CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 155
Average Price: Around £15,200

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (2011-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Coupe style combined with surprising practicality	Less practical than an E-Class
Comfortable and refined to drive	More expensive than an E-Class, too
AMG versions are outrageous fun	Not the most exciting car to drive (except in AMG form)

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (2011-2017), known as the C218, is an elegant four-door coupe that masterfully combines luxury with surprising practicality. This second-generation model offers a svelte design with a spacious 520-litre boot (590 litres in the Shooting Brake estate variant), making it suitable for families and long-distance travel. The interior features premium materials, including leather and optional wooden or carbon fibre trim, whilst the sloping roofline sacrifices some rear headroom for distinctive style. Available in both saloon and Shooting Brake forms, the CLS caters to diverse buyers with petrol and diesel engines, alongside thrilling AMG performance variants.

The CLS delivers a comfortable, refined driving experience with optional air suspension that minimises road and wind noise, ideal for executive journeys. Engine options range from the efficient 220d diesel (around 50mpg) to the potent CLS 63 AMG with its 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 producing up to 577bhp. A 2014 facelift introduced an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, LED headlights, and enhanced technology across the range. Running costs are premium, with insurance group 43 and servicing intervals every 12 months or 10,000 miles. Whilst less practical and more expensive than the E-Class, the CLS compensates with superior style and presence, making it an excellent choice for discerning buyers seeking luxury with character.

Best for: Buyers seeking a luxurious, stylish executive car with surprising practicality, those who value comfort and refinement, and enthusiasts interested in AMG performance variants.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising maximum practicality (E-Class offers more space), budget-conscious buyers, or drivers seeking the most engaging driving dynamics in the segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CLS if: You seek a luxurious, stylish executive car with surprising practicality, value comfort and refinement, or are interested in AMG performance variants.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise maximum practicality, are budget-conscious, or seek the most engaging driving dynamics in the segment.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (2011-2017) stands as a compelling choice in the luxury four-door coupe market, matching the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe in overall ratings whilst offering distinctive style and surprising practicality. It outperforms the Audi A7 in expert and user ratings, though the A7 offers marginally better value. The Porsche Panamera delivers more engaging driving dynamics but at a premium price. The CLS excels as an elegant, refined executive car that balances luxury with everyday usability, making it ideal for discerning buyers who prioritise style, comfort, and presence over raw performance or maximum boot space.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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