CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 150
Average Price: Around £15,150

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. Available as both a sleek coupé and a practical Shooting Brake estate (introduced in 2012), the CLS provides 520 litres of boot space in coupé form, expanding to 590 litres in the Shooting Brake, with optional Easy-Pack Quickfold seats increasing capacity to 1,550 litres. The sloping roofline sacrifices some rear headroom for style, though taller passengers may find the Shooting Brake's additional 5cm of headroom beneficial.

The CLS is engineered as a comfortable, waftable executive car with a hint of sportiness, excelling on long-distance journeys with minimal road and wind noise. The engine range includes efficient diesels (220d, 250 CDI, 350d) achieving 40-50mpg, petrol options (350, 400) returning mid-30s to low-30s mpg, and the spectacular AMG variants—the CLS 63 with 518-577bhp from a twin-turbo V8—delivering thrilling performance at the cost of around 20mpg. Air suspension, optional when new, provides superior comfort compared to the firmer Sport suspension. Running costs are premium, with servicing intervals every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and AMG models requiring more frequent maintenance and expensive replacement parts.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, luxurious executive car combining coupé aesthetics with practical space, those prioritising comfort and refinement on long journeys, and enthusiasts wanting an affordable AMG performance option.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those requiring maximum practicality (E-Class offers more space), drivers seeking the most engaging handling dynamics, or those concerned about premium running costs and servicing expenses.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CLS if: You desire a stylish, luxurious executive car combining coupé aesthetics with practical space, prioritise comfort and refinement on long journeys, or seek an affordable AMG performance option.

Consider alternatives if: You are budget-conscious, require maximum practicality, seek the most engaging handling dynamics, or are concerned about premium running costs and servicing expenses.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (2011-2017) is a strong contender in the luxury four-door coupé segment, offering elegant styling, refined comfort, and surprising practicality. Whilst the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé edges ahead with slightly better user ratings and value, and the Audi A7 offers more competitive pricing, the CLS remains a classy choice for those prioritising Mercedes prestige and the distinctive Shooting Brake option. The Porsche Panamera provides more dynamic driving but at a premium. The CLS excels as a comfortable, stylish executive machine, particularly in AMG form for those seeking thrilling performance.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

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