Mercedes-Benz CLS (2018 – 2023) Review

Now in its third generation, this Mercedes-Benz CLS that was launched in 2018 faces far more competition than its ancestor did when it all but invented the premium four-door coupe sector. None of that deters the CLS or Mercedes as it offers a sleek alternative to an executive saloon with stand-out styling, albeit with a bit less rear head room and luggage space than an E-Class saloon. Despite this, the build of the CLS is flawless and it’s a comfortable grand tourer, rather than trying to be a sportier car like its rivals from Audi and BMW.

The swoopy Mercedes-Benz CLS was quite the trailblazer when the model was first launched in 2004. But now in its third generation, it faces a lot more competition for your affections from all of Mercedes usual rivals and more.

There's the likes of the Audi A7 and BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo if you want something a bit more stylish and sleek than the bog standard big saloon. You could also look at the Jaguar XF or even the Maserati Ghibli. So does the 2018 CLS still have what it takes?

Looks wise, it's perhaps not as distinctive as the original, but we think it's still a handsome design. There’s also enough of a difference between the CLS and the E-Class saloon it shares so much of its mechanical base for there to be some clear air between the two. The interior echoes the E-Class and S-Class, though, with the same huge single screen which dominates the dash.

The finish is excellent, as you'd expect, and there's more room than before all round. The back now has three seats rather than two and there's lots of legroom while the seats themselves are very comfortable. That said, six-footers will find headroom tight in the back and you also have to accept a compromise with luggage space to enjoy the CLS’s coupe looks over the more practical E-Class saloon.

The standout feature of the CLS, however, is the ride. It's incredibly forgiving and controlled, making the CLS more comfortable to travel in than the A7 or 6 Series GT. There's little trade-off in handling either and the Mercedes is very capable on the twisty stuff, feeling far more agile than the aforementioned BMW. The only let-down is more road noise on motorways than you'd expect.

Most models are the 300 d and 400 d - both powered by the same six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel, just in different states of tune. The former should provide more than enough power for most with 500Nm of torque. If you don't do the miles to need a diesel, there's an entry-level CLS 350 which is actually a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and also the cheapest model.

If you want more oomph, there’s the CLS 450 with its turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. Or, you could go the whole hog with the AMG-tuned CLS 53 that bristles with 435PS to see off 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

We really like its blend of comfortable ride and handling ability, while the standard fit 9G-Tronic gearbox works really well, especially compared to the S tronic in the Audi A7. If you're in the market for a premium coupe-style four door, this is the one to go for.

The ride is immensely comfortable and glides along with minimum fuss. We can think of no better car for covering long distances in comfort. The standard suspension set-up is very good, although perhaps not quite up to the standard of the Audi A7 Sportback, but opt for the optional adaptive air suspension and it floats along effortlessly.

That's not at the expense of handling though. The CLS lives up to its 'coupe' design with impressive control in corners and a real feeling of reassurance at speed. All models, with the exception of the entry-level petrol and diesel versions, have 4Matic four-wheel drive which means good traction, particularly in the wet.

The steering, although not brimming with feel or heft, is responsive and accurate to make the CLS feel.

The entry point 2.0-litre diesel has 245PS. It feels more than up to the job of propelling this 1.8-tonne four-door at a fair rate and dispenses 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds. The 2.0-litre petrol motor in the CLS 350 has some 299PS. It does its finest work at higher revs.

Move up to the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and the 400 d has 340PS and a whopping 700Nm of torque. The CLS 450’s turbocharged petrol 3.0-litre motor is a strong performer in every sense thanks to 367PS, yet it’s also smooth and refined. If you want the ultimate in pace in the CLS, the AMG 53 model has a brawny 435PS to dash off 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds.

The Mercedes CLS comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, and driver’s knees. You also get Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system, Lane Keeping Assist, tyre pressure monitor, Speed Limit Assist, and ESP on every version. There’s also cruise control with variable speed limiter, Active Brake Assist and an Adaptive Brake System. Mercedes also supplies Attention Assist.

You can upgrade with the Driving Assistance Plus pack that comes with Active Blind Spot Assist, cross-traffic alert, Lane Changing Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. There are also functions to ensure the car is driving at the correct speed for the road and to improve its responses in an emergency manoeuvre.

In the Mercedes CLS you sit lower down with the high centre console giving it the 'coupe' feel Mercedes-Benz talks about. There's still plenty of space and more than of adjustment in both the seat and steering column.

The hunkered down feel of the CLS’s driving position is cosseting and the only thing we’re not so keen on is the bit of the transmission tunnel that butts out and into the driver’s left leg.

Unlike the old Mercedes CLS, this generation is now a five-seater as standard, although the wide transmission tunnel in the back means it's not the most comfortable of places to spend any time.

the boot is accessed through a normal saloon-style opening rather than the more practical hatchback tailgates of the BMW 6 GT and Audi A7 Sportback. It offers 520-litres of space.

This generation of Mercedes CLS is a big step forward from its predecessor in terms of the interior quality. Gone is the dated and button-heavy design, replaced by something that feels far more befitting of a car at this level and price. As well as the digital displays, the way information is presented is simple and classy, while the soft lighting used at night furthers the appeal.

The cabin follows the same style as the E-Class and S-Class with the huge screen across the dash that houses the digital instrument cluster at one end and the infotainment display at the other.

The CLS doesn't feature the latest MBUX system that made its debut in the A-Class. Instead, the CLS has a newer version of Comand. It's still not that great to use and feels clunky compared to what you get in an A7.

However, there’s no doubting the clarity of the information presented on it. The 12.3-inch centre screen for infotainment is no less impressive and it can be upgraded with the expensive Premium Plus Package to gain wifi, traffic sign recognition and mirroring for smartphones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In standard form, it comes with satellite navigation and Bluetooth.

If you want a petrol-powered model, which are less common, expect to add £10,000 to that figure for a CLS 450. As for the AMG model, they start at around the £55,000 mark.

A two-year old CLS 300 d with 20,000 miles under its nose will cost from approximately £31,000. 

Choose a pre-registered or nearly new CLS and you can make a substantial saving. You can expect to find a 300 d AMG Line with 2500 miles on the clock for £38,000, saving you £14,000 on the list price. There are also some very keen personal contract leasing deals available from Mercedes dealers.

Mercedes has a large approved used stock that offers up a good choice of CLS models. All approved used Mercedes cars come with a year’s unlimited mileage warranty and roadside breakdown cover in addition to any other cover left over from the car’s original warranty.

There are a variety of ways to fund a new or used CLS from Mercedes dealers, including the firm’s Agility personal contract plan, contract hire, an operating lease, and hire purchase for private buyers. There are also deals for business users.

The 400 d claims 41.5mpg, yet Real MPG shows this at a very creditable 49.5mpg. As for the petrols, the CLS 350 claims 37.2mpg and Real MPG shows an impressive 48.1mpg, while the 450 comes in at 35.3mpg yet Real MPG scores it at 42.1mpg.

Official number for the AMG CLS 53 is 31.0mpg and again Real MPG betters that with 32.6mpg.

For insurance with the CLS 350 sits in group 47, while next best is the 300 d that’s in group 49. All other CLS models, including the AMG 53 model, sit in group 50.

If you want to deny the tax man of as much money as possible, the Mercedes CLS 350 petrol model is the one to choose> It 186g/km carbon dioxide emissions mean a first-year road tax bill of £870. The 450 petrol, AMG 53 and CLS 300 d turbodiesel models all fall into the £1305 first-year bracket.

Take the CLS 400 d and you’ll need to stump up £1850 for the first year’s Vehicle Excise Duty. However, it shares the same £475 annual payment as the others in the range for the following year’s road tax.

The Mercedes CLA in AMG Line trim comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, parking package including reversing camera, leather upholstery, split folding rear seats (40:20:40), 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Audio 20 multimedia screen, 12.3-inch cockpit display, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, Agility Control suspension and DAB radio. Metallic paint is a cost option.

Premium Plus available models gain Keyless Go Comfort package, Memory package, including electrically adjustable front seats and steering wheel, Burmester surround system, 360° camera, Comand Online infotainment system, and electric sliding sunroof.

Choose the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 and it has its own unique specification that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior trim, and performance exhaust. Also, it comes with AMG Dynamic Select driving modes that let the driver switch between Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings.