Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class for sale nearBrighton

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 160
Average Price: Around £16,000

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 coupé that masterfully combines the practicality of a saloon with the style of a sports car. This second-generation model is a refined and luxurious executive machine, offering a beautifully appointed interior with premium materials and optional wood or carbon fibre trim. The sloping roofline sacrifices some rear headroom for aesthetic appeal, but the 520-litre boot provides ample storage for everyday needs. The CLS Shooting Brake variant, introduced in 2012, offers 590 litres of boot space and an additional 5cm of headroom, making it an attractive proposition for those seeking extra practicality without compromising style.

The engine line-up caters to diverse preferences, with efficient diesel options including the 220d and 350d, alongside petrol alternatives such as the 350 and later 400. For those seeking thrills, the CLS 63 AMG delivers 518bhp or 549bhp depending on the year, whilst the 2015 facelift introduced the 577bhp CLS 63 S. Diesel models achieve around 50mpg in real-world driving, whilst petrol variants return mid-30s to low-30s figures. The CLS is set up as a comfortable, waftable executive car with optional air suspension for enhanced refinement. Running costs are premium, with servicing intervals every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and specialist maintenance recommended for AMG models.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, luxurious executive car that combines coupé aesthetics with practical four-door convenience, and those wanting an AMG performance variant for thrilling drives.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those prioritising maximum practicality over style, or drivers seeking the most engaging handling dynamics in the executive segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CLS if: You're seeking a stylish, luxurious executive car that combines coupé aesthetics with practical four-door convenience, or wanting an AMG performance variant for thrilling drives.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious, prioritising maximum practicality over style, or seeking the most engaging handling dynamics in the executive segment.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (2011-2017) is a strong contender in the luxury four-door coupé market, offering elegant styling, refined comfort, and surprising practicality. Whilst the Porsche Panamera edges ahead with higher user ratings and better value scores, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe offers marginally better deals, the CLS remains a compelling choice for those prioritising style and Mercedes prestige. The Audi A7 provides an alternative, though with a lower expert rating. The CLS's combination of coupé aesthetics, luxurious interior, and available AMG performance variants make it an excellent choice for discerning buyers seeking an executive car with genuine character.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

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