal exhaust pipes in chrome trim, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and the COMAND multimedia system with Media Interface which includes radio, hard disk drive map navigation system with TMC, Linguatronic voice control, SD memory card slot, 4GB music register and an integrated CD/DVD changer (6‑disc) with MP3 compatability. The Media Interface allows connection and control of MP3 players and iPods while cables included for aux-in, USB and iPod connectivity.
Grand Edition models add Nappa leather-trimmed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and gear shift lever, special floor mats, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, xenon headlights with headlamp wash, cornering light, Active Light System and dark headlamp casing, front grille louvres in Palladium Silver matt finish and the performance upgrade to 272bhp and 590Nm torque.
CLS500 adds AirMATIC Dual Control semi-active air suspension with adaptive damping and self-levelling suspension, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and driver's exterior mirror plus luxury automatic climate control which includes digital display and four-zone control.
Mercedes-Benz CLS (2005 – 2011) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4913–4917 mm |
| Width | 1873 mm |
| Height | 1403–1430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2854 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1735–1905 kg |
| Boot Space | 505 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £45,950–£77,960 |
| Insurance Groups | 43–50 |
| Road Tax Bands | J–M |
| Official MPG | 19.5–37.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2011
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 350 CDI 4dr Auto | £48,400 | 37.2 mpg | 7.0 s |
| 350 CGI 4dr Auto | £49,235 | 31.0 mpg | 6.7 s |
| 500 4dr Auto | £57,660 | 24.4 mpg | 5.4 s |
| 63 AMG 4dr Auto | £77,960 | 19.5 mpg | 4.5 s |
| Grand Edition 4dr Auto | £51,075 | 34.9 mpg | 6.5 s |
On sale until May 2009
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 320 CDI Auto | £45,950 | - | - |
Model History
March 2005
The CLS went on sale in the UK, initially with two petrol engines, although the 320 CDI diesel was added in September 2005. The V6 engined, 272bhp CLS 350 accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 7.0 seconds while maximum torque of 350Nm is available as low down as 2400 rpm, providing imposing pulling power for mid-range sprints or overtaking.
The V6 engine links up with another new development fitted as standard in the CLS-Class - the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. The first transmission of its type for passenger cars, 7G-TRONIC makes a key contribution to the outstanding acceleration of the CLS 350 and good fuel economy. The six-cylinder coupe also comes as standard with automatic climate control, a stereo system, speed-sensitive steering, leather steering wheel, 17-inch light-alloy wheels and wide 245/45 R 17 tyres.
With its 5.0-litre V8 engine, the CLS 500 is a match for full-blooded sports cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster in terms of output, whilst also offering the eight-cylinder comfort of a top-class saloon. The engine develops 306bhp and generates peak torque of 460Nm. Once again, the seven-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard. The CLS 500 powers from 0 to 62mph 6.1 seconds. Other features of the standard equipment package for the CLS 500 which aren't fitted as standard in the CLS 350 include AIRMATIC DC air suspension, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control and 18-inch light-alloy wheels with wide 245/40 R 18 tyres.
September 2005
In direct response to customer demand, Mercedes-Benz hannounced the creation of the first saloon-coupé with diesel power - the CLS 320 CDI. It's claimed to be the first car of its kind to offer saloon practicality, coupé looks and diesel economy mated to outstanding torque. Specification and trim levels will match those of the current CLS 350. The same optional equipment will be available at the same prices.
Engine and performance figures are comparable with the E320 CDI - 224 hp and 510 Nm. The 0-62 mph sprint takes only 7.0 seconds, making the CLS 320 CDI a truly invigorating diesel drive. The maximum speed is 153mph.
February 2008
The CLS was upgraded with specific fine-tuning. The front aspect is dominated by a modified radiator grille, which now has two rather than the previous four louvres. The exterior mirrors also have a new shape, with integrated, arrow-shaped LED indicator repeaters and more than 30 per cent larger lenses. The tail lights are now also in LED technology: the brake lights, rear lights and indicators feature particularly fast-responding light-emitting diodes.
Inside there is a newly designed leather steering wheel with three spokes and multifunction buttons is part of the package, as is a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dial faces form an attractive contrast to the structured surface of the backplate. New chestnut wood inserts replace the previous trim.
Like the SL, SLK and CLC, the CLS benefits from new-generation infotainment systems. These high-performance units combine ease of operation and intuitive menus with perfect entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-capable CD and DVD player and a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects a mobile phone with the onboard hands-free system.
July 2009
Mercedes launched the CLS Grand Edition. Only 560 units will be coming to the UK and there is a choice of five colours, including, for the first time on the CLS, Palladium Silver. For those customers who want an even more exclusive look there is also the option of the unique designo Palladium Silver Matt Paint, which is not only eye catching, but also highly scratch and dirt-resistant.
Features include stunning 18" AMG 5 spoke alloy wheels with a Titanium Grey finish, front grille louvers and headlamp housings in a Palladium silver matt finish and floor mats with Grand Edition Badging. Diesel power accounts for over seventy per cent of CLS-Class sales in the UK and is the focus for this special edition as well. The CLS Grand Edition boasts a power upgrade of 48bhp which takes the overall power of the CLS 350 CDI V6 to 272bhp. This twinned with a 50Nm increase in torque has resulted in 0-62mph being achieved in 6.5 seconds, an improvement of half a second, without any compromise to the combined fuel consumption of 37.2mpg or CO2 emissions of 215g/km.
Style and performance are important, but so is safety. In the Grand Edition the driver benefits from the Bi-Xenon Light Package as standard including the Cornering Light Function and the Active Light System. Cornering Light Function improves safety when driving slowly and on tight bends using the low beam headlamps and fog lights to illuminate the area to the side of the vehicle. The Active Light System improves road illumination in corners by up to 90% enabling the driver to see 25 metres further along an extended bend with a radius of 190 metres.
What to watch out for
Airmatic suspension highly prone to corrosion problems from winter road salt.
27-08-2011:Problem of premature wear of timing chain sprocket for balancer shaft of M272 and M273 V6 petrol engines. Mercedes Star bulletin about this. Big job. Can cost £4,000.
31-05-2013:In July 2012 a 2005 CLS350 with the M272 V6 engine was diagnosed with worn timing mechanism, which was replaced at a cost of £3,000 , after a 75% discount on parts. Then in January 2013, car back with MB workshops displaying the same problem. This time a worn balance shaft was replaced at a cost of £2,000 again after a 75% discount on parts. Same problem has occurred in Europe and in the USA with M272 V6s built from 2004-2006.
16-08-2013:Mercedes Benz badge on keyfob can catch in steering column and turn off the ignition.
07-02-2016:Offside front suspension of CLS 320CDI collapsed. Not clear from email if this was due to a broken suspension perch, a failed coil spring or a failed air-ride suspension airbag.
02-06-2016:Another report of the front suspension of a Mercedes CLS collapsing. This was a 2010 CLS350 Grand Edition. Both dampers and both springs need replacing. MB dealer says the car needs some newly developed rear wheel shims adding to adjust the ride level of the car. Not a recall, they say, just a development. Car has full MB service history. Facing bill of £1,500.
04-10-2017:On a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 (5.4 litre) Secondary Air Injection Pump replaced at 28k miles in October 2012 at a cost of £852.64. In October 2017 at 49,533 miles the replacement Secondary Air Injection Pump failed and had to be replaced at a cost of £914.70.
